Introduction
This dress code applies to domiciliary care workers and staff and who work with service users when providing personal care and /or are demonstrating moving and handling and carrying out risk assessments.
Aim
The aim of a dress code is to ensure that :
- Staff and domiciliary care workers dress to an acceptable standard and do not place themselves or service users at unnecessary risk
- Domiciliary care workers and staff present a professional and efficient image of him/herself, their employer and Gloucestershire County Council to service users and members of the public
- All staff and Domiciliary care workers understand they each have a responsibility to conform to the Health and Safety at Work Act
- Staff and Domiciliary care workers wear appropriate protective clothing
Clothing
Domiciliary care workers must wear the uniform provided whenever they are on duty. This identifies them to the public, and is designed to be suitable for the tasks they undertake. Identity badges must also be carried, and produced on request.
Unacceptable clothing
Overly tight, restrictive or revealing clothes including mini-skirts, low cut blouses and tops revealing the midriff are unsuitable. Leggings, shorts and Jogging bottoms are not acceptable.
Footwear
Flat or low heeled shoes with non-slip soles must be chosen to give a firm and comfortable base for tasks such as moving and handling, and should be covered to protect the feet from bumps and spills. Footwear must be safe, sensible and in good order.
Unacceptable footwear
Flip-flops, open toed, backless shoes, sandals or high heels are not acceptable.
Jewellery
Jewellery must be kept plain and to a minimum and where possible removed when carrying out personal care tasks or physical contact with an individual. It is acceptable to wear a plain ring e.g. a wedding band and a pair of stud earrings. If a necklace or chain is worn it should be secured under the uniform and not interfere with health and safety.
Unacceptable jewellery
Dangling earrings and bangles must be removed to avoid entanglement. Jewellery with stones and pins can scratch, or tear protective gloves, and long chains or earrings can get caught up, especially if you are involved with personal care.
Watches should be removed when carrying out personal care. Facial and body piercing jewellery must be removed before work.
Hair
Hair should be kept clean and well groomed and if long should be tied back. Beards should be neat and tidy. Head covering worn for religious/cultural purposes may be worn.
Nails
Must be short, clean well manicured and with no nail polish, false or acrylic nails.
Personal hygiene
It is good practice to ensure your personal hygiene is to an acceptable level so as not to cause offence to other staff and the public.
