This appendix outlines Gloucestershire County Council’s commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and dignity in all moving and handling practices. It addresses the importance of inclusive care that respects the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. These principles are integral to delivering person-centred care and fulfilling our duties under the Care Act 2014.
Dignity in Moving and Handling
Maintaining dignity is a core principle of our moving and handling policy. All individuals must be treated with respect, and their autonomy and privacy upheld. Staff must explain procedures clearly, seek consent, and involve individuals in decisions about their care.
Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that individuals are not exposed unnecessarily, that their preferences are respected, and that equipment is used in a way that promotes comfort and safety.
Age
Older adults and younger individuals may have different physical capabilities and risks. Staff must tailor moving and handling techniques to accommodate age-related conditions such as frailty, osteoporosis, or developmental needs. Age-appropriate equipment and communication methods should be used.
Disability
Disability is central to moving and handling practices. Staff must ensure reasonable adjustments are made, including the use of assistive technology, tailored risk assessments, and accessible communication. Respect for autonomy and consent is paramount.
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Staff must respect the role of spouses or civil partners in advocacy and consent processes. Their involvement should be welcomed where appropriate.
Pregnancy and Maternity
Pregnant staff must be supported with individual risk assessments and reasonable adjustments to reduce physical strain. People receiving care who are pregnant should be handled with additional care to avoid harm to them or the unborn child.
Race and Culture
We recognise that cultural background and ethnicity can influence how individuals perceive care, including physical contact and personal space. Staff must be sensitive to cultural norms and religious practices when planning and delivering moving and handling support. This includes considering preferences for same-gender staff, modesty requirements, and communication needs.
To support this, staff training in cultural competency will be encouraged. Staff should use interpreters or culturally appropriate communication tools where needed. Risk assessments should reflect any cultural considerations relevant to the individual’s care.
Religion or Belief
Religious beliefs may affect how individuals wish to be handled, including preferences for same-gender staff or modesty requirements. Staff must accommodate these beliefs wherever possible and ensure respectful dialogue.
Gender Identity and Trans Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that transgender and non-binary individuals are treated with respect and dignity during all moving and handling procedures. Staff must use the individual’s preferred name and pronouns and ensure that care is delivered in a way that affirms their gender identity.
Where possible, individuals should be offered a choice of staff to support them, and any preferences should be documented in their care and support plan.
Sex
Sex-based differences in physical strength and anatomy may influence both staff and service user needs. Staff should avoid assumptions and ensure that care is based on individual assessment rather than stereotypes.
Sexual Orientation
Staff must provide inclusive care regardless of sexual orientation. This includes respecting relationships and avoiding assumptions about family structures or preferences. Dignity and privacy must be maintained at all times.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
We will use local population and service user data from Gloucestershire to identify trends and potential disparities in outcomes. Equality monitoring will be embedded in incident reviews and training evaluations to ensure that our practices are inclusive and equitable.
Feedback from individuals, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised groups, will be used to co-produce improvements in training, risk assessment, and care planning.
By embedding these principles into our moving and handling practices, we aim to ensure that all individuals receive safe, respectful, and inclusive care that meets their unique needs and upholds their rights.
