Dignity in Action Day – celebrating Reading’s approach to care #rdg #rdguk

I was very proud to speak at the start of the dignity in action day celebration today at Reading’s council offices.

Reading can be proud of it’s approach to care and the importance that we all place on dignity so the dignity in action day is a good chance to celebrate that and also refocus to ensure that the council, health, voluntary and private providers keep it on the importance of this. We’re facing a huge challenge in adult social care and George Osbourne must be one of the few people in the country who doesn’t see the importance of getting this right. However locally we can still make sure that by working together we get the best possible care and support for people who need it

Council press release:

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Council press release

READING Council is celebrating its Local Dignity Charter at a special event to mark National Dignity in Action Day.
National Dignity Action Day (1^st February) aims to ensure people are treated as individuals and are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.
Reading Council’s Dignity Charter consists of 12 pledges towards dignity in care, including zero tolerance of abuse and treating people as individuals and with respect. The charter was first launched in January 2013 where over 60 local care providers signed up to the commitment.
The celebration event will be an opportunity for new care providers to sign up and a reminder of what the charter represents. The event will take place on Monday 1^st February at the Civic Offices in the Council Chamber from 2-4pm.
Care providers attending the event will take part in dignity workshops and be given certificates and a resource pack to help them embed high dignity standards at their organisations. The invitees will also be encouraged to send care workers to relevant training courses, provided by the council, to further improve dignity in care.
Cllr Rachel Eden, lead member for adult social care, said:
“Upholding the health, wellbeing and dignity of vulnerable residents is vital to ensuring all our residents are safe and able to live fulfilling lives. In essence, this is why this charter is so important.
“I am proud of Reading Council’s commitment to working with care providers to ensure people are treated with the dignity they deserve, wherever and whenever they receive care.
“Despite the challenges we face with significant budget cuts, by working together we can make a difference and support our residents. All care organisations can sign up to the charter and demonstrate their commitment to these principles and a willingness to be monitored against rigorous standards.”
The charter was launched with the aim of driving up standards and making sure that carers and providers deal with vulnerable adults with the dignity they deserve.
Since the launch of the Dignity Charter, the council has also introduced a Home Care Framework, launched in June 2015, where the council developed a list of 12 preferred providers.
These preferred providers must comply with Reading’s local Dignity Charter, and also meet the requirements of the Unison Ethical Care Charter, which the council adopted in 2014, to promote better working conditions for care workers. This includes paying the living wage, proper training and payment for travel time.