Provision of Non-discriminatory Practice

Apex Care is an equal opportunities employer, and operates an equal opportunity policy. It is this legislation that makes it illegal to discriminate on grounds of race, sex or disability. In order to ensure the fairness of our systems, and the satisfactory working of the equal opportunities policy we operate an on-going monitoring system.

Discrimination

The policy of Apex Care based on the principle of equality of opportunity, is to ensure that no person by reason of religious belief, political opinion, sex, marital status, race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or disability is treated less favourably nor is disadvantaged for those reasons by conditions or requirements which cannot be justified. This principle applies to applicants for employment, potential applicants, and to staff with respect to advancement, promotion, transfer, training, and to Service Users and those being considered as potential Service Users of Apex Care. Apex Care is committed to implementing policies designed to promote equality of opportunity, to secure fair participation for any under-represented group and to reject absolutely unlawful discrimination of any kind.

Service User Rights

Every person has the right to lead as independent and fulfilling a life as possible. In this respect the following policy elements will be observed by all Staff:

To make informed choices and to take risks; there is a certain amount of risk associated with each aspect of our lives.
To be respected as an individual with individual needs, wants and desires. This individuality will be recognised and respected to ensure promotion and maintenance of the service user's dignity and self-worth.
To fulfil his/her potential for personal choice of lifestyle and opportunities.
To have a Care Service that does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnic origin, creed, colour, religion, political affiliation, disability or impairments, marital status, parenthood, sexual gender or sexual orientation.
To refuse anybody entry to their home. This will include the Care Worker where the service user feels an element of incompatibility, as he/she perceives it.
To have access to his or her personal Care Records, and to annotate them accordingly. He/she has the right to be consulted with respect to the Care Services provided and to be involved in on-going reviews of the same. Where, for reasons of mental frailty, the service user is unable to make his/her wishes known directly, an appointed advocate may fulfill this purpose.
To be assured that no personal or confidential information concerning their affairs will be disclosed to a third party without their express permission.
To complain about any element of the Care Service, and to do so without fear of any intimidation, recrimination or reprisals.
To be informed in advance of any changes in hours of duty by the Care Worker, or even a change in the Care Worker, as a result of emergencies. Reference the clause above the service user retains the right not to accept substitute Care Workers into their home, though they will be informed of the implications of this with respect to Apex Care being unable to provide continuity of care.