Codes of practice, policies and procedures

A code of practice is a document that outlines an agreed way of working and dealing with specified situations.

A policy is different to a code of practice in that it tells care workers how they should approach specific issues in a particular care setting.

A procedure describes the way that staff in a particular care setting are expected to deal with an issue or activity in which they are involved.

Policies and procedures should always incorporate the main values of the care profession. They should ensure that service users' rights are respected and that activities are always carried out in the service users' best interests.