Webinar: Responding to COVID-19 – the ethical framework for adult social care

Recorded 30 November 2020 (View recording)

During the pandemic, people working in social care and support have had to make some difficult decisions under new and exceptional pressures with limited time, resources or information. Planning for and responding to COVID-19 has been challenging. But decisions need to be made in accordance with the law and official guidance issued and applicable at the time, and whilst meeting statutory duties and professional responsibilities.

About this webinar

The Department of Health and Social Care’s Ethical Framework provides support to ongoing response planning and decision-making. This is to make sure that ample consideration is given to a series of ethical values and principles when organising and delivering social care for adults. This webinar shows you how to use the framework. Recognising increasing pressures and expected demand, it might become necessary to make challenging decisions on how to redirect resources where they are most needed and to prioritise individual care needs. The webinar is aimed at planners and strategic policy makers at local, regional and national level; to support response planning and organisation of adult social care during and as COVID-19 continues to develop.

Your panellists

• Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive, Social Care Institute for Excellence
• Mark Harvey, interim joint Chief Social worker for Adults at the Department of Health and Social Care
• Dr Lisa Dibsdall, Principal Occupational Therapist at Wiltshire Council.

Values and principles in the framework

1. Respect
2. Reasonableness
3. Minimising harm
4. Inclusiveness
5. Accountability
6. Flexibility
7. Proportionality
8. Community.