BTEC National Health and Social Care
Keeping People Safe
UNIT 7, Task 2
Within this information pack, I will be discussing the importance of legislations, policies
and procedures, and how they maintain the health and safety of individuals within my
selected HSC setting (The Training Centre). I will also be analysing the roles and
responsibilities of those within a HSC setting, no matter what position they are in. This
information will then be applicable to the case study provided, overall resolving the
quality and efficiency of health and safety standards within it. Regarding the case study,
the “Going Forward” Training Centre is a facility made accessible to those with learning
disabilities. It is run by qualified learning disability registered nurses, as well as other
staff who have NVQ at levels 2 or 3. Their main goal as a Training Centre is to support
those with the learning disabilities, assisting in their development of independence and
vital life skills.
The Influence of Health and Safety Legislations/Policies
Legislations applicable to HSC settings are known as legal requirements set out by
governing bodies, to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare and treatment. They
can also be used as minimum standards that a HSC setting should follow to achieve this.
These acts/legislations are known to increase confidence, manage risk, promote health
and wellbeing and reassures families, all in their own unique individual ways and
capacities, however, this may vary in some HSC settings. Legislations regarding the
health and safety of individuals in general have major benefits, as well as downsides. And
that makes you wonder: Are these legislations/requirements influencing the HSC setting
correctly? Are they even having an influence on it at all?
Two examples of these legislations/requirements are the Disclosure and Barring Service
checks (DBS), and the Care Standards Act 2000.
The Care Standards Act 2000 (CSA) - This act helps to set out a national minimum
standard of what care should be like within all HSC settings within the UK. (Billingham, 2016,
p.328) Other objectives of this act, alongside providing a minimum standard include
improving accountability, supporting consistency, and protecting vulnerable individuals
who use care services. (Care Learning, 2025) One example of one of these standards is that
care homes are to have access to primary and secondary health and care services, in the
event of an emergency.
The act has also been known to provide other vital groups within the HSC sector. For
example, the Care Standards Act was the reason for the establishment of the National
Care Standards Commission (NCSC). They are to regulate HSC settings, such as
children’s homes, independent hospitals, fostering, nursing, voluntary adoption, as well
as independent medical agencies. Their aims are to inspect the care and see if it
complies with national standards of care, investigate into complaints made about care
services, and to act against providers not meeting the legally required standards of care.
(Care Learning, 2025)
In terms of the Care Standards Act, groups like the NCSC, set because of the CSA are
seen as watchdogs, ensuring that the Care Standards Act us being followed accordingly,
for the benefit of service users to be care for correctly and safely.
, Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS) - These checks are known to act as a
safety measure in terms of assessing staff. Introduced in 2012, these checks are
designed to examine all HSC staff and caregivers, assessing and deciding whether the
individual is suitable for the role that they are in. This is done in 3-year intervals within a
HSC setting. According to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, care work is
exemplary from it, meaning that if any member of staff in a HSC setting was to commit a
crime/criminal offence, then they will be dismissed and never work in care again.
Identifying these offences can be done through DBS checks. (Billingham, 2016, p.331) This
can help to maintain the safety of the service users, especially if they’re vulnerable.
Think of this procedure like a method of prevention to a disease – it helps reduce the rate
of infection when methods of prevention are followed correctly. In this case, the number
of cases involving accidents and injuries can be reduced within a HSC setting, by
identifying which staff members could be a likely cause of harm to service users.
There are 3 levels of a DBS check available in both England and Wales:
- Level one: The standard check, usually identifies any spent and unspent
convictions, warnings and/or reprimands given to any of the staff members within
the HSC setting.
- Level two: Enhanced checks, typically involve the elements within the standard
check, HOWEVER, additional information recorded by local police that has
relevant links to the staff member’s occupation.
- Level three: Enhanced with list checks, like the enhanced check, but it includes a
DBS barred list. If the HSC staff member is listed on there, then they will have to
stop working within the setting immediately.
(Billingham, 2016, p.331)
These 2 legislations/requirements have similar elements, but they also contrast to each
other. These can easily be spotted through a range of factors, which regard the function
of all health and safety legislations/requirements. These factors include:
FACTOR CARE STANDARDS ACT 2000 DISCLOSURE BARRING SERVICE
(DBS CHECKS)
Safeguarding Groups set up as part of the Easily helps to identify who cannot
legislation (The national be trusted in such a sensitive
Care standard Commission, the position. This is especially
commission for social care inspection) important when the role of the
to assess and inspect HSC settings so caregiver is directed to a
that the minimum legal requirements vulnerable service user. Enhances
of care are being met efficiently. safety and protecting the
Requires the presence of an inspector individual. No additional groups set
and assessor, unlike the DBS Checks. up, unlike in the CSA 2000.
Risk It is most likely written that a service Actively identifies who can and
Management/accident user’s health and safety is the most cannot be trusted within a HSC
prevention important thing that the caregiver is setting, specifically working with
held accountable for, as part of the the vulnerable. Any past records of
standard of care within a HSC setting. violence or inappropriate
Not specifically linked to risk behaviour outside of the setting
management unlike the DBS. will be used against the staff
member to withdraw them from
their occupation.
Promoting Health and Standards focus on all aspects of Encourages service users to make
, Wellbeing health, whether physical or emotional informed choices through the
needs are to be met. This helps to carer, if the previous one has been
focus on the importance of principles, replaced due to a DBS check, they
such as independence and choice can be trusted and be cared for
(e.g. When a service user is appropriately. Not specifically
prescribed a medication, it is highly focused on principles or morals,
encouraged that they take it on their unlike the CSA 2000.
own, unless assistance is needed.)
Providing confidence This regulation helps set out a Any staff member in the HSC
and reassurance to minimum standard of care. If the setting that is identified to be unfit
families and carers family of the service user/the service for the position will be withdrawn
user themselves was to read the main from their position, leaving those
points from the legislation, then the who can be held responsible
service user will be reassured and will behind, reassuring families.
know what to expect from their Does not set up a minimum
caregiver. standard of care in general, but
Covers a wide range of categories to sets up a standard that allows
provide the expected care to service some people to work in care and
users, unlike DBS checks. some not to, based off criminal
records or any previous warnings
or records from the police.
Recruiting staff Ensuring that the caregivers have an Helps to identify any criminal
efficient number of necessary skills, record, activity or inappropriate
knowledge and experience to carry behaviour that required police
out their role with enough intervention. Therefore, it helps to
competency. identify who can and cannot be
Focuses more on the skills of the trusted in certain positions within
caregiver, to conclude if they are the HSC setting. Safer recruitment.
competent enough to work, unlike the Does not focus on the skills that
DBS checks. the caregiver may have, unlike the
CSA.
Meeting regulatory It helps to improve understanding Forming a structure of legal
requirements among HSC staff, as well as ensure obligations for efficient
professionalism when approaching safeguarding – This is important, as
and meeting the needs of service the service users being cared for
users. may be vulnerable, meaning that
Focuses more on the image and skills caregivers can be trusted to take
that a service user is required to have care of them.
to work in care.
The benefits of the DBS checks within the Training Centre include:
- Providing a sense of security to vulnerable service users (those with the learning
disabilities within the training centre), employers and employees within the HSC
setting – They can be cared for by someone that has been fully assessed and can
be trusted to follow the HSC setting’s standards and policies. Any staff member
who has had a criminal record or any form of warning from the police, or any
other reports written about them regarding inappropriate behaviour would be
removed from their position with immediate effect.
- This procedure is applicable (more specifically, required) to Training Centre staff,
including employers and employees.
- Reduces risks and assists vulnerable people – Putting those who can be trusted in
charge of the health and safety of the service user, they will be held accountable
for their actions and omissions, and they can be trusted to prioritise the health
and safety of the service users that they are caring for. Removing those who
Keeping People Safe
UNIT 7, Task 2
Within this information pack, I will be discussing the importance of legislations, policies
and procedures, and how they maintain the health and safety of individuals within my
selected HSC setting (The Training Centre). I will also be analysing the roles and
responsibilities of those within a HSC setting, no matter what position they are in. This
information will then be applicable to the case study provided, overall resolving the
quality and efficiency of health and safety standards within it. Regarding the case study,
the “Going Forward” Training Centre is a facility made accessible to those with learning
disabilities. It is run by qualified learning disability registered nurses, as well as other
staff who have NVQ at levels 2 or 3. Their main goal as a Training Centre is to support
those with the learning disabilities, assisting in their development of independence and
vital life skills.
The Influence of Health and Safety Legislations/Policies
Legislations applicable to HSC settings are known as legal requirements set out by
governing bodies, to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare and treatment. They
can also be used as minimum standards that a HSC setting should follow to achieve this.
These acts/legislations are known to increase confidence, manage risk, promote health
and wellbeing and reassures families, all in their own unique individual ways and
capacities, however, this may vary in some HSC settings. Legislations regarding the
health and safety of individuals in general have major benefits, as well as downsides. And
that makes you wonder: Are these legislations/requirements influencing the HSC setting
correctly? Are they even having an influence on it at all?
Two examples of these legislations/requirements are the Disclosure and Barring Service
checks (DBS), and the Care Standards Act 2000.
The Care Standards Act 2000 (CSA) - This act helps to set out a national minimum
standard of what care should be like within all HSC settings within the UK. (Billingham, 2016,
p.328) Other objectives of this act, alongside providing a minimum standard include
improving accountability, supporting consistency, and protecting vulnerable individuals
who use care services. (Care Learning, 2025) One example of one of these standards is that
care homes are to have access to primary and secondary health and care services, in the
event of an emergency.
The act has also been known to provide other vital groups within the HSC sector. For
example, the Care Standards Act was the reason for the establishment of the National
Care Standards Commission (NCSC). They are to regulate HSC settings, such as
children’s homes, independent hospitals, fostering, nursing, voluntary adoption, as well
as independent medical agencies. Their aims are to inspect the care and see if it
complies with national standards of care, investigate into complaints made about care
services, and to act against providers not meeting the legally required standards of care.
(Care Learning, 2025)
In terms of the Care Standards Act, groups like the NCSC, set because of the CSA are
seen as watchdogs, ensuring that the Care Standards Act us being followed accordingly,
for the benefit of service users to be care for correctly and safely.
, Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS) - These checks are known to act as a
safety measure in terms of assessing staff. Introduced in 2012, these checks are
designed to examine all HSC staff and caregivers, assessing and deciding whether the
individual is suitable for the role that they are in. This is done in 3-year intervals within a
HSC setting. According to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, care work is
exemplary from it, meaning that if any member of staff in a HSC setting was to commit a
crime/criminal offence, then they will be dismissed and never work in care again.
Identifying these offences can be done through DBS checks. (Billingham, 2016, p.331) This
can help to maintain the safety of the service users, especially if they’re vulnerable.
Think of this procedure like a method of prevention to a disease – it helps reduce the rate
of infection when methods of prevention are followed correctly. In this case, the number
of cases involving accidents and injuries can be reduced within a HSC setting, by
identifying which staff members could be a likely cause of harm to service users.
There are 3 levels of a DBS check available in both England and Wales:
- Level one: The standard check, usually identifies any spent and unspent
convictions, warnings and/or reprimands given to any of the staff members within
the HSC setting.
- Level two: Enhanced checks, typically involve the elements within the standard
check, HOWEVER, additional information recorded by local police that has
relevant links to the staff member’s occupation.
- Level three: Enhanced with list checks, like the enhanced check, but it includes a
DBS barred list. If the HSC staff member is listed on there, then they will have to
stop working within the setting immediately.
(Billingham, 2016, p.331)
These 2 legislations/requirements have similar elements, but they also contrast to each
other. These can easily be spotted through a range of factors, which regard the function
of all health and safety legislations/requirements. These factors include:
FACTOR CARE STANDARDS ACT 2000 DISCLOSURE BARRING SERVICE
(DBS CHECKS)
Safeguarding Groups set up as part of the Easily helps to identify who cannot
legislation (The national be trusted in such a sensitive
Care standard Commission, the position. This is especially
commission for social care inspection) important when the role of the
to assess and inspect HSC settings so caregiver is directed to a
that the minimum legal requirements vulnerable service user. Enhances
of care are being met efficiently. safety and protecting the
Requires the presence of an inspector individual. No additional groups set
and assessor, unlike the DBS Checks. up, unlike in the CSA 2000.
Risk It is most likely written that a service Actively identifies who can and
Management/accident user’s health and safety is the most cannot be trusted within a HSC
prevention important thing that the caregiver is setting, specifically working with
held accountable for, as part of the the vulnerable. Any past records of
standard of care within a HSC setting. violence or inappropriate
Not specifically linked to risk behaviour outside of the setting
management unlike the DBS. will be used against the staff
member to withdraw them from
their occupation.
Promoting Health and Standards focus on all aspects of Encourages service users to make
, Wellbeing health, whether physical or emotional informed choices through the
needs are to be met. This helps to carer, if the previous one has been
focus on the importance of principles, replaced due to a DBS check, they
such as independence and choice can be trusted and be cared for
(e.g. When a service user is appropriately. Not specifically
prescribed a medication, it is highly focused on principles or morals,
encouraged that they take it on their unlike the CSA 2000.
own, unless assistance is needed.)
Providing confidence This regulation helps set out a Any staff member in the HSC
and reassurance to minimum standard of care. If the setting that is identified to be unfit
families and carers family of the service user/the service for the position will be withdrawn
user themselves was to read the main from their position, leaving those
points from the legislation, then the who can be held responsible
service user will be reassured and will behind, reassuring families.
know what to expect from their Does not set up a minimum
caregiver. standard of care in general, but
Covers a wide range of categories to sets up a standard that allows
provide the expected care to service some people to work in care and
users, unlike DBS checks. some not to, based off criminal
records or any previous warnings
or records from the police.
Recruiting staff Ensuring that the caregivers have an Helps to identify any criminal
efficient number of necessary skills, record, activity or inappropriate
knowledge and experience to carry behaviour that required police
out their role with enough intervention. Therefore, it helps to
competency. identify who can and cannot be
Focuses more on the skills of the trusted in certain positions within
caregiver, to conclude if they are the HSC setting. Safer recruitment.
competent enough to work, unlike the Does not focus on the skills that
DBS checks. the caregiver may have, unlike the
CSA.
Meeting regulatory It helps to improve understanding Forming a structure of legal
requirements among HSC staff, as well as ensure obligations for efficient
professionalism when approaching safeguarding – This is important, as
and meeting the needs of service the service users being cared for
users. may be vulnerable, meaning that
Focuses more on the image and skills caregivers can be trusted to take
that a service user is required to have care of them.
to work in care.
The benefits of the DBS checks within the Training Centre include:
- Providing a sense of security to vulnerable service users (those with the learning
disabilities within the training centre), employers and employees within the HSC
setting – They can be cared for by someone that has been fully assessed and can
be trusted to follow the HSC setting’s standards and policies. Any staff member
who has had a criminal record or any form of warning from the police, or any
other reports written about them regarding inappropriate behaviour would be
removed from their position with immediate effect.
- This procedure is applicable (more specifically, required) to Training Centre staff,
including employers and employees.
- Reduces risks and assists vulnerable people – Putting those who can be trusted in
charge of the health and safety of the service user, they will be held accountable
for their actions and omissions, and they can be trusted to prioritise the health
and safety of the service users that they are caring for. Removing those who
