4.3 Accountability: care professionals’ powers and responsibilities

You considered accountability earlier in the audio when Robyn talked about being accountable not only for the quality of her own work but also for all the junior staff whom she manages, ensuring that they are providing high standards of care. Accountability can be defined as a commitment to working in an open way so that actions taken can be explained and justified to others. Social care professionals have to act within the law and the policies and procedures derived from it by their employers. They can be called upon to justify their actions to courts, as well as to service users and carers, their employer and their regulator.

Local authorities, voluntary bodies and social care professionals are all responsible for their actions and may be required to account for them. In addition, they have specific responsibilities imposed on them by statute or through contract, and must carry out their duties and exercise their powers in accordance with the law.

Social care professionals have the responsibility of ensuring that the service users they are working with are safe and well. To that end, they may need to make use of powers given to them by legislation, and at times may be required to take particular action.