Core Principles for Working with Carers and Young Carers
Figure 5.3 outlines the Core Principles for Working with Carers and Young Carers that form the basis of the Scottish framework [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] for workforce learning and practice with carers. The Core Principles are:
- Carers are identified
- Carers are supported and empowered to manage their caring role
- Carers are enabled to have a life outside of caring
- Carers are fully engaged in the planning and shaping of services
- Carers are free from disadvantage or discrimination related to their caring role
- Carers are recognised and valued as equal partners in care.
The framework is structured in three levels, which outline the knowledge and skills needed by workers, depending on their job role and contact with carers.
Level 1: Carer Aware is for all workers who may come into contact with carers as part of their role.
Level 2: Caring Together is for workers who support carers as part of their role.
Level 3: Planning with Carers as Equal Partners is for those with a leadership or management role.
We’d now like you to take some time to reflect on your own practice in relation to the Core Principles.
Activity 5.2 Reflection on my practice
Consider each of the Core Principles for Working with Carers and Young Carers and reflect on how well you demonstrate them in your practice.
The Core Principles are supported by a framework of knowledge and skills, with three levels based on job role and nature of contact with carers. Level 3 outlines the knowledge and skills those with a leadership or management role may need. You may find it useful to read these to help you identify areas of your practice that you feel you need to develop.
To get you started, we have listed the Core Principles in the table below, along with some reflective questions based on the skills expected at Level 3.
| Core Principle | Reflective question |
|---|---|
| Carers are identified | Do you feel confident that you could identify if someone you manage had a caring role? |
| Carers are supported and empowered to manage their caring role | What skills and qualities would you need to support someone in your workforce to manage their caring role? |
| Carers are enabled to have a life outside of caring | Having time away from their caring role to return to work or to continue working can be important for carers. What support are you aware of in your workplace and the wider community to enable carers to do this? |
| Carers are fully engaged in the planning and shaping of services | Are carers in your workforce involved in planning and decision making? How do you ensure they feel valued as members of your staff team? |
| Carers are free from disadvantage or discrimination related to their caring role | What policies are in place in your organisation to ensure carers do not experience discrimination or disadvantage as a result of their caring role? |
| Carers are recognised and valued as equal partners in care | How do you contribute to fostering a Carer Positive workplace? Do you promote carer awareness in support and supervision with all staff? |
Use your Reflection Log to record your thoughts. This activity may help you to identify areas of your practice that you feel you need to develop. Decide what your first step will be and then write a sentence starting ‘The first step I am going to take to improve my practice will be to…’
Go to Activity 5.2 in your Reflection Log. Once you have completed the activity, make sure you save the document again. Alternatively, use this document to record your thoughts on the Core Principles.
If you are working in a group, or with a mentor, you may want to discuss your thoughts and share your ‘first step’ sentence with others.
Creating an action plan