This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 7.3c Explain why personal views must not influence an individual’s own choices or decisions (Care Certificate, Standard 7: Privacy and dignity)
- 7.4c Ensure their own personal views do not influence an individual’s own choices or decisions (Care Certificate, Standard 7: Privacy and dignity)
- 7.6b Reflect on how their own personal views could restrict the individual’s ability to actively participate in their care (Care Certificate, Standard 7: Privacy and dignity)
- 1.3 Describe how to ensure that own personal values, attitudes or beliefs do not obstruct the quality of work and working practice (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Personal development in care settings)
- 5.3 Explain why a worker’s personal views should not influence an individual’s choices (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Implement person-centred approaches in care settings)
- 2.3 Describe how own values, belief systems and experiences may affect working practice (Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Promote personal development in care settings)
Whilst in a health & social care setting, a support worker should remain professional at all times and not let personal attitude, belief systems, values or experiences interfere with their responsibilities. In my job role, I respect the attitudes and beliefs of others and do not try to force my own opinions on the people that I work with. Instead, I try to keep a positive attitude to my work and not take anything that is said to me too personally.
An example of this is my abhorrence towards fishing. My personal belief is that it is a cruel sport, however one of my clients is a keen angler and, as a support worker, I have to put my personal feelings aside and continue to support my client in this activity. I also do not force my own views on fishing with the client as this would be crossing a professional boundary.
If I felt so strongly that I was unable to support my client in this regard, I would speak to my manager and request that I work with a different client instead.
Other examples of personal beliefs affecting professional work could be someone who has deeply religious views imposing them upon a client or a vegan not supporting a client to prepare meat-based meals.
