Evaluating range, purpose and situation for effective decision making

Having explored the theory behind decision-making during learning outcome 1 of the decision-making unit, we will now move on to how this can be applied in practice.

For this assessment criterion, you will be required to evaluate your management of the range, purposes and situations for which you make decisions as part of your role for your organisation. You should reflect on decisions that you have made and the process you used to reach the decision as well as draw conclusions about your decision-making practice. Some areas to consider are included below.

Quality management and improvement and the role of evidence-based decisions

• Decisions you make about quality assurance processes and policies
• Decisions regarding new initiatives to improve services
• Evidence-based decision-making – decisions backed up by studies, research and other evidence

Estates management

• Decisions about the day-to-day management of the premises
• Can include caretaking, cleaning, laundry, repairs, furniture etc.

Financial planning

• Decisions about how budgets are allocated and how budgets are spent
• Decisions about financial planning and forecasting
• Decisions about where costs can be cut

Care planning

• Decisions about the care planning processes
• Decisions about how care is delivered

Policy and procedures

• Decisions about when and how policies and procedures are reviewed
• Decisions about how compliance with policies and procedures can be assured
• Decisions about how to make policies and procedures easily accessible to employees

Staffing – recruitment

• Decisions about how to advertise and market job opportunities
• Decisions about which applicants to interview and employ
• Decisions about induction and onboarding

Best interest issues

• Decisions on behalf of service users in adherence with the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Risk assessments

• Decisions that are made as part of the risk assessment process
• Decisions about how risk assessments are performed
• Decisions about how risk assessments are documented

Environmental factors

• Decisions made due to changes in legislation/regulation
• Decisions made to improve the aesthetic quality of the setting

Advocacy issues

• Decisions about when to use advocacy services
• Joint decisions made with advocates

Deprivation of liberty issues

• Decisions about restrictions to service users in their best interests, in line with the Mental capacity Act 2005

Health and safety issues

• Decisions that ensure compliance with health and safety law
• Decisions about changes to workplace practices following risk assessment or incidents

Safeguarding issues

• Decisions about internal safeguarding policy and procedure
• Decisions following investigation of a safeguarding issue

Safety and security

• Decisions to ensure the safety and security of staff and service users
• Decisions about how to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the premises
• Decisions about how to ensure confidential information is secure

Partnership working

• Decisions about how information is shared between partners
• Decisions about creating and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with other agencies