Eastern Case Study 3 - Essex County Council
Essex County Council (ECC) has embraced the Department of Health's Dignity in Care campaign in quite a novel way, inviting all employees, not just those involved in care services, to sign-up as Dignity Champions. Essex believes that every employee and every service within the Council can contribute in some way. The Dignity Challenge is a clear statement of what people can expect from a service that respects dignity and although the statement has been designed with care services in mind, the structure offers the whole Council the opportunity to take stock of the way in which it treats customers and colleagues.
Essex launched its Dignity & Respect Campaign in September '09, providing information on the practical measures that all staff can take to ensure customers are treated in a dignified way. The campaign was promoted in October '09 with a conference which engaged over 200 delegates in the debate around dignity. As a result of the campaign the Dignity Challenge is now incorporated in care home contracts and training commissions. This year Essex has announced a new award for Celebrating Achievements in Dignity in Care. Nominations will be from for staff and the Private, Independent and Voluntary Organisations in Essex.
For examples of the material produced by ECC click below. For more information contact:
Jan Lockyer Project Manager
Essex County Council
Jan.lockyer@essex.gov.uk
01206 845131