Managing Agency, Bank and Temporary Staff Safely in Care Services
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Agency, bank and temporary staff play a role in maintaining continuity, but their use must be carefully controlled. Safe deployment relies on effective workforce planning and ongoing workforce assurance to ensure standards are not diluted.
The risks associated with temporary staffing
Risks include unfamiliarity with individuals, inconsistent practice, reduced continuity and gaps in training or supervision.
Operational example: controlled agency deployment
A domiciliary care provider restricted agency use to named individuals who completed induction, shadowing and competency checks before working alone.
Induction and competency requirements
Commissioners expect evidence that temporary staff meet the same minimum standards as permanent staff, including safeguarding, MCA and service-specific training.
Supervision and oversight arrangements
Temporary staff should receive enhanced supervision, with clear escalation routes and management oversight during shifts.
Safeguarding and quality assurance
Providers must evidence how safeguarding risks are mitigated when using non-permanent staff, including incident monitoring and feedback mechanisms.
Commissioner and inspector expectations
Commissioners scrutinise agency reliance during contract reviews. Inspectors assess whether agency use is exceptional, controlled and safe.
Reducing long-term dependency
Safe staffing strategies should include plans to reduce agency use through recruitment, retention and workforce development.
Outcomes and organisational impact
Well-managed temporary staffing supports continuity without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.
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