The One Policy Every Provider Forgets (And Why It’s Costing You Marks)
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Some policies get all the attention — safeguarding, medication, infection control. But there’s one that often gets left out of bids, and it can cost you more than you think: the Duty of Candour Policy.
🚨 Why Duty of Candour Matters
This isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a reflection of your whole organisational culture. Commissioners want to know:
- Will you be honest when things go wrong?
- Do staff feel safe to speak up?
- Is learning shared, not hidden?
Referencing your Duty of Candour policy can show maturity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement — all things commissioners score highly.
📋 How to Reference It in Bids
In responses about quality, learning from incidents, or safeguarding, mention that you:
- Have a clear Duty of Candour policy in place
- Train staff on when and how to apply it
- Record all notifiable safety incidents and outcomes
Even better, give an example where you applied it and improved practice as a result.
📎 Is Yours Up to Date?
Many providers still rely on outdated templates. Your policy should:
- Reference the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
- Include steps to follow after an incident
- Define what constitutes a notifiable safety incident