Walk a mile in my shoes - Scrutiny of dignity and respect for individuals in health and social care services: a guide

"This guide is intended to assist local authority Overview and Scrutiny Committees in reflecting dignity issues throughout their work."

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12 November 2009

This guide will assist Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs) to raise awareness and understanding of dignity and respect for individuals who are receiving health and social care services. Using the guide, OSCs should be in a position to:

  • review local leadership and partnerships to judge whether services respect the dignity of service users
  • promote dignity and respect for individuals and the role of the OSC
  • help ensure local health and care services are commissioned and delivered with dignity as a central aspect of care
  • gather local intelligence and provide evidence which can be reflected in local reviews of services.

Dignity is an important issue for all users of all public services and, as such, should be part of local authority overview and scrutiny in many different areas, including housing services, transport and travel, leisure and cultural services, as well as scrutiny of health and social care services or issues relating to older people.
 
The guide is supported by a presentation (free download) and set of exercises (Free Download) which can be used by OSCs to inform their work on dignity and respect.
 

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