Dignity Champions
What is a Dignity Champion?
A Dignity Champion is someone who believes passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra. They believe that care services must be compassionate, person centred, as well as efficient, and are willing to try to do something to achieve this.
Dignity Champions are willing to:
- Stand up and challenge disrespectful behaviour
- Act as good role models by treating other people with respect, particularly those who are less able to stand up for themselves
- Speak up about dignity to improve the way that services are organised and delivered
- Influence and inform colleagues
- Listen to and understand the views and experiences of citizens.
Dignity Champions are committed to taking action, however small, to create a care system that has compassion and respect for those using its services. Each Dignity Champion's role varies depending on their knowledge and influence and the type of work they are involved in. There are many small things that you can do that can have a big impact on people's lives, as well as taking on a more active role if you have the time to do so.
Become a Dignity Champion
We ask all of the Cream Team to become Dignity Champions at induction, as we believe that Dignity is the key to great care and also to building meaningful relationships.
A Dignity Champion pledges to follow the 10 point dignity do's?
- Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
- Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family
- Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
- Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control
- Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
- Respect people's right to privacy
- Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
- Engage with family members and carers as care partners
- Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem
- Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation
If you haven’t already done so, you can take the pledge today and become a Dignity Champion!