Nottingham City Council has pledged to work towards a good standard of pay and training for staff who care for elderly and vulnerable people.

The City Council has signed UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter for the commissioning of Homecare Services. Homecare workers help with day-to-day tasks for elderly people in their own homes such as cleaning, shopping and food preparation/cooking, as well as personal care such as dressing, bathing, toileting and prompting the taking of medication.

Good Homecare allows people to live independently in their own homes for longer, which is often better for our citizens. Homecare is provided by both City Council staff and private providers, whose services are commissioned by the council.

By signing the Charter, the City Council is committed to establishing a minimum baseline for the safety, quality and dignity of care for elderly people by ensuring the workers who provide their care have the right levels of pay and training – leading to a more stable workforce.

The Charter was signed by Cllr Alex Norris, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health at Nottingham City Council as part of National Carers’ Week (6-12 June).

Cllr Norris said: “The City Council already sets high standards for the care, dignity and respect we expect our elderly citizens to receive – and signing this Ethical Care Charter sets out our commitment to those people who deliver this care. It’s important that we make sure our Homecare workers have the right training and working conditions to give the best care possible. A happy, stable workforce plays a huge part in this.”

Christina Sanna, Nottingham City UNISON Secretary, said: “I’m delighted that Nottingham City Council has agreed to commit to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter which seeks to bring about better treatment for our members working in Homecare leading to even better care for Nottingham’s elderly and disabled citizens.”

Photo caption: Cllr Alex Norris signs the Ethical Care Charter with Christina Sanna