Understanding Duty of Care (F2F)

The Understanding Duty of Care / Duty of Candour course provides learners with a clear understanding of their professional responsibilities to deliver safe, compassionate, and person-centred care. Participants will explore the principles of Duty of Care, gaining insight into how this responsibility underpins everyday practice and supports the safety, wellbeing, and rights of the individuals they support.

The course examines the implications of Duty of Care and explores situations where dilemmas or conflicts may arise. Learners will consider how to balance competing responsibilities, manage difficult decisions, and respond appropriately when concerns affect the quality or safety of care. The session also highlights the support available when addressing Duty of Care dilemmas, including organisational policies, supervision, and professional guidance.

Participants will gain an understanding of CQC Regulation 20 – Duty of Candour, exploring the legal and professional expectations placed on health and social care providers. The training explains the definition of candour and the importance of being open, honest, and transparent when things go wrong or when individuals experience harm during the delivery of care.

The course also examines what constitutes a meaningful apology, helping learners understand how to communicate openly and compassionately while maintaining professionalism and accountability. In addition, participants will develop an awareness of the Care Quality Commission’s role in monitoring compliance with the Duty of Candour and how breaches of the regulation are managed.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on promoting a culture of openness, learning, and accountability, enabling learners to apply the principles of Duty of Care and Duty of Candour confidently and in line with legal and professional standards.