A1.1 Purpose of Organisational Policies and Procedures in the Health and Science Sector

Question 1

What does the Equality Act 2010 cover in terms of discrimination?

Answer 1

It protects against discrimination based on age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

Question 2

What is the definition of legislation in the health and science sector

Answer 2

Legislation refers to legal rules that outline the rights and entitlements of individuals and must be followed by employers, caregivers, and service providers

Question 3

What is indirect discrimination?

Answer 3

Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy applies to everyone but disadvantages certain groups more than others

Question 4

Give an example of indirect discrimination

Answer 4

A woman on maternity leave requests flexible hours but is refused because all employees must work full-time. This is indirect sex discrimination.

Question 5

What is social inclusion in healthcare?

Answer 5

Social inclusion ensures all societal groups, such as the homeless or victims of modern slavery, are valued and have access to healthcare.

Question 6

What does “inclusion health” refer to?

Answer 6

Inclusion health refers to socially excluded groups who often face poor health outcomes due to multiple risk factors and barriers to healthcare access.

Question 7

What is the cycle of disadvantage in healthcare?

Answer 7

It refers to how disadvantaged individuals who need medical care the most are often the least likely to receive it.

Question 8

What does safeguarding involve?

Answer 8

Safeguarding means protecting individuals from harm, ensuring their health, wellbeing, and human rights are upheld.

Question 9

Name some agencies involved in safeguarding.

Answer 9

Local authorities, GPs, hospitals, education settings, Ofsted, CQC, DBS

Question 10

What is MASH?

Answer 10

MASH is a hub that allows different agencies involved in child safeguarding to gather and share information quickly for better decision-making.

Question 11

what does an employment contract cover?

Answer 11

Employment conditions, rights, responsibilities, and duties, often referred to as the “terms” of employment.

Question 12

What is a collective agreement?

Answer 12

It is a negotiated agreement between employers and trade unions or staff associations, often covering work conditions and safety.

Question 13

What is the purpose of performance reviews in healthcare?

Answer 13

They access an employee’s job performance to ensure standards are met and to provide feedback for improvement.

Question 14

What is a disciplinary policy?

Answer 14

A set of procedures for addressing employee misconduct or poor performance.

Question 15

What is a grievance policy?

Answer 15

A process for employees to raise concerns or complaints in a structured and fair manner.

Question 16

How would you explain the purpose of the Equality Act 2010 in an exam?

Answer 16

Start by stating that the Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate based on protected characteristics. Highlight that it ensures fair and equitable treatment in the workplace and public services

Question 17

How should you define “legislation” in an exam answer?

Answer 17

Define legislation as legal rules that set out the right entitlements of individuals, which organisations must follow. Then give an example, like the Equality Act 2010, to show its relevance in ensuring non-discriminatory practices.

Question 18

How would you describe indirect discrimination in an exam?

Answer 18

Explain that indirect discrimination occurs when a policy or rule applies to everyone but disadvantages certain groups more. Use an example, such as a manager refusing flexible working how for a woman returning from maternity leave, to show how it can lead to indirect sex discrimination

Question 19

How do you explain an example of indirect discrimination effectively?

Answer 19

Use clear structure: start with the situation (e.g. refusal of flexible working hours), then explain why it disadvantages a particular group (e.g. working mothers), and finally link it back to the law (e.g. indirect sex discrimination under the Equality Act 2010)

Question 20

How do you approach explaining social inclusion in healthcare in an exam?

Answer 20

Define social inclusion as ensuring all groups, including vulnerable populations, are valued and have equal access to healthcare. Mention examples like homeless individuals and victims of modern slavery to illustrate how social inclusion improves access to healthcare

Question 21

How would you explain “inclusion health” in an exam question?

Answer 21

State that inclusion health refers to addressing the healthcare needs of socially excluded groups who face multiple risks, such as poverty or trauma. Emphasize that these groups often encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes.

Question 22

How would you describe the cycle of disadvantage in healthcare during an exam?

Answer 22

Explain that the cycle of disadvantage means that people who need medical care the most are often the least likely to get it. You can link this to the inverse care law, which states that healthcare resources are often least available to disadvantaged groups.

Question 23

How do you describe safeguarding in an exam?

Answer 23

Define safeguarding as protecting individuals from harm, including ensuring their health, wellbeing, and human rights are protected. Include key elements like preventing abuse and neglect and mention agencies like local authorities and GPs

Question 24

How should you list agencies involved in safeguarding in an exam?

Answer 24

Mention agencies like local authorities, GPs, hospitals, Ofsted, CQC, and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Briefly explain that these organisations work together to protect vulnerable individuals from harm

Question 25

How do you explain MASH in an exam?

Answer 25

Define MASH as a multi-agency safeguarding hub; social services and healthcare professionals share information to safeguard children and vulnerable individuals. Explain that it improves decision-making and response times in safeguarding cases

Question 26

How would you define employment contracts in an exam?

Answer 26

Define an employment contract as a formal agreement outlining an employee’s conditions, rights, responsibilities, and duties. Make sure to mention that these terms can be written, verbal, or implied through offer letters or employee handbooks

Question 27

How should you explain collective agreements in an exam?

Answer 27

Define a collective agreement as a negotiation between employers and trade unions or staff associations that sets out working conditions for a group of employees. Provide an example, like agreements on safe working conditions.

Question 28

How do you describe performance reviews in an exam?

Answer 28

Explain that performance reviews are regular assessments of an employee’s work to ensure that they meet job expectations and receive feedback for improvement. Mention that reviews are essential for maintaining quality standards in healthcare

Question 29

How would you explain a disciplinary policy in an exam?

Answer 29

Define a disciplinary policy as a procedure for addressing misconduct or poor performance in the workplace. Ensure to mention that it helps maintain professional standards and promotes as safe working environment

Question 30

How should you explain a grievance policy in an exam?

Answer 30

A grievance policy allows employees to raise concerns or complaints about workplace issues. Highlight that this ensures a structured and fair process for resolving problems.