This short course provides learners with information on some expected values and behaviours that are essential for providing good quality, personalised and effective care in the UK, in all care settings within health and social care. 

Individuals moving to the UK from other countries, need to study this course very carefully, to understand that something that may be accepted in their country of origin may be completely unacceptable or even illegal in the UK.

Values are the beliefs that people hold about aspects of life, issues and people around them. Values and beliefs form the basis of person's intentional activities and will even affect a person's unintentional behaviours, because "as you think, so you will do". 

Values are one of the factors that generate behaviour. Values influence a person's perception of what is right or what is wrong. 

Values influence the choices a person makes about all aspects of life, and values affect ethical behaviour of a person or otherwise.

They apply to all aspects of life and they influence how a person behaves in different situations. 

Staff in social care help people to live more independently and have a better quality of life. Therefore it is very important all staff have the right values. 

As most staff often work unsupervised and alone with clients, it is important that all staff recognise the acceptable values and behaviours.

Some of the values and behaviours required to work in social care include: 

• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Good at working with others.
• Committed to quality care and improving lives.
• Willing to learn and develop at work. 

Managers and Staff need to be aware of which values and behaviours are acceptable and which are not, because attracting more people who have the values and behaviours will contribute to the delivery of high-quality care and support.