Professional values
Using values at work helps us to make good decisions and provide the best support to others
About this resource
Values are deeply held attitudes and beliefs which shape our understanding about the world.
We all have a set of personal values, based on what is important to us as individuals. In roles in early years, social care and social work you are also encouraged to use professional values.
Using values at work helps us to make good decisions and provide the best support to others. They are central to careers in care and embedded in the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers.
In this resource you’ll learn about the values which guide care practice. Values like dignity and respect.
You’ll also explore reflective practice, which is a way of thinking about our values, knowledge and skills and how we use them at work. Reflective practice encourages you to take time to stop and think, about what is going well and how to make things better. It helps improve the care you can give, and will help you plan and develop your career.
Professional values resources
This resource has three sections to work through, all related to professional values. Each of the sections include a number of topics.
Identify the professional values which guide care practice
In this topic we’ll look at two national resources which are based on professional values. These are Right Values, Right People (a SSSC recruitment toolkit) and the Health and Social Care Standards (which describe the standard of care everyone should expect).
Understand how to develop a career in care
In this topic we’ll talk you through the different roles in social services and help you choose a pathway which is right for you.
Practise thinking and writing reflectively
In this final section we’ll introduce you to reflection.