Course detail
Professional Boundaries in Care
This theory-based course explains how professional boundaries protect people receiving care, staff and organisations. It explores the difference between a warm, trusting care relationship and an inappropriate personal relationship; the risks created by power imbalance, gifts, money, social media, favouritism, personal disclosure, sexual or romantic relationships, conflicts of interest and misuse of confidential information; and the actions staff should take when a boundary concern arises. The course applies to care homes, domiciliary care, supported living and other CQC-regulated adult social care services in England.
Topics
35
Duration
2h
Quiz pass mark
100%
Course structure
Learning path
Topics are completed in order before the final assessment unlocks.
Course Description
1. Understanding Professional Boundaries
2. Why Boundaries Matter
3. Legal, Regulatory and Professional Framework
4. Codes of Conduct and Accountability
5. Professional Relationships and Person-Centred Care
6. Role Clarity and Scope of Practice
7. Power Imbalance, Dependency and Vulnerability
8. Communication and Personal Disclosure
9. Touch, Intimate Care and Privacy
10. Friendship, Favouritism and Over-Involvement
11. Gifts, Hospitality and Benefits
12. Money, Property and Financial Transactions
13. Wills, Inheritance and Personal Gain
14. Social Media and Online Boundaries
15. Personal Phones, Messaging and Contact Details
16. Photos, Video and Digital Content
17. Confidentiality, Gossip and Information Sharing
18. Romantic, Sexual and Intimate Relationships
19. Families, Friends and Representatives
20. Culture, Religion, Equality and Personal Beliefs
21. Consent, Mental Capacity and Boundaries
22. Safeguarding and Boundary Violations
23. Conflicts of Interest and Dual Relationships
24. Responding to Requests Outside the Role
25. Recognising Boundary Drift in Yourself
26. Concerns About a Colleague
27. Supervision, Speaking Up and Whistleblowing
28. Care Homes: Boundaries in Practice
29. Domiciliary Care: Boundaries in Practice
30. Supported Living: Boundaries in Practice
31. Recording and Reporting Boundary Concerns
32. Practical Scenarios
33. Key Learning Points
References and Further Reading
Final quiz
Final step20 questions and 100% required to pass and receive the certificate.
