Supported Housing Policy - Revision history

Seymour Jacklin: /* Entering young people's bedrooms */

2026-02-24T16:01:52Z

Entering young people's bedrooms

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 24 February 2026
Line 278:		Line 278:
	Residents are encouraged to participate in their local community, maintain relationships with friends and family where safe and appropriate, and engage in social, cultural, and democratic activities. Barriers to participation are identified and addressed within support planning to build confidence, skills, and self-esteem.		Residents are encouraged to participate in their local community, maintain relationships with friends and family where safe and appropriate, and engage in social, cultural, and democratic activities. Barriers to participation are identified and addressed within support planning to build confidence, skills, and self-esteem.

	== '''Entering young people's bedrooms''' ==		== '''Policy provisions for young people''' ==

			=== '''Entering young people's bedrooms''' ===
	A young person’s bedroom should not generally be entered without their permission or advance notice, such as for a facilities inspection where relevant. In most instances, staff should inform the young person in advance of a check or inspection and agree a time for the staff member to gain access to the bedroom. Immediate searching without permission may be necessary where there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a safety risk to the young person or another person. If staff need to enter the young person’s bedroom without permission or advance notice, they should inform the young person that they are entering the room and explain the purposes for entering immediately. If a member of staff has entered a young person's bedroom, this should be made clear in the contact note for that visit, ensuring accurate records are kept. As part of the young person's introduction to the service, they will be informed of Handcrafted's policy on entering bedrooms in supported housing accommodation.		A young person’s bedroom should not generally be entered without their permission or advance notice, such as for a facilities inspection where relevant. In most instances, staff should inform the young person in advance of a check or inspection and agree a time for the staff member to gain access to the bedroom. Immediate searching without permission may be necessary where there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a safety risk to the young person or another person. If staff need to enter the young person’s bedroom without permission or advance notice, they should inform the young person that they are entering the room and explain the purposes for entering immediately. If a member of staff has entered a young person's bedroom, this should be made clear in the contact note for that visit, ensuring accurate records are kept. As part of the young person's introduction to the service, they will be informed of Handcrafted's policy on entering bedrooms in supported housing accommodation.

	== '''Managing, administering, and disposing of medication, including processes for record keeping''' ==		=== '''Managing, administering, and disposing of medication, including processes for record keeping''' ===
	Young people are expected to store and self-administer their own prescribed medication, with staff offering a minimal level of practical support (such as providing a lockable medication box or helping set reminders) when needed to promote safe and independent medication management. If staff have any questions or concerns about a young person's medication, or ability to self-administer, they should initially discuss these with the young person. If a young person appears unable to manage their own medication safely even with support, this may indicate that a higher level of care is required, and staff should record concerns, follow safeguarding procedures, and liaise with relevant professionals, such as a GP or community pharmacist. Young people should dispose of their own unused or expired medication by returning it to a pharmacy. Staff may offer practical support with this where needed, ensuring medication is never placed in general waste or removed without the young person's knowledge, unless there is a safeguarding concern. Staff must ensure clear factual records are kept regarding support or concerns with medication, using contact notes on the Airtable system.		Young people are expected to store and self-administer their own prescribed medication, with staff offering a minimal level of practical support (such as providing a lockable medication box or helping set reminders) when needed to promote safe and independent medication management. If staff have any questions or concerns about a young person's medication, or ability to self-administer, they should initially discuss these with the young person. If a young person appears unable to manage their own medication safely even with support, this may indicate that a higher level of care is required, and staff should record concerns, follow safeguarding procedures, and liaise with relevant professionals, such as a GP or community pharmacist. Young people should dispose of their own unused or expired medication by returning it to a pharmacy. Staff may offer practical support with this where needed, ensuring medication is never placed in general waste or removed without the young person's knowledge, unless there is a safeguarding concern. Staff must ensure clear factual records are kept regarding support or concerns with medication, using contact notes on the Airtable system.

Seymour Jacklin: /* Policy on entering young people's bedrooms */

2026-02-24T16:00:13Z

Policy on entering young people's bedrooms

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:00, 24 February 2026
Line 278:		Line 278:
	Residents are encouraged to participate in their local community, maintain relationships with friends and family where safe and appropriate, and engage in social, cultural, and democratic activities. Barriers to participation are identified and addressed within support planning to build confidence, skills, and self-esteem.		Residents are encouraged to participate in their local community, maintain relationships with friends and family where safe and appropriate, and engage in social, cultural, and democratic activities. Barriers to participation are identified and addressed within support planning to build confidence, skills, and self-esteem.

	== '''~~Policy on entering~~ young people's bedrooms''' ==		== '''Entering young people's bedrooms''' ==
	A young person’s bedroom should not generally be entered without their permission or advance notice, such as for a facilities inspection where relevant. In most instances, staff should inform the young person in advance of a check or inspection and agree a time for the staff member to gain access to the bedroom. Immediate searching without permission may be necessary where there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a safety risk to the young person or another person. If staff need to enter the young person’s bedroom without permission or advance notice, they should inform the young person that they are entering the room and explain the purposes for entering immediately. If a member of staff has entered a young person's bedroom, this should be made clear in the contact note for that visit, ensuring accurate records are kept. As part of the young person's introduction to the service, they will be informed of Handcrafted's policy on entering bedrooms in supported housing accommodation.		A young person’s bedroom should not generally be entered without their permission or advance notice, such as for a facilities inspection where relevant. In most instances, staff should inform the young person in advance of a check or inspection and agree a time for the staff member to gain access to the bedroom. Immediate searching without permission may be necessary where there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a safety risk to the young person or another person. If staff need to enter the young person’s bedroom without permission or advance notice, they should inform the young person that they are entering the room and explain the purposes for entering immediately. If a member of staff has entered a young person's bedroom, this should be made clear in the contact note for that visit, ensuring accurate records are kept. As part of the young person's introduction to the service, they will be informed of Handcrafted's policy on entering bedrooms in supported housing accommodation.

	== '''~~Policy regarding managing~~, administering, and disposing of medication, including processes for record keeping''' ==		== '''Managing, administering, and disposing of medication, including processes for record keeping''' ==
	Young people are expected to store and self-administer their own prescribed medication, with staff offering a minimal level of practical support (such as providing a lockable medication box or helping set reminders) when needed to promote safe and independent medication management. If staff have any questions or concerns about a young person's medication, or ability to self-administer, they should initially discuss these with the young person. If a young person appears unable to manage their own medication safely even with support, this may indicate that a higher level of care is required, and staff should record concerns, follow safeguarding procedures, and liaise with relevant professionals, such as a GP or community pharmacist. Young people should dispose of their own unused or expired medication by returning it to a pharmacy. Staff may offer practical support with this where needed, ensuring medication is never placed in general waste or removed without the young person's knowledge, unless there is a safeguarding concern. Staff must ensure clear factual records are kept regarding support or concerns with medication, using contact notes on the Airtable system.		Young people are expected to store and self-administer their own prescribed medication, with staff offering a minimal level of practical support (such as providing a lockable medication box or helping set reminders) when needed to promote safe and independent medication management. If staff have any questions or concerns about a young person's medication, or ability to self-administer, they should initially discuss these with the young person. If a young person appears unable to manage their own medication safely even with support, this may indicate that a higher level of care is required, and staff should record concerns, follow safeguarding procedures, and liaise with relevant professionals, such as a GP or community pharmacist. Young people should dispose of their own unused or expired medication by returning it to a pharmacy. Staff may offer practical support with this where needed, ensuring medication is never placed in general waste or removed without the young person's knowledge, unless there is a safeguarding concern. Staff must ensure clear factual records are kept regarding support or concerns with medication, using contact notes on the Airtable system.

Seymour Jacklin: /* Resident Involvement */ Policy on entering Young People's bedrooms and regarding managing medication added on advice from Rachel Baker (see Ofsted Guidance Pp. 30 and 38)

2026-02-24T15:59:28Z

Resident Involvement: Policy on entering Young People's bedrooms and regarding managing medication added on advice from Rachel Baker (see Ofsted Guidance Pp. 30 and 38)

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 24 February 2026
Line 278:		Line 278:
	Residents are encouraged to participate in their local community, maintain relationships with friends and family where safe and appropriate, and engage in social, cultural, and democratic activities. Barriers to participation are identified and addressed within support planning to build confidence, skills, and self-esteem.		Residents are encouraged to participate in their local community, maintain relationships with friends and family where safe and appropriate, and engage in social, cultural, and democratic activities. Barriers to participation are identified and addressed within support planning to build confidence, skills, and self-esteem.

	== '''Repairs and ~~Maintenance~~''' ==		== '''Policy on entering young people's bedrooms''' ==
			A young person’s bedroom should not generally be entered without their permission or advance notice, such as for a facilities inspection where relevant. In most instances, staff should inform the young person in advance of a check or inspection and agree a time for the staff member to gain access to the bedroom. Immediate searching without permission may be necessary where there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a safety risk to the young person or another person. If staff need to enter the young person’s bedroom without permission or advance notice, they should inform the young person that they are entering the room and explain the purposes for entering immediately. If a member of staff has entered a young person's bedroom, this should be made clear in the contact note for that visit, ensuring accurate records are kept. As part of the young person's introduction to the service, they will be informed of Handcrafted's policy on entering bedrooms in supported housing accommodation.

			== '''Policy regarding managing, administering, and disposing of medication, including processes for record keeping''' ==
			Young people are expected to store and self-administer their own prescribed medication, with staff offering a minimal level of practical support (such as providing a lockable medication box or helping set reminders) when needed to promote safe and independent medication management. If staff have any questions or concerns about a young person's medication, or ability to self-administer, they should initially discuss these with the young person. If a young person appears unable to manage their own medication safely even with support, this may indicate that a higher level of care is required, and staff should record concerns, follow safeguarding procedures, and liaise with relevant professionals, such as a GP or community pharmacist. Young people should dispose of their own unused or expired medication by returning it to a pharmacy. Staff may offer practical support with this where needed, ensuring medication is never placed in general waste or removed without the young person's knowledge, unless there is a safeguarding concern. Staff must ensure clear factual records are kept regarding support or concerns with medication, using contact notes on the Airtable system.

			== '''Repairs and maintenance''' ==
	Handcrafted aims to provide a secure and well-maintained housing environment for our residents. Through proactive maintenance, regular inspections, and resident engagement, we strive to create a place where residents can live with peace of mind and have a stable home that feels safe and helps them to thrive.		Handcrafted aims to provide a secure and well-maintained housing environment for our residents. Through proactive maintenance, regular inspections, and resident engagement, we strive to create a place where residents can live with peace of mind and have a stable home that feels safe and helps them to thrive.

Immi: /* Resident Involvement */ Updated section

2026-01-02T15:53:14Z

Resident Involvement: Updated section

Show changes

Immi: /* Initial Assessment */ added 'Matching and Household Compatibility' and 'House Meetings, Activities' sections

2026-01-02T15:46:05Z

Initial Assessment: added 'Matching and Household Compatibility' and 'House Meetings, Activities' sections

Show changes

Immi: /* Resident Involvement */ added section on 'Visitors'

2026-01-02T15:32:45Z

Resident Involvement: added section on 'Visitors'

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:32, 2 January 2026
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	Our staff conducting assessments and support planning are competent and sensitive to residents' needs and expected to embody Handcrafted's values of empathy and empowerment. Staff induction, training, and practices emphasise the importance of engaging residents in their own support and encouraging their involvement in the wider community.		Our staff conducting assessments and support planning are competent and sensitive to residents' needs and expected to embody Handcrafted's values of empathy and empowerment. Staff induction, training, and practices emphasise the importance of engaging residents in their own support and encouraging their involvement in the wider community.

			=== '''Visitors''' ===
			Handcrafted recognises that positive and appropriate visitors can play an important role in supporting residents’ mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social development. Visitor arrangements are therefore managed in a way that balances these benefits with the need to maintain a safe, respectful, and well-managed living environment for all residents, staff, and neighbours.

			* Visitors are permitted '''only with prior approval''' from Handcrafted and remain the responsibility of the resident at all times.
			* '''Overnight visitors are not permitted''' unless express permission has been granted in advance by Handcrafted.
			* No more than '''two visitors''' may attend at any one time without express permission.
			* Residents must not provide visitors with keys or unrestricted access to the accommodation.
			* Residents must not allow entry to individuals who have been '''banned from the property'''.
			* Visitors must comply with all '''house rules''', including expectations relating to behaviour, noise, fire safety, and health and safety.

			Residents are accountable for the conduct of their visitors and may be held responsible for '''any damage, nuisance, or breaches of policy''' arising from visitor behaviour.

	=== '''Access and Data Protection''' ===		=== '''Access and Data Protection''' ===

Seymour Jacklin: /* Enquiries and Applications Process */

2025-09-25T09:47:55Z

Enquiries and Applications Process

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:47, 25 September 2025
Line 38:		Line 38:

	We will aim to contact the referrer and the person they are referring, to request further information or update them on the outcome within five working days.		We will aim to contact the referrer and the person they are referring, to request further information or update them on the outcome within five working days.

			A decision not to allocate housing to an individual can be appealed by writing to CEO Dan Northover (dan@handcrafted.org.uk) or Project Manager John Hinton (john@handcrafted.org.uk).

	=== '''Service Description and Promotion''' ===		=== '''Service Description and Promotion''' ===

Seymour Jacklin: /* Internal Quality Monitoring */

2025-09-25T07:49:32Z

Internal Quality Monitoring

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:49, 25 September 2025
Line 117:		Line 117:
	\|-		\|-
	\| Safeguarding officer		\| Safeguarding officer
	\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes		\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes. Check that these are up to date and accurate. Make sure actions taken are in accordance with relevant policies.
	\| Any time a contact note is flagged as having relevance to safeguarding		\| Any time a contact note is flagged as having relevance to safeguarding
	\|-		\|-
	\| Safeguarding Steering Group		\| Safeguarding Steering Group
	\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes		\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes. Make sure policy has been followed. Recommend adjustments to the assessments or plans where relevant.
	\| At monthly meeting if safeguarding concern is serious, ongoing or unresolved		\| At monthly meeting if safeguarding concern is serious, ongoing or unresolved
	\|-		\|-
	\| Senior Support Worker		\| Senior Support Worker
	\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes		\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes. Follow up on missing information or lack of clarity, and check that best practice is being followed in record keeping and delivery of support.
	\| Review in response to an incident or concern and as part of continuous supervision of the support teams		\| Review in response to an incident or concern and as part of continuous supervision of the support teams
	\|-		\|-
	\| Hub Managers		\| Hub Managers
	\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes		\| Safety Plan (Risk Assessment), Support Plan, contact notes. Ensure alignment of practice with Handcrafted Principles. Check if any quality issues need to be addressed with the local team or individuals. Alert to problems.
	\| Weekly using a dashboard on the database to keep teams accountable		\| Weekly using a dashboard on the database to keep teams accountable
	\|}		\|}

Seymour Jacklin: /* Internal Quality Monitoring */ table added

2025-09-25T07:42:51Z

Internal Quality Monitoring: table added

@@ Line 109: / Line 109: @@
 === '''Internal Quality Monitoring''' ===
 Senior members of the support team (Senior support supervisor, safeguarding officers and area managers) are responsible for monitoring needs and risk assessments along with the contact notes to ensure our processes are effective, efficient, and compliant with our policies.
 == '''Support Planning and Review''' ==

Seymour Jacklin: /* Weekly Support Planning */

2025-09-25T07:24:17Z

Weekly Support Planning

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:24, 25 September 2025
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	See Annex 1 for an example Support Plan covering the five areas.		See Annex 1 for an example Support Plan covering the five areas.

	This will be completed when a new resident moves into a property and updated ~~regularly~~ thereafter. The review will be based on contact notes, data, and ~~beneficiary~~ feedback.		This will be completed when a new resident moves into a property and updated quarterly thereafter. The review will be based on contact notes, data, and client feedback.

	The support plan may also be reviewed by the Safeguarding Steering Group when a safeguarding concern is raised.		The support plan may also be reviewed by the Safeguarding Steering Group when a safeguarding concern is raised.
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	This review will be used to plan support activities, and make any required changes to the support plan, personal details, or risk assessment.		This review will be used to plan support activities, and make any required changes to the support plan, personal details, or risk assessment.

	The review will ~~used~~ the Airtable form (link) and include:		The review will use the Airtable form (link) and include:

	* What has been happening in the last week?		* What has been happening in the last week?
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	* What do we plan to do this week and who is going to do it?		* What do we plan to do this week and who is going to do it?
	* The priority level for the resident this week		* The priority level for the resident this week
			* Any updates to the safety plan in response to changes in risk or presentation

	Contact notes will be categorised according to the range of support activities that Handcrafted can offer (Annex 2).		Contact notes will be categorised according to the range of support activities that Handcrafted can offer (Annex 2).
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	We empower residents to initiate reviews at any time, ensuring their agency and choice in shaping their support journey. This right is communicated in our service description, introduction meetings, and other relevant materials.		We empower residents to initiate reviews at any time, ensuring their agency and choice in shaping their support journey. This right is communicated in our service description, introduction meetings, and other relevant materials.

	Needs and risk assessments, support planning, and reviews are grounded in resident involvement. We ensure that residents' views, preferences, and aspirations are integral to decision-making processes.		Needs and risk assessments, support planning, and reviews are grounded in resident involvement. We ensure that residents' views, preferences, and aspirations are integral to decision-making processes. Residents are kept informed and their views sought on decisions taken at the weekly support reviews. During quarterly support-plan reviews, each resident has a renewal of their support plan thoroughly discussed with their key worker, collaborating on the priorities for their plan in the next three months.

	Residents' views are ~~actively~~ incorporated into assessments, plans, and reviews. Disagreements with assessments or reviews are recorded~~, ensuring~~ transparency and accountability. Our support plans are rooted in a person-centred approach, respecting residents' unique circumstances and preferences while maintaining effective risk management.		Residents' views are incorporated into assessments, plans, and reviews. Disagreements with assessments or reviews are recorded in AirTable notes to ensure transparency and accountability. Our staff are trained to make sure that support plans are rooted in a person-centred approach, respecting residents' unique circumstances and preferences while maintaining effective risk management.

	Our staff conducting assessments and support planning are competent and sensitive to residents' needs~~, ensuring effective~~ and ~~empathetic engagement~~. Staff induction, training, and practices emphasise the importance of engaging residents in their own support and encouraging their involvement in the wider community.		Our staff conducting assessments and support planning are competent and sensitive to residents' needs and expected to embody Handcrafted's values of empathy and empowerment. Staff induction, training, and practices emphasise the importance of engaging residents in their own support and encouraging their involvement in the wider community.

	=== '''Access and Data Protection''' ===		=== '''Access and Data Protection''' ===