Dignity in Care Champions Network

The Dignity in Care Champions Network supports people to share views, resources, knowledge and best practice on issues relating to dignity in health and social care settings.This online network has been set up to help Dignity Champions take forward the Dignity in Care Campaign. Dignity Champions will play a key role in helping create a care system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of older people.

Anyone who is committed to taking action to improve dignity in care is welcome to join as a Dignity Champion. That includes existing older people's champions and care service providers as well as the people who use and commission those services. It is also open to advocacy organisations, MPs, councillors and members of the public.

The precise nature of each Dignity Champion's role will vary depending on their knowledge and influence and the type of work they are involved in. There is no job description for a Dignity Champion. All Dignity Champions, no matter what their background, have an equally important role to play. It is entirely up to each individual Dignity Champion how much or how little they get involved, inevitably, some will be able to commit more than others.

As a minimum, Dignity Champions will be asked to do what they can to put dignity in care on their local agenda, to challenge bad practice where they see it and share what works with other Champions. The paper 'Information for Dignity Champions' (see below) sets out in more detail the role of Dignity Champions and some ideas for specific actions Champions in different roles could take. The paper also details the range of resources in place to support Dignity Champions in their roles.

In November 2006, Ivan Lewis launched the Dignity in Care Campaign which aims to stimulate a national debate around dignity in care and create a care system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of older people. Ivan Lewis MP sees the Dignity Champions as playing a vital role in this campaign. He wants to see Dignity Champions being active in all areas of the country and in all care settings. He has written to senior managers and key local leaders in health and social care asking them to give you their full support and to join up themselves as Dignity Champions.

Your active contribution to this network will help contribute to the success of the Dignity in Care Campaign and will help improve older people's experience of care services in this country. Please take the time to contribute to online discussions, to feedback your trials and successes as Dignity Champions and play your part in making this online network have a real impact.

Useful documents

Network website: www.dignityincare.org.uk
Network contact: Dignityincare@dh.gsi.gov.uk, tel. 0207 9724007