The CQC expect all care providers to understand any negative impact of their activities on the environment and strive to make a positive contribution in reducing it and support people to do the same. Put simply, sustainability is about meeting the needs of the current/present world without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This statement initially will only be assessed in NHS trusts and as part of the ICS assessments for the first year of the Single Assessment Framework. While this allowed some breathing room and preparation time for care providers, time has ticked on and we will soon be at the first anniversary of the Single Assessment Framework.
CQC will not expect you to have everything in place, but will expect you to have a plan, so it is crucial that you have assessed your current situation. I would advise putting together a working group of managers, carers and people who use your care service who all have a passion for sustainability. Start by establishing clear sustainability objectives that align with your organisations vision and values and once established, align measurable indicators to monitor progress. Viewing sustainability as an ongoing process that is regularly reviewed and adjusted is essential. As a starting point I would recommend exploring the below and thinking what you can recycle, reuse, refuse, repair, reduce:
- Environmental Compliance
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Sustainable Transport
- Green Procurement
- Community Engagement and Awareness
- Continuous Improvement
- Reporting and Accountability
Consider using an online tool to help estimate your carbon footprint. Oroeco is an app that can support with this and estimates your footprint based on your everyday decisions, including the items that you buy, your diet, how much energy you consume and your method of transport/how much you travel. Oroeco offers personalised tips that outline how you can cut back on emissions and save money at the same time. Giki Zero is another free tool you could consider using.
It is going to be essential that you have a sustainability policy so that you can evidence your commitment and practice to sustainability. W&P Training have been doing work within the social care sector around sustainability and will be able to support with this area of need. They also offer a range of training courses, to help upskill your teams.
Gordon solicitors have done a great job at breaking down the CQC’s Sustainability Quality Statement and providing practical steps you can take within your service (Environmental Sustainability and the care sector - Gordons Partnership (gordonsols.co.uk). You could use this list to start the conversation with your new working group about which ones you will prioritise and which can be implemented further down the line.
I would also recommend reaching out to Hannah Montgomery, Founder of Grace Cares CIC who is doing some amazing work in the sector, alongside government to raise the awareness of sustainability (www.grace-cares.com)
The key during implementing your sustainability plan is documentation, so you can evidence to the regulator, banks and other organisations as sustainability becomes more importantly needed as evidence Mark Topps – Co-Founder of the Caring View and Social Care Leader The Caring View – Educating, Elevating, and Celebrating all things Social Care
