Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to issue guidance regarding single-sex provision in social care settings, including nursing homes and people's own homes, for adults with learning difficulties or cognitive impairment who are vulnerable and at increased risk of sexual abuse.

Local authorities are under statutory duties to safeguard adults in their area with care and support needs from abuse and neglect. This includes making enquiries, or causing others to do so, if it believes that an adult in its area, with care and support needs, which may include learning difficulties or cognitive impairments or both, is experiencing or at risk of abuse, including sexual abuse, or neglect, and as a result of those needs is, or would be, unable to protect themselves.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care providers are also required to adhere to the CQC fundamental standards, set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which include that service users must be treated with dignity and respect, and must have their support provided in a way that reflects their preferences. The CQC’s guidance on this legislative framework says that when providing intimate or personal care, a provider must make every reasonable effort to make sure that they respect people's preferences about who delivers their care and treatment. This may include requesting staff of a specific sex.