1.1 Review the range of groups and individuals whose communication needs must be addressed in own job role

Unit 1: Use and develop systems that promote communication

The purpose of this unit is to assess the learner’s knowledge, understanding and skills required to develop communication systems for meeting individual outcomes and promoting partnership working. The unit explores the challenges and barriers to communication and the importance of effective management of information.

Assessment Guidance

This unit must be assessed in accordance with Skills for Care and Development`s Assessment Principles.

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be assessed in the work setting. Additional Information

Means of communication may include:

• Verbal;
• Non-verbal;
• Sign;
• Pictorial;
• Written;
• Electronic;
• Assisted;
• Personal;
• Organisational;
• Formal;
• Informal; and
• Public (information/promotional).

Partnership Working:

Working effectively together with people, professionals, agencies and organisations to enhance the well-being of people and support positive and improved outcomes.

All You Need to Know About Unit 1: Use and Develop Systems that Promote Communication

Unit 1: Use and develop systems that promote communication is about how we use and improve the ways we communicate in health and social care settings. Good communication is very important because it helps staff work well together and supports the people we care for.

In a care setting, there are many ways to communicate, such as speaking, writing, using signs, symbols, or technology. Everyone is different, so it’s important to understand how each person wants or needs to communicate.

Managers and leaders must make sure there are good systems in place. This means having clear ways for staff to share information, like care plans, notes, or meetings. These systems help avoid mistakes and keep everyone informed.

The unit also looks at how to check if communication systems are working well. If something is not working, it should be improved. This could mean training staff, using better tools, or changing how information is shared.

Good communication systems help with:

• Keeping people safe

• Supporting teamwork

• Meeting legal and policy needs

• Respecting people’s choices and rights

🛠️ Developing and Improving Communication Systems

Developing systems is not just about introducing new tools — it’s about enhancing the flow of communication. This requires a full cycle of review, consultation, planning, testing, training, and feedback.

Key considerations when developing communication systems include:

1. Accessibility
   The system must be usable by everyone involved — this includes ensuring documents are available in easy-read formats, alternative languages, or audio for those with literacy or visual challenges.

2. Consistency
   Everyone should understand how and when to use the system. For example, if incident forms are submitted differently across departments, trends may be missed. Standardisation improves consistency.

3. Security and Confidentiality
   All communication systems must comply with GDPR and local data protection laws. For instance, client records must be securely stored and only accessed by authorised personnel.

4. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
   Staff, service users, and stakeholders should be encouraged to give feedback on the effectiveness of communication tools. This feedback can highlight system gaps — e.g., slow reporting procedures, unclear templates, or cultural misunderstandings.

⚠️ Barriers to Effective Communication in Practice

Unit 1: Use and develop systems that promote communication tells that real-world workplaces often face several challenges when trying to maintain effective communication. Examples include:

• Language differences in multicultural teams or service users.

• Technological issues, such as outdated software or poor internet connectivity.

• Poor staff training, which leads to inconsistent or incorrect use of systems.

• Organisational culture, where hierarchy or fear of blame prevents honest, upward communication.

A strategic leader must identify and address these barriers by updating systems, investing in training, and promoting open communication environments.