You Said, We Did…

At the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), we understand that safe, well-maintained environments are essential for delivering high-quality care. Yet across the UK, many care homes operate in ageing, deteriorating buildings—some of which may pose risks to both residents and staff.

Crumbling Buildings – The Best Place for Care?

Did you know that RCN Congress helps shape the RCN’s priorities?

RCN Congress is the RCN’s annual conference—free to attend and a vital platform for influencing policy and direction. It enables members to debate and vote on key issues affecting nursing and healthcare, shaping the RCN’s agenda and contributing to national policy. The event also features keynote speakers, wellbeing sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

At RCN Congress 2024, the issue of deteriorating care home buildings was raised as a matter for discussion. It resonated so strongly with members that it became a resolution—a formal commitment for the RCN to take action.

What’s the difference between a matter for discussion and a resolution?

A matter for discussion raises awareness and invites debate, but doesn’t require action.

A resolution, once passed, mandates the RCN to act—developing policy, guidance, and advocacy based on members’ concerns.

And that’s exactly what we did.

What We Did

In response to the resolution, we assembled a team of experts to develop:

• Clear, practical guidance on statutory compliance for care home managers
• A compliance checklist to help identify and address potential gaps
• Signposting to employment standards and inspection expectations

This work was led by:

• Louise Church – Health, Safety and Wellbeing National Officer
• Melissa Stanton – Lead Nurse, Independent Health and Social Care, North West
• Sarah Winfield-Davies – Lead Nurse, Independent Health and Social Care, South West

Drawing on our collective experience in care home management, health and safety, and commissioning, we created tools to help managers navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

Access the full resource.

The RCN’s Position on the Health and Social Care Estate

We’re clear: deteriorating care buildings puts lives at risk.

This guidance aligns with the RCN’s broader position on the condition of care environments. It highlights critical risks such as asbestos, legionella, mould, and poor ventilation—all of which directly impact staff safety and patient care.

Our key calls to action include:

• All health and social care employers must meet statutory requirements for maintaining premises and equipment
• Induction for registered care home managers should include statutory compliance awareness, regular checks, and risk-based action
• Employers must consult health and safety reps and nursing experts before any refurbishment or new builds.

Supporting Managers in a Complex Regulatory Environment

Care homes are unique spaces—part home, part workplace, and part clinical setting. Ensuring they are safe and compliant is not just a legal duty, but a moral one.

Through this work, we aim to reduce the burden on registered managers and empower them to meet expectations with confidence. Too often, care leaders face:

• Confusion over responsibilities in leased buildings (e.g. landlord vs. leaseholder)
• Lack of training or access to specialist advice on issues like legionella or asbestos
• Conflicting regulations from multiple oversight bodies

Our new RCN IHSC statutory compliance webpage offers clear, practical guidance tailored to real-world care settings.

Key Elements of the Guidance

Access to Competent Advice

Managers aren’t expected to be experts in every area. The guidance emphasises the importance of accessing competent advice, whether in-house or contracted, for areas like fire safety, water hygiene, electrical systems, gas safety, lifting equipment, and asbestos management.

Clarity in Lease Agreements

For care homes in leased or shared buildings, it’s vital to clearly agree and define who is responsible for maintenance and compliance.  What is the landlord responsible for and what is the expectation on the company leasing the building. Ambiguity can lead to gaps.

Health and Safety Training

We strongly recommend that care home managers undertake health and safety training. This builds confidence and ensures they can identify risks and take appropriate action.

Further Resources

• Statutory compliance in care homes – A practical guide for managers
• RCN IHSC Employment Standards
• IHSC Webpage

Conclusion

By working together and drawing on frontline experience, we’ve created tools that care home managers can trust. We remain committed to advocating for safe buildings, empowered managers, and exceptional care—wherever it’s delivered.

Louise Church – Health, Safety and Wellbeing National Officer

Sarah Winfield-Davies – Lead Nurse, Independent Health and Social Care, South West

Melissa Stanton – Lead Nurse, Independent Health and Social Care, North West