​Legal responsibilities towards unpaid carers across health and social care

There are several statutory duties (or legal responsibilities) to support Unpaid Carers that are placed on public health and social care bodies, like local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
Legislation is often supported by statutory policy guidance which also helps set out expectations to explain parts of the law. 

 

As professionals who are likely to be in contact with Carers, they play a key role in delivering these responsibilities.

It is therefore essential to understand the legal duties in place to ensure Carers receive the support they are entitled to under the law.

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In practice, what does this mean for health and social care professionals?

• Proactively identifying and recognising Carers

• Offering Carers timely and relevant information

• Connecting Carers to local or relevant support services

• Supporting Carers to access a carer’s assessment 

• Providing support following the outcomes of a carer’s assessment

• Involving Carers in relevant decisions about health and social care services

• Involving Carers in any strategic planning or delivery of service

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Examples of legislation which include duties to Carers include:

• Health and Care Act 2022 

• Care Act 2014

• Children and Families Act 2014

• Carer’s Leave Act 2023 and other employment rights legislation

• Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

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