Case Study

A setting has a policy that staff must not wear jewellery when they are working with individuals needing intimate personal care. Two members of staff are challenging this rule. Shelley is a Christian and believes that wearing a cross is a right that she does not wish to give up. Imran wears a Sikh bracelet and says that it is part of his religious beliefs to wear it.

• Clearly define the conflict between protecting the individuals and the practitioners’ rights to wear their religious jewellery.
• How would you solve this dilemma?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.