Person-centred values care certificate training reminds us that care isn’t just about routines or checklists — it’s about people. It’s in the small moments that make someone feel seen and respected. Whether it’s letting a person choose what they’d like to wear, how they spend their morning, or simply giving them time to reflect — these choices turn ordinary care into something personal and meaningful.
At its core, person-centred values in the Care Certificate are about placing the individual at the heart of every decision. It means upholding their rights, protecting their dignity, and making sure their choices truly guide the support they receive. When we understand this, care stops being something we do to someone and becomes something we do with them.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The key person-centred values and principles in health and social care
- Real-world examples that show these values in action
- How they connect to Care Certificate Standard 5: Work in a Person-Centred Way
- Practical ways to apply them confidently in your everyday practice
What Are Values?
Person‑centred values are the guiding beliefs that shape how support is delivered. Instead of fitting people into routines, staff work in partnership with individuals to plan care around their unique needs and preferences. The Skills for Care Care Certificate workbook lists key values such as individuality, independence, privacy, partnership, choice, dignity, respect and rights. Each value empowers people and ensures they remain in control of their lives.
Person‑centred values sit alongside the 6 Cs (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment) that underpin quality care. The workbook notes that “each individual must be placed at the centre of their care and support” and care should “fit the individual, rather than the individual being made to fit existing routines”. In practice, this means listening to what matters to a person and respecting their wishes, culture and beliefs. It also means acknowledging that every person is unique and supporting them to make informed choices.
The Six Core Values
Below are the six core values that form the foundation of person‑centred working. They are closely connected and often overlap in practice.
- Individuality – Recognising that each person has their own identity, needs, wishes and beliefs. “One size fits all” does not work in care. Staff should personalise activities, routines and communication to reflect what matters to each individual.
- Rights – Upholding human rights such as safety, equality and freedom of expression. Care workers must respect and protect these rights and challenge discrimination.
- Privacy – Ensuring people have private time and space when they need it and that personal information is only shared on a need‑to‑know basis. Privacy extends to personal care tasks and conversations about sensitive information.
- Choice – Supporting individuals to make decisions about their lives by providing information in an accessible way. When someone finds it difficult to express preferences verbally, staff should use other communication methods and seek guidance from family or advocates.
- Independence – Promoting what people can do for themselves and empowering them to do as much as possible. Independence involves agreeing the level of support needed rather than doing things automatically for someone.
- Partnership and Dignity – Working alongside the individual, their family and other professionals as equal partners. Dignity means treating people with respect, valuing their beliefs and taking time to do things their way. Respect involves recognising a person’s importance and listening to their opinions.
These values are central to Care Certificate Standard 5: Work in a Person‑Centred Way. The standard requires care workers to understand and demonstrate these values in practice and to involve individuals in decisions about their care and support.
The Principles Behind Person‑Centred Care
Values are the “what”; principles are the “why” and “how”. Several national frameworks and organisations have outlined principles that turn values into everyday practice.
Choice, Rights and Respect
The NHS Constitution for England emphasises that respect, dignity, compassion and care should be at the core of how patients and staff are treated, because patient safety, experience and outcomes all improve when staff are valued. The Constitution also states that patients should be involved and consulted on all decisions about their care and treatment. Respect and dignity mean valuing each person as an individual and understanding their priorities, needs and limits.
These principles align with legal rights. For example, the Human Rights Act 1998 protects the right to respect for private and family life and the right not to be subjected to degrading treatment. Person‑centred care safeguards these rights by ensuring confidentiality, equality and freedom of choice.
Partnership and Co‑production
Person‑centred care is a partnership. The NHS Constitution notes that the NHS works across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other organisations, with patients and their carers fully involved. Co‑production means planning services with the people who use them, not simply for them. This involves listening to individuals and their families, valuing their insights and working together to develop care plans that reflect what matters to them.
The Picker Principles of Person‑Centred Care provide a framework for high‑quality, person‑centred services. The eight principles include:
- Fast access to reliable healthcare advice – people should be able to schedule appointments easily and get timely help.
- Effective treatment by trusted professionals – care should be clinically appropriate, respectful and inspire confidence.
- Continuity of care and smooth transitions – information and relationships should follow the person across services so care feels coordinated.
- Involvement and support for family and carers – families and support networks play a key role in wellbeing and should be welcomed and supported.
- Clear information, communication and support for self‑care – people need accessible, reliable information to make informed decisions and manage their health.
- Involvement in decisions and respect for preferences – care should be based on equal partnerships and respect for choices and social values.
- Emotional support, empathy and respect – care must address emotional needs and be delivered with sensitivity and appreciation of the person as an individual.
- Attention to physical and environmental needs – safe, comfortable environments and attention to physical needs promote dignity and wellbeing.
These principles reinforce that high‑quality care is coordinated, compassionate and enabling. They echo the values of respect, choice, involvement and independence identified in the Care Certificate.
Examples of Person‑Centred Values in Practice
Understanding values is one thing; demonstrating them is another. Here are practical examples drawn from the DSDWEB study guide and the Care Certificate workbook, showing how values translate into everyday actions.
Individuality
- Being non‑judgmental and recognising each person’s unique preferences.
- Encouraging individuals to choose their own clothes or activities.
Independence
- Encouraging individuals to do things for themselves rather than doing tasks for them. This might involve supporting someone to brush their own hair or prepare their own meal, even if it takes longer.
Privacy
- Knocking and requesting access before entering someone’s room or home.
- Respecting an individual’s wish to have time alone without interruption.
Partnership
- Collaborating with individuals on their care plan, listening to their goals and preferences.
- Helping someone stick to a diet devised by their dietitian, ensuring they understand the plan and feel supported.
Choice
- Asking what someone would like for dinner rather than assuming.
- Respecting and supporting decisions even if you do not personally agree. For example, if a person wants to wear mismatched clothes because they like them, support their choice unless there is a safety risk.
Dignity
- Explaining what you are going to do before providing personal caredsdweb.co.uk.
- Always asking for consent, even for routine tasksdsdweb.co.uk. This respects a person’s autonomy and reduces anxiety.
Respect
- Addressing individuals by their preferred namedsdweb.co.uk. Using the correct form of address shows that you value them.
Rights
- Explaining an individual’s right to complain if they are unhappy with the servicedsdweb.co.uk. This empowers people to speak up and seek change.
These examples show that person‑centred values are not abstract ideals; they are practical behaviours that influence how care is delivered. They also show how small actions — like knocking before entering or offering choices — can make a person feel respected and involved.
Why Person‑Centred Values Matter in
Better Outcomes and Quality of Life
Research and policy make it clear that person‑centred care leads to better health outcomes and improves quality of life. When individuals feel listened to and respected, they are more likely to engage with services, follow care plans and share important information. The NHS Constitution notes that respect, dignity and compassion improve patient safety and outcomesgov.uk. When people’s emotional and physical needs are met, they feel valued and empowered.
Trust and Relationships
Person‑centred values foster trust between staff and those they support. By involving people in decisions and respecting their preferences, you build relationships based on mutual respect rather than authority. Trust makes it easier to have honest conversations, especially about sensitive topics such as end‑of‑life wishes, sexual health or mental wellbeing. Families and carers also feel more confident when they see that their loved ones’ preferences are honoured.
Job Satisfaction and Professional Pride
Applying person‑centred values benefits staff too. Working in this way can increase job satisfaction because you see the positive impact of truly listening to and partnering with people. The sense of pride and connection fosters motivation and reduces burnout. The Picker principles highlight that care staff deserve environments that support their wellbeing and allow them to provide high standards of care. When staff are empowered and valued, they can better support others.
Regulatory Expectations
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires providers to deliver person‑centred care and involve people in decisions. Regulation 9 states that care must be appropriate, meet people’s needs and reflect their preferences. Inspectors look for evidence that individuals are given choices, treated with dignity and involved in planning their care. Failing to work in a person‑centred way can lead to lower ratings and enforcement actions.
Embedding Person‑Centred Values in Daily Practice
Training and policies set the direction, but it is in day‑to‑day practice that values come alive. Here are some practical steps to embed person‑centred values into your routine:
- Use active listening and open communication. When talking with a person, focus fully on what they are saying. Show that you are listening through eye contact, nodding and summarising their words. Avoid interrupting and check you’ve understood correctly.
- Collaborative care planning. Involve individuals in drafting and reviewing their care plans. Ask about their goals and what is important to them. For example, someone might value attending a weekly church service — ensure this is incorporated into scheduling.
- Reflect after shifts. Take a few minutes at the end of a shift to ask yourself: Did I respect the person’s choices today? Was there a time I could have offered more independence? Reflection helps identify small changes that make big differences.
- Seek feedback. Encourage the people you support, their families and colleagues to share their experiences. If someone feels they weren’t given enough choice, thank them for telling you and explore how to improve next time.
- Learn about cultural and individual preferences. Take an interest in each person’s background, culture and lifestyle. This knowledge helps tailor support and avoid assumptions.
Model values in interactions with colleagues. Person‑centred values apply to teamwork too. Treat colleagues with respect, value their input and work together to support individuals.
A Checklist for Person‑Centred Care
Use this simple checklist as a reminder during your day:
- Have I greeted the person using their preferred name?
- Have I explained tasks and obtained consent before starting?
- Have I offered choices and respected decisions?
- Have I provided privacy during personal care and respected confidential information?
- Have I encouraged the person to do what they can for themselves?
- Have I involved the person and, where appropriate, their family in planning and reviews?
- Have I reflected on any barriers and thought about how to overcome them next time?
Common Barriers & How to Overcome Them
Even with the best intentions, barriers can make person‑centred working challenging. Recognising these obstacles helps you plan strategies to overcome them.
Time Pressure
High workloads and staff shortages can make it tempting to skip discussions or rush through tasks. However, rushing can undermine person‑centred values. To mitigate this:
- Prioritise tasks and delegate where possible.
- Build in time for conversations and involve colleagues so that no one feels overwhelmed.
- Use short check‑ins throughout the day rather than one long discussion.
Communication Difficulties
Some individuals may have difficulty expressing themselves due to dementia, learning disabilities or language barriers. Use visual aids, gestures, pictures or technology to support communication. If needed, involve speech and language therapists or interpreters. Remember to give people time to respond and avoid finishing sentences for them.
Resistance to Change
Sometimes staff or organisations have entrenched routines. Building a culture of reflection helps. Encourage team discussions about person‑centred values and share positive stories of change. Supervisors should model person‑centred behaviour and provide space for staff to raise concerns.
Power Imbalance
Power dynamics can prevent individuals from voicing their wishes. To address this, shift your mindset from “doing things for” to “doing things with.” Encourage questions and emphasise that everyone’s perspective is valued.
The Role of the Care Certificate in Developing Person‑Centred Skills
Standard 5: Work in a Person‑Centred Way
The Care Certificate sets out 15 standards that new care workers must achieve. Standard 5 focuses on working in a person‑centred way, which includes understanding person‑centred values, promoting them through your actions and involving individuals in decision‑making. The workbook explains that working in a person‑centred way means partnering with the individual to plan care and support. People should be involved in the design and delivery of the services they access, and the public should be involved in decisions about services provided for their community.
Standard 5 requires care workers to:
- Define person‑centred values and explain why they are important.
- Demonstrate how to apply these values in day‑to‑day practice.
- Explain the importance of working in partnership.
- Show how to find out the history, preferences, wishes and needs of individuals.
- Provide examples of active participation and partnership.
By achieving this standard, care workers develop the skills and awareness needed to put values into practice and reflect on their actions.
Links to Other Standards
Person‑centred values underpin many other Care Certificate standards. For instance:
- Standard 6 (Communication) – Effective communication is essential for listening and involving individuals. It includes adapting to different communication styles and checking understanding.
- Standard 7 (Privacy and Dignity) – this standard aligns closely with the values of privacy and respect. It covers maintaining confidentiality, providing personal space and supporting individuals to maintain their dignity during care.
- Standard 8 (Fluids and Nutrition) – people should be involved in meal planning and supported to eat independently where possible. Respecting choice includes offering culturally appropriate foods.
- Standard 9 (Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities) – understanding mental health and cognitive conditions helps you tailor support. It emphasises empathy, respect and finding ways to involve individuals in decisions.
By viewing the Care Certificate standards together, it becomes clear that person‑centred values are not an isolated topic but a thread that runs through all aspects of care.
Conclusion
Person‑centred values form the foundation of compassionate, dignified care. When care workers respect individuality, champion choice and foster independence, individuals feel valued and empowered. Upholding privacy, working in partnership and demonstrating dignity and respect ensure that care is not just about tasks but about meaningful relationships. These values are reinforced by the NHS Constitution, which stresses that respect, dignity and compassion improve patient outcomes.
For structured learning and practical guidance, explore our Care Certificate Online Training Course. It offers step‑by‑step support to embed person‑centred values in your practice, ensuring you meet Standard 5 and deliver care that honours the rights, preferences and dignity of every person.
Care Certificate Course - Standards (1 to 16)
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Person-centred values include respect, dignity, individuality, privacy, rights, choice, and independence. These values shape how care is delivered every day. For example, knocking before entering someone’s room, supporting them to make their own choices about meals or routines, and encouraging them to do things for themselves all demonstrate respect and promote independence. Such small, thoughtful actions help people feel valued, safe, and in control of their own care.
“Work in a Person-Centred Way” is Standard 5 of the Care Certificate. It focuses on ensuring that care revolves around the person, not just the task. This means listening to what matters to the individual, involving them in decisions about their care, and adapting support to their preferences and values. By doing so, workers respect each person’s dignity, independence, and right to make choices about their own life.
The main principles of person-centred care are choice, dignity, respect, independence, rights, and partnership. These principles emphasise that care should be delivered with compassion and collaboration. Upholding them means giving people control over their own care, protecting their rights, and treating them as equal partners in decisions that affect their wellbeing.
Examples of person-centred care include creating care plans that reflect a person’s preferences and goals, involving them in decisions about daily activities, and supporting independence wherever possible. This might mean offering choices about meals, routines, or who provides their care. Person-centred care is about recognising individuality, preserving dignity, and building trusting relationships through empathy and respect.
