Dignity

The Gateshead Safeguarding Adults Board is committed to improving Dignity for people in Gateshead. 

The Dignity Policy (PDF, 326 KB) outlines what is meant by the term 'Dignity' and how it applies to services used by adults in Gateshead. The Policy contains the Dignity in Gateshead Charter which clearly sets out what is expected from all our services and provides information for service users, carers, employees and residents about our eight Dignity Principles.

We encourage practitioners in Gateshead to become Dignity Champions. A Dignity Champion is someone who believes passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra. 

Dignity Champions are willing to:

• stand up and challenge disrespectful behaviour
• act as good role models by treating other people with respect, particularly those who are less able to stand up for themselves
• speak up about dignity to improve the way that services are organised and delivered
• influence and inform colleagues
• listen to and understand the views and experiences of citizens.

You can sign up to being a Dignity Champion online via the National Dignity Council.