17.2.13 Mobile phones at work

Purpose

These instructions apply to support staff issued with mobile phones by Supported Lives and are sensible guidelines for all other users.

Health and Safety

From 1 March 2007, new legislation means using a hand-held mobile phone while driving - at work or not - will result in an automatic £30 fine, plus 3 penalty points. Drivers challenging the on-the-spot fine in court risk the penalty rising to £1000.

It is advisable to switch your phone off and take regular breaks to review messages received. Park in a suitable location to make a call.

The only exception to this regulation is when calling emergency services on 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop and make the call.

Switch off your phone when visiting a hospital.

Availability

You will be required to ensure your mobile phone is charged and switched on at all times during normal working hours that you are on shift, on standby and if you have not yet met your guaranteed hours otherwise this could effect payment of any top up.

Should you wish to pick up additional hours at short notice, you should leave your mobile phone on to enable us to contact you more easily.

It is our expectation that you will not answer your phone when driving or in the process of supporting a Client. However, a voice or text message will be left for you. You will be expected to respond to this message at your earliest convenience. You will therefore be expected to check your phone and review any messages regularly.

Private calls (if you have a company phone)

The phones are not for private use except in exceptional circumstances and private calls will therefore be a minimal proportion of phone use.

Security

It is your responsibility to keep the phone safe. It should be stored securely and never left in an unattended vehicle.
Always use your pin-code to lock and secure your phone.
When not using your phone turn it off so that the pin-code will be needed when the phone is next turned on.
Do not allow family members or friends to use your phone. Charges incurred will be your responsibility

Use whilst supporting Clients

Supported Lives consider it bad practice to make and receive personal phone calls whilst providing support to a client.

Please do not make non-urgent phone calls whilst working. Any necessary calls must be kept brief. Please reply to calls received when you have finished working with the Client.

This document was updated in March 2007