CuraFlow DC-D31CQCSection D · Care and Support Delivery
Restrictive Practice Restraint and Least Restrictive Option policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Restrictive practice takes many forms, and this policy names them and sets out a position on their use. Necessity, proportionality and least restriction are the guiding principles, with sections on preventing the need for restriction, blanket restrictions, chemical restraint and medication, and the particular questions raised when someone is in their own home.
What this policy covers
- Our position on restrictive practice
- The legal and good-practice basis
- The many forms of restrictive practice
- The principles — necessity, proportionality, least restriction
- Preventing the need for restrictive practice
- Blanket restrictions
- Chemical restraint and medication
- Restrictive practice in a person’s own home
- Authorisation and lawful basis
- If restraint is ever used — safe practice
- Recording, reporting and notifications
- Post-incident review, debrief and support
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 9, 10, 11, 13 and 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Equality Act 2010
Common questions
- Is the restrictive practice restraint and least restrictive option policy CQC-aligned?
- Yes. It is written and reviewed by practising UK compliance consultants against current CQC expectations, and supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 9, 10, 11, 13 and 20. It is a controlled starting-point document that you adapt to your own service — you remain the accountable provider.
- Can I download and edit this policy?
- Yes. It downloads as Word (.docx) or PDF with your company name, registered manager, CQC ID and address already filled in on the cover page and throughout the document. The Word version is fully editable.
- Can I buy this policy on its own?
- Policies are sold as a complete library rather than individually, because CQC expects a coherent set that cross-references properly — a single policy in isolation creates gaps. The domiciliary care library contains 141 policies and can be bought outright as a one-off purchase and kept permanently.
- How often is it reviewed?
- The library is re-reviewed every six months and after any material regulatory change. This policy was last reviewed 1 June 2026, and is at version 1.0. Updates reach you automatically, so downloads always reflect the current version.