CCTV in care homes


Covert surveillance of staff has become a controversial issue in the care sector. The Care Quality Commission published guidance around the appropriate use of hidden or open video cameras in care homes in February 2015. This followed a number of cases of mistreatment of patients that were exposed by hidden cameras. 


GMB national officer Justin Bowden said that there was “a degree of inevitability about cameras in care home resident’s rooms” and also in the private homes of individuals receiving care. Following consultation with members, the GMB have set out five tests that should be applied when considering their use. These are: 


• What would be the purpose of each camera being introduced?


• Has the prior consent and views of the residents been obtained?


• How is the system regulated?


• Who will have access to the footage and when? How will it be kept secure?


• Could the money be better spent elsewhere?”


The GMB applies these five tests in practical discussions with care home providers.


In 2014, the GMB published the results of a survey of 2,000 members working for care provider HC-One. It showed that whilst 40 % were opposed to the introduction of visible cameras in care homes, a majority were relaxed about it and believed in the right circumstances it could provide some degree of protection to them and residents.


The main reasons for opposition and concern from GMB members working in care, including from those supporting their introduction, were:


• the dignity and privacy of the residents; and


• that cameras could never be a substitute for good care and, in a chronically underfunded sector, a huge majority of GMB members thought the money could be better spent elsewhere.