Outcome 1j. Explain the difference between legislation, codes of practice and workplace policies

• Legislation and regulations – government lead, implemented, monitored.
• Code of practice and policies – salon lead, implemented, monitored.

CODES OF PRACTICE AND WORKPLACE POLICIES
In everything we do in life there are right and wrong ways of doing things so, to make sure we do things correctly, we have to follow rules. In the workplace, these rules could be official UK laws or your salon’s rules.

CODES OF PRACTICE
A code of practice is a set of written guidelines for members of some professions or occupations. These guidelines provide best-practice guidance on behaviour and the standards expected within the profession. HABIA, is the standard-setting body for the beauty therapy, nails and spa industries, has written codes of practice for all of these industries, including codes of practice for:
■ beauty therapy
■ nail services
■ waxing services.

Professional organisations that you might choose to belong to will have their own codes of practice.
A code of practice will include guidance on:
■ dress codes for the salon
■ hygiene control
■ operational procedures
■ salon safety

WORKPLACE POLICIES
Workplace policies are rules put in place by a business specifically for its employees.

Policies might include:
■ how you should meet, greet and treat clients
■ how to behave in the salon
■ how you must maintain the salon’s hygiene and interior
■ how to dispose of the salon’s waste
■ booking annual leave
■ the salon’s appeal and grievance procedures
■ the salon’s procedures for dealing with emergencies

It is important that salon staff follow workplace policies; otherwise they might be dismissed from work if someone’s safety is put at risk due to their negligence.

Conduct
One of your workplace’s policies is likely to relate to conduct. Your conduct should reflect the standard expected of you in the salon and reduce the risk of harm to yourself and others. You are representing your salon and the image you give of yourself has an impact on the whole business. Always act professionally, speak politely to visitors and clients and promote equality and diversity for all