6 Cs of Care: What They Are and Why They Matter

What are the 6 Cs of care?

6 Cs of care were introduced in 2012 as part of the Compassion in Practice strategy, developed by NHS England. The aim was to create a clear set of values that all staff working in health and social care could follow.

The 6 Cs include Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. These values are guiding principles for person-centred working. Furthermore, they form the foundation of good practice in health and social care, shaping how care professionals approach their work every day.

The 6 Cs of care explained

Care

To begin with, care is at the heart of everything in health and social care. It means providing care and support that meet individual needs and preferences in a thoughtful and appropriate way. In addition, care is about promoting wellbeing, improving lives, and showing that people matter.

Compassion

Next, compassion means more than being kind. It is about delivering care with kindness, empathy, and genuine concern for others. In practice, this might mean taking time to listen, being patient, or simply offering a reassuring word. Compassion builds trust and makes people feel valued.

Competence

In addition, competence refers to having the right skills, knowledge, and ability to deliver care safely and effectively. This means understanding best practices, staying up to date with training, and knowing when to ask for help. Competence helps ensure high-quality care at every level.

Communication

Equally important is communication. It includes listening, explaining things clearly, using plain language, and recording important information accurately and respectfully. Good communication prevents mistakes, builds stronger relationships, and makes people feel heard and respected.

Courage

Courage means doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. This involves speaking up about poor practice, trying new ways of working, or supporting someone through a difficult decision. Courage helps protect people and improve care standards.

Commitment

Finally, commitment is about being dedicated to providing high-quality care and continuously improving. It means turning up on time, being dependable, and always striving to do better. Care professionals with strong commitment stay focused on their purpose: improving the lives of others.

Examples of the 6 Cs in health and social care

“I am constantly presented with examples of how you all work together and show those principles … together with the 6 Cs.”
– Jane Cummings, former NHS England Chief Nursing Officer

Understanding the 6 Cs of care is important. However, putting them into action is where they truly come to life.

Here are some examples of each value in everyday care settings:

Care

For instance, a support worker tailors a care plan to suit a service user's personal preferences and health needs. They take time to understand the person’s cultural background, daily routines, and emotional triggers. By involving the individual in every decision — from meal choices to medication schedules — the worker ensures the care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally supportive. Also, they review it regularly and involve the person at every step, helping them feel in control of their own care and support.

Compassion

For example, a nurse notices an individual showing signs of distress during a routine check-up. Instead of moving on quickly, they listen to their concerns and offer reassurance. This kind of compassionate care helps the person feel safe and respected, which can significantly improve their emotional wellbeing and recovery.

Competence

Likewise, a care worker completes training on infection prevention and control. They apply this knowledge when supporting people with hygiene needs, using PPE correctly and checking for updates — showing they’re confident and capable.

Communication

Another example is when a team member supports someone with limited verbal communication to understand their care routine. They use visual timetables, gestures, and simple language to explain daily routines. They also maintain open communication with the individual’s family, ensuring everyone is aligned. Furthermore, they check in regularly, ask for feedback, and keep records up to date. Good communication like this supports trust and understanding.

Courage

Similarly, a junior staff member sees something unsafe in a care home and reports it, even though they feel nervous about speaking up. Their courage helps to prevent harm and improve the quality of care for everyone.

Commitment

Lastly, a care assistant stays late to help a new resident settle in on their first night. They go the extra mile to ensure the person feels welcome and comfortable — demonstrating dedication to their role and the people they support. Their commitment goes beyond their job description — it reflects a deep dedication to enhancing the lives of those they support.

The 6 Cs and person-centred working

Each of the 6 Cs of care is closely linked to person-centred working. This means placing the person at the centre of their care, rather than expecting them to fit into existing systems or routines.

In person-centred care, caregivers build support around what matters most to the individual. Care professionals take the time to understand an individual’s needs, wishes, and goals.

To conclude, the 6 Cs provide a strong foundation for this approach:

• Care ensures the person’s physical, emotional, and social needs are met.

• Compassion allows care professionals to build trust and understanding.

• Competence ensures that caregivers deliver care safely and confidently.

• Communication helps everyone stay informed and involved.

• Courage means speaking up, trying new ways of working, and doing the right thing.

• Commitment keeps teams focused on continuous improvement.

Above all, when care services embed the 6 Cs, people feel listened to, respected, and supported. This is why they are central to successful caring across health and social care settings.

Our person-centred course, backed by research and evidence, offers practical guidance on embracing new ways of working. The course explores how the 6 Cs of care support person-centred values such as empathy, respect, and dignity.