Uniform and personal appearance guidance

General guidelines

On University-based days, you can wear personal clothing. Uniforms are provided for placement areas ONLY. You will order your uniforms online for 2023/24 academic year. Please follow the instructions given by Student Services prior to your programme commencement date.

Uniforms can be adapted to take account of cultural and/or religious requirements. If you would like your uniform adapted for this purpose please inform the Head of Student and Academic Services and/or the Student Services team. Any adaptations must conform to infection control practices.

You are expected to familiarise yourself with the dress code or uniform policy for your placement area and comply fully with those requirements. If you do not adhere to the dress code or uniform policy your practice assessor may consider this as evidence that you are failing to meet professional expectations and values. If you are not sure what dress is appropriate, please discuss it with your practice assessor.

When sessions are facilitated in the CSU, it is expected that students will wear uniform for any simulated learning activities.

Should you have any queries regarding your uniform (fitting, fit for wear etc.), please contact Student Services.

Travelling in uniform

The wearing of uniform outside of your practice placement setting is not permitted unless on specific practice related activity and permission has been granted by your practice assessor. This recommendation is made for the safety and security of all staff and patients/clients and to minimise the risk of cross infection.

If you are required to escort a patient / woman for on-going care and are required to return by public transport, suitable arrangements prior to departure should be made to enable you to return in appropriate clothing.

Requests to wear uniform outside of practice placements for formal occasions, or where promoting the University, must be authorised by the relevant programme leader.

Laundering of uniforms

Most of the NHS Trusts do not have their own laundries but use external companies to launder uniforms. Students can use this service but should be aware that it may take some time for their uniform to be returned to the Trust.

Should you choose not to send your uniforms to the external laundry services and choose to launder uniforms at home then you should take note of the following advice:

Segregation:

• Used uniform should be kept separate at all times from clean uniform.

• Ensure all items such as pens, coins, tissues and make-up are removed from pockets.

• Apply good hand hygiene practice utilising soap and warm water before handling clean uniform and after handing soiled uniform. 

Temperature:

• All uniform should be laundered at the highest temperature suitable for the fabric as per the care label and guidance below.

Detergents:

• Use a detergent that is suitable for your skin type.

• Do not add bleaches to the wash process or use for a ‘whitening’ effect.

Tumble drying/ ironing:

• Uniform may be ironed or tumble dried as per the care label and guidance below. 

Storage & transportation:

• Ensure laundered uniform is stored separately from used uniform.

• Ensure all storage and transportation facilities are clean and washed regularly.

Uniform return

Students are expected to return all required uniform items to Student Services in a laundered condition when they leave their programme.