👕 Uniform, Dress Code & Identification Requirements
🧭 Purpose
This policy ensures all Torrens Health employees present a professional image that reflects the organisation’s values of safety, respect, and excellence.
It also ensures compliance with the Operations Management System Policy Directive 3: Uniform / Dress Code and Appearance (TiMS Section 9 OMS).
👩⚕️ 1. Field Staff Requirements
Uniform Standards
Field staff (e.g. nurses, carers, and support workers) must attend all shifts in uniform unless client requirements specify otherwise (e.g. some mental health or disability services).
Attire must always be suitable for the work environment.
Allocation
Field staff receive a minimum of:
Two (2) Torrens Health polo shirts or
Two (2) sets of scrubs
If no shifts are completed within three (3) months of employment, uniforms must be returned in their original condition (with tags attached).
Dress Code
Uniform shirts must be worn with black or navy blue pants, skirt, or culottes.
Shoes must be:
Safe, non-slip, and fully enclosed
Black or navy in colour (including sneakers without contrasting logos)
Heels must not exceed 4 cm
Additional uniform items (polo shirts, scrubs, blouses) may be purchased if required.
🧑💼 2. Operational & Administration Employees
Dress Code
Must wear the Torrens Health uniform unless advised otherwise (e.g. Charitable Casual Day).
Uniform allocation:
Full-time staff: 4 polo shirts
Casual staff: 2 polo shirts
Staff may exchange 2 polos for 1 business shirt or blouse
Pants, skirts, or culottes must be black or navy blue, supplied by the employee.
Shoes must meet the same safety and colour standards as field staff.
Additional Notes
Extra uniforms may be purchased through the approved supplier.
Staff representing Torrens Health at external events (seminars, client visits, conferences) must adhere to this same standard.
🧑💼 3. Management & Shared Services Staff
May choose to wear a uniform shirt or smart casual attire that reflects professionalism.
Clothing must be neat, clean, and wrinkle-free, and appropriate for the workplace.
Acceptable Attire
Collared shirts or blouses
Tailored pants, skirts, or dresses
Unacceptable Attire
Ripped or distressed jeans
Overly casual t-shirts
Athletic wear
Flip-flops or open sandals
Presentation
Clothing with logos, slogans, or images that may be offensive or inappropriate is not permitted.
Shoes must remain enclosed, non-slip, and have heels below 4 cm.
🪪 4. Identification Badges & Security Passes
Torrens Health and/or client-issued identification badges and security passes must be worn at all times while on duty or on-site (including in-home care environments).
ID must be displayed clearly and visibly on the upper body (as shown in TiMS Figure 16).
Badges assist with workplace security, client reassurance, and professional identification.
💵 5. Reimbursement & Allowances
Clothing & Footwear Reimbursement
Employees engaged in duties that damage uniforms or clothing (e.g. maintenance, goods handling) will be reimbursed the cost of uniforms or protective wear, unless provided free of charge.
Employees regularly working in wet or damaging environments (e.g. hosed-down surfaces, muddy conditions) will be reimbursed for protective footwear, unless provided by the company.
Laundering
Field staff receive an allowance to cover uniform laundering costs.
💅 6. Personal Appearance & Hygiene
Clothing must be clean, ironed, and well-maintained.
Personal hygiene must be prioritised.
Avoid strong perfumes or deodorants that may affect clients with sensitivities.
Hair should be clean, neat, and tied back if long.
Makeup, nail polish, and jewellery should be kept minimal and professional.
Facial piercings should be limited to small studs or covered during work hours.
🏢 7. External Representation
Employees representing Torrens Health at external functions or client visits must comply with the same dress code standards as internal staff and maintain a professional appearance that upholds the company’s reputation.