Control, Choice and Consent: Foundations of Person-Centred Support
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Blog 4 of 7 in our mini-series on Person-Centred Approaches: Core Principles & Values
This post looks at how control, choice and consent are not optional extras — they are the building blocks of person-centred support.
At the heart of person-centred support lies one key principle: people must have genuine control over their lives. That means not just asking for views, but actively adapting how support is delivered. Choice and consent are not optional extras — they’re fundamental rights that underpin dignity and autonomy.
🗣️ Real Choice, Not Illusion
Many providers offer the appearance of choice — such as selecting a preferred time slot or choosing between meals. But true person-centred support allows people to:
- Decide who supports them and how that support is delivered
- Shape daily routines around their lifestyle, not the service’s convenience
- Opt in or out of activities, support plans, or scheduled reviews
This requires flexible systems and a culture that treats people as leaders in their own lives, not passive recipients of a service.
✅ Embedding Consent in Everyday Practice
Consent should be continuous, not a one-off tick-box. Support staff must be trained to seek consent in every interaction — and to respect when it’s not given. This includes:
- Checking before entering a room or offering physical assistance
- Explaining what’s happening in clear, accessible language
- Recognising and honouring non-verbal cues and preferences
Where someone lacks capacity, best interest decisions must still reflect what matters to the person, including past and present wishes.
📑 How to Evidence This in Tenders
Commissioners want to see how these values translate into practice. In your tender response, show:
- How people shape their support plans and make daily choices
- How staff are trained in consent, capacity, and supported decision-making
- How choice and control are monitored through feedback and quality checks
This isn’t about ticking compliance boxes — it’s about enabling people to live lives that reflect their own values, goals and identity.
Explore all 7 blogs in our mini-series on Person-Centred Approaches: Core Principles & Values
- What Person-Centred Support Really Means – and Why It Matters in Tenders
- Personalisation in Practice: How to Embed Choice and Control
- Relationships First: Why Person-Centred Support Starts with Human Connection
- Control, Choice and Consent: Foundations of Person-Centred Support
- Relationships, Community and Belonging: The Often-Forgotten Side of Person-Centred Support
- Choice Isn’t Just About Options – It’s About Control
- Co-Production Isn’t a Buzzword – It’s a Mindset