Embedding Positive Risk-Taking in Supported Living: Enabling Real Independence Safely

Positive risk-taking is at the heart of high-quality supported living. It reflects the principle that adults have the right to try new things, make choices, learn from mistakes and grow — just like anyone else. Overly cautious practice can unintentionally restrict independence and reduce quality of life, which is why commissioners now expect providers to demonstrate a structured, values-led approach to positive risk-taking.

This guide builds on principles linked to positive risk-taking, Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) and PBS-informed approaches that place autonomy, dignity and co-production at the centre of support.

1. Understanding what “positive risk-taking” really means

Positive risk-taking is not about being careless or endorsing unsafe decisions. Instead, it involves:

• balancing independence with protection
• supporting people to grow through managed risk
• ensuring restrictions are only used when absolutely necessary
• proactively planning for challenges with proportionate controls

It encourages people to participate fully in community life — cooking, travelling, forming relationships, volunteering — without unnecessary barriers.

2. Starting with strengths, choices and goals

Effective risk decisions begin with the person’s goals, not their risks. What are they trying to achieve? What matters most to them? This might include:

• going out independently
• building new friendships or relationships
• volunteering or employment
• attending clubs, events or groups
• learning to cook or manage medication

Once goals are clear, staff can assess what support, safeguards or technology are required to make these steps safe and achievable.

3. Co-producing risk decisions

Positive risk-taking must be fully co-produced. People should be involved in assessing benefits, identifying potential challenges and agreeing safety measures. Co-production tools include:

• visual decision-making charts
• “What’s the worry?” and “What will help?” conversations
• plain-language risk summaries
• support from SALT where communication needs are present
• family/advocate involvement when appropriate

This approach ensures that decisions reflect the person’s preferences rather than professional assumptions.

4. Using graded exposure to build confidence

Positive risk-taking should be incremental. People grow safest when new experiences are introduced gradually. Examples:

• Travel training: staff walk the route → shadow from a distance → check-in calls → full independence.
• Cooking: joint cooking → staff in the same room → staff nearby → independence supported by heat sensors.
• Community access: group activities → supported solo activity → solo activity with GPS reassurance → full autonomy.

These graded steps reduce anxiety for both individuals and staff, supporting sustainable independence.

5. Embedding technology as a safety enabler

Assistive technology makes positive risk-taking safer and less intrusive. Examples include:

• Epilepsy monitoring devices replacing constant night-time checks
• Door sensors enabling independent movement without restrictive supervision
• Heat, hob and flood sensors making kitchen independence achievable
• GPS devices supporting safe community access
• Fall detection sensors reducing the need for physical oversight

This allows staff to step back while still ensuring proportionate safety measures are in place.

6. Recording risk decisions transparently

Clear records help ensure accountability, learning and consistency. Good records should show:

• the person’s decision and their reasoning
• the potential benefits of taking the risk
• the agreed controls or graded steps
• use of technology as a least-restrictive measure
• how the plan will be reviewed

This satisfies commissioning expectations and helps staff apply decisions consistently.

7. Reviewing and adjusting regularly

Positive risk-taking is dynamic. As people gain confidence, restrictions should reduce. Reviews should take place:

• after success — to increase independence
• after incidents — to learn and adapt
• routinely (e.g., every 4–8 weeks)

This reinforces a culture of continuous improvement and empowerment.

When embedded properly, positive risk-taking transforms supported living. It builds resilience, confidence and independence — all while maintaining safe, proportionate and person-led support.

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