Positive Risk-Taking in Adult Social Care: Principles, Practice and Governance
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Positive risk-taking is a core element of modern adult social care, enabling people to live meaningful lives while remaining safe. Commissioners and regulators increasingly expect providers to evidence how risk is enabled rather than avoided. This approach aligns closely with strengths-based approaches and must be clearly demonstrated through recording and evidencing person-centred care.
What positive risk-taking means in practice
Positive risk-taking involves supporting individuals to make informed choices, even where those choices carry some degree of risk.
It recognises that eliminating all risk often leads to over-restriction, reduced independence and poorer outcomes.
Operational example: everyday living choices
Providers enable positive risk-taking by supporting individuals to:
• prepare meals independently with agreed controls
• manage medication with graded support
• travel independently using risk-managed plans
Risks are assessed, mitigated and reviewed rather than avoided.
Operational example: community participation
Positive risk-taking supports access to:
• social activities
• employment or volunteering
• new or unfamiliar environments
Support is adjusted as confidence and capability develop.
Operational example: reducing restrictive practices
Providers use risk enablement to:
• reduce constant supervision
• remove blanket restrictions
• promote choice and control
This supports rights-based and least-restrictive practice.
Commissioner expectations
Commissioners expect providers to demonstrate:
• proportionate risk assessment processes
• involvement of individuals and families
• clear links between risk decisions and outcomes
Risk-averse cultures are increasingly challenged.
Regulatory and inspection focus
CQC inspectors assess whether:
• risk decisions are person-centred
• staff understand positive risk-taking
• safeguarding remains effective
Governance and assurance
Effective governance includes:
• senior oversight of complex risks
• regular risk reviews
• learning from incidents and near misses
Outcomes and impact
Well-governed positive risk-taking improves independence, wellbeing and satisfaction while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
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