Positive Risk-Taking in Social Care: It’s Not About Being Reckless
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When commissioners see the phrase “positive risk-taking,” they often brace for impact. Too many tenders drop the term without explaining it, raising questions rather than confidence. But when done right, positive risk-taking is not reckless — it’s empowering, ethical, and grounded in the rights of the person receiving care.
💡 What Is Positive Risk-Taking?
At its core, positive risk-taking is about enabling people to make informed choices — even if those choices carry some risk. It's based on the idea that a life without risk is often a life without autonomy, purpose, or dignity.
Think of it this way: the same risks we take every day (crossing the street, making a new friend, trying a new food) don’t disappear for people in care settings — they just need the right support to make those choices safely.
⚖️ Striking the Right Balance
In practice, positive risk-taking means balancing:
- 🔹 The person's wishes, preferences, and goals
- 🔹 The duty of care to keep them and others safe
- 🔹 The least restrictive approach possible
It’s not about taking risk lightly — it’s about planning carefully, communicating clearly, and documenting decisions.
📝 How to Evidence It in Tenders
If you're submitting a tender response, don’t just say "we support positive risk-taking." Instead, demonstrate:
- ✅ That you use individual risk assessments tailored to each person
- ✅ That you involve the individual and their circle of support in decision-making
- ✅ That you record best interest decisions where capacity is lacking
- ✅ That your staff are trained and supported to take balanced decisions, not avoid risk at all costs
🌱 It’s About Living, Not Just Surviving
The goal of social care is not just to protect — it's to enable people to live the lives they choose. Positive risk-taking, when done well, shows commissioners that you understand this, and that you're ready to deliver care that respects rights while maintaining safety.