Risk, Choice, and Control: Making Safeguarding Personal in Practice
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In safeguarding conversations, the word “risk” often sets alarm bells ringing. But risk isn’t always a red flag — sometimes, it’s a right. The Care Act 2014 and Making Safeguarding Personal principles are clear: people have the right to live with risk, make their own decisions, and be supported to stay safe on their own terms.
⚖️ From Risk Aversion to Risk Enablement
Social care has moved on from “safety at all costs”. Overprotection can limit independence, damage trust, and deny people life opportunities. Instead, services should:
- Have open conversations about risk preferences and boundaries
- Work collaboratively to reduce risks — not eliminate them
- Respect informed decisions, even if they carry some risk
Empowerment is a core safeguarding principle — not a trade-off.
🧩 What Commissioners Want to See
Commissioners are asking: can your team support someone to make choices safely, even when those choices aren’t easy? This includes:
- Exploring alternatives rather than saying “no” outright
- Involving families or advocates while respecting confidentiality
- Recording and reviewing decisions without judgment
They want to see that your staff understand the balance between duty of care and individual rights.
✍️ Writing About Risk in Tenders
In your safeguarding responses, include examples of:
- Supporting people to take informed risks with dignity
- Using risk assessments to guide conversation, not restrict it
- Reviewing outcomes with the person and making adjustments
This shows that your service is not just compliant — it’s person-led.