Risk, Choice, and Control: Making Safeguarding Personal in Practice
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.
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
- ✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite
- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins
🔁 Prefer Flexible Monthly Support?
If you regularly handle tenders, frameworks or call-offs, a Monthly Bid Support Retainer may be a better fit.
- Guaranteed hours each month (1, 2, 4 or 8 days)
- Discounted day rates vs ad-hoc consultancy
- Use time flexibly across bids, triage, library updates, renewals
- One-month rollover (fair-use rules applied)
- Cancel anytime before next billing date
🚀 Ready to Win Your Next Bid?
Chat on WhatsApp or email Mike.Harrison@impact-guru.co.uk
Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)