Risk Enablement Plans: Turning Positive Risk-Taking into Day-to-Day Practice
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Positive risk-taking only becomes meaningful when it is translated into clear, practical risk enablement plans that guide daily support. In older people’s services, these plans provide the bridge between values-led care and operational consistency. They ensure staff understand what risks are agreed, how they are managed, and how decisions are reviewed and evidenced over time.
This article links closely with person-centred planning and positive risk-taking as core elements of high-quality support.
What a risk enablement plan is – and is not
A risk enablement plan is not a generic risk assessment or a list of prohibitions. It is a dynamic document that sets out agreed risks, the rationale for accepting them, and the measures in place to reduce harm while preserving choice.
Effective plans are co-produced, proportionate and regularly reviewed, ensuring they remain relevant as needs and abilities change.
Operational example 1: Community access enablement
Context: An older person wanted to continue using public transport independently.
Support approach: A travel risk enablement plan was developed following observation and discussion.
Day-to-day delivery: Staff practiced routes, agreed contingency actions, and recorded travel outcomes.
Evidence of effectiveness: Travel logs showed consistent safe journeys and increased independence.
Operational example 2: Managing medication autonomy
Context: An individual wished to self-administer medication despite memory concerns.
Support approach: Risks were assessed with pharmacy input and assistive technology introduced.
Day-to-day delivery: Staff completed spot checks and recorded compliance.
Evidence of effectiveness: Audit data showed improved adherence with no medication errors.
Operational example 3: Supporting intimate relationships
Context: A resident entered a new relationship within a care setting.
Support approach: Capacity and safeguarding considerations were assessed and documented.
Day-to-day delivery: Privacy was supported while maintaining oversight.
Evidence of effectiveness: Reviews showed no safeguarding concerns and improved emotional wellbeing.
Commissioner expectation
Commissioners expect risk enablement plans to demonstrate how independence reduces reliance on commissioned hours while maintaining safety and accountability.
Regulator expectation (CQC)
CQC expects clear evidence that risks are agreed with the person, regularly reviewed, and that restrictive practices are avoided unless clearly justified.
Governance and assurance
High-performing services monitor enablement plans through audits, supervision discussions and incident trend analysis. Learning is fed back into practice, ensuring continuous improvement.
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