Post on 18-Dec-2015
we’re supporting people who use services, and carers
May 2011
Learning to live with risk
(1) An introduction for service providers in adult social care
Why focus on risk now?
Policy drive to give ‘choice and control’ Support for self-directed care Enabling people to take risks they choose DH framework for risk management Concerns about increasing risk Concerns about risk-averse services
Shouldn’t a good service avoid risks?
What reasons could there be to avoid supporting people who use services to
take risks?
Know the law
CIVIL Negligence Balance of
probabilities Compensation
CRIMINAL Recklessness Beyond
reasonable doubt Punishment
Some key concepts
Evidence Facts Record keeping
Blame Liability Vicarious liability
Sue Insurance Complaints Inquiries Professional misconduct
Good practice – sound and safe
Vicarious liability Employer risk Good practice Beneficial outcomes Good practice Best defence Good practice Professional standards Good records Risk decisions show
standards met Employer action Poor practice even if
no harm done
Ensuring best practice
Ensure: All reasonable steps have been taken Reliable assessment methods have been used Information has been collated and thoroughly evaluated Decisions are recorded, communicated and thoroughly
evaluated Policies and procedures have been followed Practitioners and their managers adopt an investigative
approach and are proactive
Risk guidance for people with dementia (DH 2010)
Some key concepts Supported decision
making: choice rights and
responsibility consent capacity (mental)
Action and inaction Outcomes Benefit Harm Likelihood
Sharing power
Do you know what good practice looks like? How do you involve people who use your service in
running it? You want to be innovative and cost-effective – what
steps do you take to engage the practitioner workforce in judging the risks?
Do you have a whistle-blowing policy? What is the role of managers in setting and
maintaining professional standards?
Employers should be alert to:
Professional standards Inspectorate standards Better ways of organising work Blame Value conflicts Retention Consistency and continuity Morale and satisfaction Dangerous people Continuing professional development Celebrating good practice
Developing a model risk-taking policy
Values and principles A ‘statement of purpose’ Beneficial outcomes anticipated Professional standards Identified constraints Position on controversial issues Associated procedure Endorsements Acknowledgements Consultation Review arrangements