Mandatory Procedures

11.1   Identification, Assessment and Management of Risk 

A structured approach to the identification, assessment and management of risk and the review of incidents is essential as the total elimination of risk is unrealistic. Information gathering and sharing is essential when identifying and managing risk but regard must be paid to the Data Protection Act 1998 and the purpose of the data collection and who it will be shared with must be explained to people and their carers. 

11.2    Whilst a person has the right to make choices and be supported to manage any risks, if they are asking their local authority to provide help to do this, this will be, in practice, done within the local threshold for eligibility and available resources using the Prioritising Needs guidance (formerly known as FACS). For more information on FACS please see the Social Care Institute for Excellence facts about FACS. 

Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

11.3    It is neither possible to get rid of all risks and keep people safe at all costs on the one hand, nor appropriate to leave them to their own devices on the other. Staff must adopt a positive and consistent approach to risk at all times which balances the safeguarding of individuals, with support for people and carers in making their own decisions. 

11.4     Individual practitioners are expected to follow the professional code of practice set out by their professional body but risk management is about a collaborative approach to working with people, carers, families and other involved professionals.