What is Positive Risk Management?

7.1    Risk is often perceived in terms of danger, loss, threat, damage or injury but as well as these negative aspects; it can also have positive benefits for individuals and their communities. Steve Morgan defines positive risk management as: 

“Weighing up the potential benefits and harms of exercising one choice of action over another (by) Identifying the potential risks involved, and developing plans and actions that reflect the positive potentials and stated priorities of the service user. It involves using available resources and support to achieve the desired outcomes. It is not negligent ignorance of the potential risks....it is usually a very carefully thought out strategy for managing a specific situation or set of circumstances.”1 

7.2    In reality this means for staff: 

• Being empowering and person centred 
• Working in partnership with people, carers and advocates 
• Making sure the individual’s voice is heard 
• Developing an understanding of the responsibilities of each party 
• Helping people and their carers to access opportunities and take worthwhile chances 
• Developing trusting working relationships 
• Helping people who use/ purchase services to learn from their experiences 
• Understanding the consequences of actions 
• Making decisions based on all the choices available and accurate information 
• Being positive about potential risks when promoting independence 
• Understanding a person’s strengths, skills and abilities 
• Knowing what has worked or not in the past 
• Where problems have arisen, understanding why 
• Ensuring support and advocacy are available to those people who are vulnerable or perceive themselves to be vulnerable
• Always accepting short term risks for long term gains unless there are clearly identified and agreed reasons for not doing so 
• Regular reassessments to consider reducing support to promote a culture of independence 
• Understanding the different perspectives of disabled adults and older people, carers, practitioners, advocates and service providers 
• Adopting person-centred and transition planning for both young people and adults to support their involvement and that of their families and other involved professionals in decision-making 
• Ensuring that staff use the guidance and procedures with support and supervision from their immediate line manager