Dignity of risk

A person’s right to make their own choices and take reasonable risks, rather than being over-protected.

What it means

Dignity of risk is the principle that people with disability have the right to make their own choices and take reasonable risks in their lives, just like anyone else. Everyday life involves risk, from choosing what to eat to travelling independently or trying something new. Taking chances is part of learning, growing and living a full life, and people with disability should not be denied that simply because they need support.

The principle exists as a counterweight to over-protection. When people are shielded from every possible risk, they can lose confidence, independence and the chance to build skills. Dignity of risk recognises that a life without any risk is also a life without much freedom or growth, and that people have the right to learn from their own decisions.

In practice

Supporting dignity of risk does not mean ignoring safety. It means giving a person clear, honest information about the choices they face, talking through the possible outcomes, and then respecting their decision. Providers balance this against their duty of care by helping the person understand and manage risk rather than removing the choice altogether.

In everyday support this might look like helping someone learn to use public transport, cook a meal, manage their own money or form new relationships. Support workers step back where they can, offer help when it is wanted, and see mistakes as part of learning. The aim is to build independence and confidence over time.

A real example

For example, Daniel wanted to catch the bus to the gym on his own instead of being driven. His support team worried he might get lost, but rather than saying no, they practised the route with him, set up a phone he could use for help, and let him try. After a few weeks Daniel was travelling confidently and proudly on his own.

Dignity of risk — FAQs

What does dignity of risk mean?
Dignity of risk means people with disability have the right to make their own choices and take reasonable risks, just like anyone else, rather than being over-protected. It recognises that taking chances is part of learning, growing and living a full life. The principle asks supporters to respect a person's decisions and help them manage risk, instead of removing choices to keep them completely safe.
Isn't taking risks dangerous?
Some risk is a normal part of everyday life for everyone, and avoiding all of it can hold a person back. Dignity of risk is about reasonable, informed risk, not reckless danger. Supporters help by giving clear information, talking through the possible outcomes, and helping the person plan. This lets someone take chances that build skills and confidence while still being supported to stay reasonably safe.
How does dignity of risk work with duty of care?
The two are balanced. Duty of care is the responsibility to take reasonable steps to keep someone safe from foreseeable harm, while dignity of risk protects their right to make choices. Good support holds both together: supporters help a person understand and manage a risk rather than simply forbidding it. Duty of care should not be used to unnecessarily restrict a person's freedom and choices.
Can a support worker stop me taking a risk?
Support workers should respect your right to make your own choices and take reasonable risks. They may share honest information and concerns to help you decide, but their role is to support you, not control you. There can be limits where there is serious, foreseeable harm to you or others, and duty of care applies. Even then, the aim is to manage risk together, not remove your choice.
How can supporters encourage dignity of risk?
Supporters encourage dignity of risk by giving clear, honest information, talking through the possible outcomes of a choice, and then respecting the person's decision. They can build skills through practice, offer help when it is wanted, and treat mistakes as learning rather than failure. Stepping back where it is safe to do so helps a person grow in confidence and independence over time.

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