Balancing Duty of Care and Dignity of Risk in Disability Support
At Interchange, we believe that good support means more than just keeping people safe—it means respecting their right to make choices, even when those choices come with some risk.
In the disability support space, this balance between duty of care and dignity of risk is essential. When done well, one doesn’t cancel out the other—they work together.
What Is Duty of Care?
Duty of care is a legal and ethical responsibility. It means taking reasonable steps to prevent harm to someone in your care.
For support workers, carers, and organisations like Interchange, this could mean stepping in when there’s a serious risk of:
Injury or death (including suicide)
Permanent disability
Legal incapacity under guardianship orders
Harm to others
But safety doesn’t mean taking away someone’s freedom. Overprotecting people can limit their independence, confidence, and sense of self.
Our role isn’t to control—it’s to support.
What Is Dignity of Risk?
Dignity of risk is about the right to take risks and make decisions—even if those decisions don’t always turn out perfectly.
It’s how we all learn and grow. Whether it’s deciding what to eat, where to live, or how to spend time, everyone has the right to make choices that reflect their goals and lifestyle.
For people with disability, that right is just as important. When they’re supported to take risks safely, they’re also supported to live more fully.
It’s Not One or the Other
For a long time, duty of care and dignity of risk were seen as two sides of a scale—where more of one meant less of the other. But we’ve learned that this doesn’t tell the full story.
Today, we understand that dignity of risk is actually part of our duty of care. Empowering people to make choices—especially informed ones—is one of the best ways to keep them safe.
Instead of stepping in too quickly, we focus on:
Building skills and confidence
Providing information and practice
Reducing vulnerability by increasing independence
What Interchange Is Doing
At Interchange, we’ve made a commitment to align all our practices with this belief. That includes:
- Regularly updating our safeguarding and duty of care policies
- Appointing a Clinical Governance Team across our services
- Reviewing and minimising the use of restrictive practices
- Creating Positive Behaviour Support Plans for people who need them
- Creating an interim Risk Management plan
- Supporting our staff to see dignity and safety as connected—not conflicting
Our approach is simple: people are safer when they’re empowered to make their own decisions.
Putting Empowerment First
When someone knows their rights, builds confidence, and is part of a strong community, they’re less vulnerable—and more in control of their life.
That’s why our duty of care includes:
Helping people understand their rights and choices
Building communication and decision-making skills
Supporting physical health, financial stability, and independence
Encouraging self-worth, identity, and personal passions
So, What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re a person with disability, a family member, or a support worker—knowing how to balance safety with choice helps build trust, independence, and stronger outcomes.
At Interchange, we’re here to support you to:
Make confident, informed decisions
Feel safe and heard
Live life on your terms—with the right supports around you
Let’s Work Together
📞 Call us today to chat with our team
💬 Or get in touch online to find out how we support people to live well—with dignity, safety, and choice.
Belonging starts with being heard. Tell us what matters to you—and we’ll listen.