Promoting safety and positive risk taking

This chapter addresses the balance between safeguarding and enabling, a key tension in values-based practice. It critiques overly risk-averse approaches that, while well intentioned, may become oppressive and disempowering. The authors argue for positive risk taking as an ethical imperative, especially when working with adults who are competent to make their own decisions. Drawing on examples from mental health and eldercare, the chapter illustrates how professionals can support autonomy while still acting responsibly. It introduces the concept of ‘managed risk’ and provides practical strategies for negotiating conflicts between duty of care and respect for choice. The discussion emphasizes that dignity involves risk and that values-based practice must resist the urge to play it safe at the cost of a person’s humanity.