‘Doing Risk Better’: A Relational, Transparent and Collaborative Approach

In this paper we consider and critique the way the concept of risk has come to shape practice in health and social care contexts in the UK, arguing that the approach places an undue emphasis on ‘technical’ methods of evaluating risk, allows for little inclusion of client perspectives, and how risk goes beyond the individual, and leaves individual clinicians burdened with a sense of carrying sole responsibility for ensuring clients' safety. We outline developments which draw upon more systemic and relational ideas regarding risk, drawing upon practices of transparency and collaboration, going on to describe a series of 5 service development initiatives making use of an appreciative inquiry approach to encourage teams to develop their practice in relation to risk, drawing upon these ideas and practices. While the evidence of the impact of these interventions is limited, we argue that it is sufficient to warrant further work in this area.