Policy centre

Duty of care and dignity of risk

policy summary

Duty of care is our legal responsibility to take reasonable care not to cause foreseeable harm. Dignity of risk is your right to make your own choices and learn from experience. This policy explains how we balance the two.

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Summary

What this policy

means for you

Why balance matters

When duty of care and dignity of risk are balanced, positive risk-taking improves independence, health and social connection. Too much caution can leave people feeling over-protected and patronised.

How we make decisions

We consider your past experience, your wishes, goals and values, the situation, and how likely and serious any harm could be.

When there's a real risk of harm

If there's a reasonable and foreseeable chance of significant harm, we'll talk it through with you, adjust the activity or environment, or help you do it safely. Stopping an activity is a last resort, and we'll always explain why.

Your right to take risks

Like all adults, you have the right to take risks and learn from experience. Your choices will be supported as far as practicable, and a dignity of risk decision will never be a reason to withdraw or deny services.

Breaches

We investigate any allegation that duty of care or dignity of risk has been breached, which may lead to disciplinary action.

Who and what it applies to

All areas of our service, and everyone who works with us.

Last updated: 28 July 2026

Standards and legislation

✓ NDIS Practice Standards 1.4.2: Independence and informed choice

✓ NDIS (Quality Indicators for NDIS Practice Standards) Guidelines 2018

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Duty of care and dignity of risk

What this policy

Why balance matters

How we make decisions

When there's a real risk of harm

Your right to take risks

Breaches

Who and what it applies to

Standards and legislation

Not finding what

Call us

Email us

Make a referral

Send us a message