Risk is an inevitable part of social work practice — from supporting vulnerable individuals to making complex decisions under uncertainty. This course provides a deep and structured understanding of how to assess and manage risk effectively while maintaining person-centred values. It begins by exploring the fundamental concept of risk in social work, the importance of professional judgment, and how anxiety about risk can influence decision-making. Learners will gain insights into the daily realities of “living with risk” and learn to balance protection with empowerment.

Building on this foundation, the course examines the impacts of poor risk management and introduces positive risk-taking — an approach that encourages safe autonomy and confidence among service users. You will explore real-life case examples of risk incidents and learn how to interpret their consequences within the broader context of social care and safeguarding.

The heart of the course lies in its detailed exploration of recognised models and frameworks. From the Brearley Model to advanced RAM (Risk Assessment and Management) frameworks such as RAM 1-2 through RAM 6-3, each lesson provides a clear, practical method for structuring your professional risk assessments. These models are broken down step-by-step, ensuring you understand both the theory and its application in practice.

Finally, the course concludes with guidance on implementing and reviewing risk management strategies in real-world social work environments. Learners will integrate their knowledge into a coherent practice model, reinforcing a reflective, evidence-based approach that aligns with professional standards. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to identify potential risks confidently, use established frameworks for analysis, and make sound, ethical decisions that support both safety and independence.