Module 4 Video Narrative:
Strengths-Based Principles:
Interviewing for client strengths:
Recovery and a Strengths Approach:
Strengths Assessment & Plan tool:
Strengths Assessment & Plan guidance notes:
Staff Strengths Assessment:
Team Strengths Assessment:
Strengths in the workplace:
Working with Strengths checklist:
Module 2 Video Narrative:
Components in Assessing & Managing Risk:
Assessing & Managing Risk:
Risk Categories & Factors:
Risk Management:
Risk Formulation worksheet:
Sabrina Case Study ~ Working with Risk [1]:
Sabrina Case Study ~ Working with Risk [2]:
The Prediction Conundrum:
Working with Risk tool ~ Current Situation & Guidelines:
Working with Risk tool ~ Detailed Review & Guidelines:
Module 1 Video Narrative:
Definitions worksheet:
The Challenging Concept of Risk:
What Needs to Happen worksheet:
Taking risks is essentially about making decisions. Module 5 ~ Risk Decision-Making explores the complex influences on our decision-making abilities and processes. Systems 1&2 thinking, intuition, and a structured approach to making reasoned decisions form the basis of the module. However, we also need to be aware of our own biases and the need for organisational support.
Module 5 ~ Introduction:
5.1 Risk Decision-Making:
5.2 Risk Decision-Making Quotes:
5.3 Systems 1&2 Thinking:
5.4 Intuition:
5.5 Irrational Habits & Biases:
5.6 A Structured Approach to Risk Decision-Making:
5.7 Decision-Maker Qualities:
5.8 Organisational Support:
5.9 Module summary comments:
The concept of Positive Risk-Taking is a creation emerging out of what I call a Strengths Approach. The success, or otherwise, in taking a risk will be significantly underpinned by our knowledge and application of strengths (wants, desires, talents, abilities, capabilities, motivations). Module 4 ~ Working with Strengths focuses on defining a strengths approach and its evidence base; practical application of specifically designed tools; and the importance of an organisational understanding of what the approach offers.
Module 4 ~ Introduction:
4.1 Working with Strengths:
4.2 What is a strengths approach?:
4.3 Historical Context & Evidence Base:
4.4 A Strengths Approach in Practice:
4.5 Strengths Tools & Teamwork:
4.6 Strengths and the Organisational Context:
4.7 Strengths & Recovery:
4.8 Module summary comments:
Working with Risk critically involves Working with People… the focus of module 3 of this course. Engagement, collaboration, and person-centred practice are at the core of how we work with people. But, as with all aspects of risk, it’s easier said than done!
Module 3 ~ Introduction:
3.1 Working with People:
3.2 What is Person-Centred Working?:
3.3 Responsible practice:
3.4 Culture, race and risk:
3.5 Individual engagement:
3.6 Teamwork:
3.7 Module summary comments:
The content of Module 2 – Working with Risk is essentially about the mechanics of assessing and managing risk. As with so many things, risk (or risk assessment as it’s loosely referred to) is a process, not an event. It involves the challenge of working with uncertainty. But it will benefit from developing a structured approach
Module 2 ~ Introduction:
2.1 Working with Risk:
2.2 A History of Risk & Uncertainty:
2.3 What is risk Assessment?:
2.4 Prioritising risk:
2.5 How to hinder good practice:
2.6 A structured approach to good practice:
2.7 Design for good practice:
2.8 Risk formulation:
2.9 Module summary comments:
Continuing on from the 5 module summaries across my Positive Risk-Taking online course. I now offer you the content from Module 1 ~ Developing a Risk Mindset.
The key messages are about striking a balance between the negativity of fear, blame, and risk aversion on the one side, with the constructive approach of positive risk-taking on the other.
I particularly draw your attention to my definition of positive risk-taking, as in my experience over many years it has been a misunderstood concept. As always, the devil is in the detail!
Module 1 ~ Introduction:
Module 1.1 ~ Developing a Risk Mindset:
Module 1.2 ~ Fear, Blame and Risk Aversion:
Module 1.3 ~ Reflective Quotes:
Module 1.4 ~ Principles into Practice:
Module 1.5 ~ What is Positive Risk-Taking?:
Module 1.6 ~ Summary Comments:
2025 marked 31 years since I first created the concept of Positive Risk-Taking. It was founded within the broader context of Strengths-Based Practice.
2025 was also the year I finally chose the option of retirement. As much of my career was a gift to me, I can now present the module summaries and complete video/audio content of a 5-module course I developed in 2022 as a gift to you.
This course summarises much of what I thought to be important in creating and delivering best practice. It emerged out of working within and alongside UK mental health services, but I believe the content has much wider relevance and application.
Marketing was never my forte… so I’m hopeful that free access to these materials will reach a wider audience. Enjoy!
The following are the Module summaries (Video & Audio versions). In subsequent posts I intend to present the detailed content from each module.
Module 1 ~ Developing a Risk Mindset:
Module 2 ~ Working with Risk:
Module 3 ~ Working with People:
Module 4 ~ Working with Strengths:
Module 5 ~ Risk Decision Making:
You make several decisions every day, some without much conscious thought. But, every once in a while you’re challenged to make a difficult decision… either in your work, or in life in general. So, how confident are you that you’re making the best decision you can in those circumstances?
I’ve been working in and alongside a range of health and social care services since the mid-1980’s, and I’ve been involved in a wide range of big decisions. The following link offers a training session on what I take into account when making those decisions myself, or supporting others to make their big decisions.
https://event.webinarjam.com/register/25/w0y8gaoo
Our narrow focus on risk assessment and risk management may be deflecting us away from what is THE core skill… confident and reasoned risk decision-making. I’ve published the books and manuals on the subject over many years, but now I’m creating that information in a more easily accessible digital format. What have you got to lose… apart from a short amount of your valuable time? Click on the following link to get instant access to a FREE training webinar outlining my 5 simple steps to making better decisions:
https://event.webinarjam.com/register/25/w0y8gaoo
This takes my original concept of positive risk-taking and puts it into practical use.
The Strengths Revolution 