Checklist of core duties - Ensuring assessment is appropriate and proportionate

• The local authority must carry out assessments in a manner that is appropriate and proportionate to the needs and circumstances of the person to whom each relates. This must include consideration of the person’s wishes and preferences, desired outcomes and the severity and overall extent of their needs.
• The local authority must provide as much information as possible about the assessment process, in a format that is accessible for the person (individual or their carer) from their very first contact with the process.
• Local authorities must consider what preventative services might help the individual (or their carer) to achieve their desired outcomes and how they, their support network and the wider community can contribute to this and thus improve their wellbeing.
• Local authorities must consider the impact of the individual’s needs being assessed on anyone who cares for the individual and their wider family. Where a young carer is identified, the local authority must undertake a young carer’s assessment under Part 3 of the Children Act 1989.
• The process of assessment must be person-centred and collaborative, involving the person and supporting them to be involved in the assessment. The aim is to get a full picture of the person and their needs, the desired outcomes and the impact of those needs on their wellbeing, focusing on how care and support can improve the wellbeing of the person.
• The local authority must involve any individual that the adult with care and support needs, or the carer with support needs, wants to be involved in the assessment.
• Local authorities must ensure that duties around safeguarding (see Guidance Chapter 14), independent advocacy (see Guidance Chapter 7) and assessing mental capacity (see Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice) are met.
• It is important to ensure the individual is capable of engaging in the assessment process and provide additional support if not.
• Local authorities must ensure that where the assessor does not have the necessary knowledge of a particular condition or circumstance, they consult someone who has relevant expertise, such as a health professional or expert within the local authority.
• Where an adult’s needs fluctuate, the local authority must take into account the individual’s circumstances over such a period as it considers necessary to establish accurately the individual’s level of needs.
• Local authorities must ensure, when choosing to delegate assessment, that the body carrying out an assessment complies with all the requirements and fulfils all relevant duties under the Act and regulations.