Consent in England and Wales

Last Reviewed: 1/1/1

Explore this practical guide showing examples and scenarios for managing nursing decisions related to consent in England and Wales. This includes information on the basic principles for consent for adults and children.

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Safeguarding

Who is this resource for?

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

What will this resource give me?

introduction to the law on consent and differences between countries
basic principles of consent
consent and adults
capacity to consent and capacity for specific treatment/care scenarios
supporting capacity
the role of the courts
consent and children
what to do if you are unable to make a decision about consent and capacity
access to further resources for discussion and guidance.

Resource last reviewed

17 Sept 2024

Resource lead

Jessica Turner

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually in line with the RCN Quality Assurance policy, all RCN Learn resources meet the RCN’s Nine Quality Standards.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Related courses and resources

Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse

Download Content Date

PDF Created On: 7 Jul 2025.

Downloaded from: https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/Consent-in-England-and-Wales.

Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.

Last Reviewed: 1/1/1