At the heart of the Act is the Wellbeing Principle (Section 1), which requires that all decisions, assessments and interventions actively promote a person’s dignity, physical and mental health, safety, independence, relationships, living environment and ability to participate in society.

In Camden, the What Matters approach is how we give practical effect to the Wellbeing Principle. It ensures our work is strengths-based, relational and outcome-focused, beginning with what is important to the person rather than solely their needs or risks. The Care Act provides the statutory framework, What Matters is the practice model through which we meet those duties lawfully, proportionately and in partnership with the people we support and their communities.

Key Statutory Duties of the Care Act 2014

·       Promoting individual wellbeing (Section 1): The overarching duty to promote a person's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in all care functions. 

·       Prevention and delaying needs (Section 2): Duty to provide services that prevent, delay, or reduce the need for care and support for both adults and carers.

·       Information and advice (Section 4): Providing comprehensive information and advice services to help people understand care options, access services, and manage financial aspects.

·       Assessing needs (Sections 9-12): Mandatory duty to assess anyone who appears to have needs for care and support, regardless of their financial status or eligibility. This includes specialised assessments for carers.

·       Eligibility determination (Section 13): Applying a national eligibility threshold to determine if an adult's needs require council-funded care.

·       Meeting needs (Sections 18-19): A duty to arrange care and support for adults with eligible needs, and a power to meet non-eligible needs.

·       Safeguarding (Section 42): Duty to make enquiries (or ensure they are made) when an adult is, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and requires support.

·       Co-operation (Sections 6-7): Duty to co-operate with other local authorities, NHS bodies, and partners to promote effective care.

·       Care and support planning: Creating, implementing, and reviewing care plans to ensure they meet the specific needs and outcomes of the individual.

·       Financial assessment (Charging) (Sections 14-17): Assessing an individual’s financial resources to determine their contribution to the cost of care