DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils must follow the Duty of Candour procedure when certain serious incidents occur in health or social care services they provide. If an event results in unintended or unexpected harm causing death or significant injury, the council must inform the person affected (or their family), offer an apology, and explain what happened. They must also review the incident, learn lessons, and publish an annual report on Duty of Candour events.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Business and legal
Corporate services
Duty type
Public facing
Social determinant of health
Social and community context
Emerging policy and legislation
1
National bodies with shared interest
Standards and Frameworks
2