Person-centred thinking tools are practical ways to help people who draw on care and support to think about and share what matters to them, how they want to live, and how they want to be supported.
These tools turn conversations into clear information that shapes care and support plans. As well as in planning, they can be useful for reviews, meetings, and everyday support.
“I did a whole training course on person-centred thinking and planning. It’s always been part of how I think about supporting my daughter – it’s instinctive now.”
Kate Sibthorp
National Co-production Advisory Group
About these tools
Person-centred planning was pioneered by John O’Brien, Jack Pierpoint, Marsha Forest and Michael Smull in the United States. The concept was introduced to the UK by organisations and groups like In Control and Partners in Policymaking, and was presented in the Valuing People White Paper (2001) by Helen Sanderson and Martin Routledge. Today, they’re used worldwide to support people to have more choice and control in their lives.
When and how to use these tools
Person-centred tools can be used:
In assessment and review conversations and when planning care and support
In everyday conversations to get to know someone better
With families and provider organisations who are figuring out, with the person, what good care and support looks like for them
Person-centered thinking tools are not forms to “tick off” like a checklist. They are to be used in conversation – listening deeply and turning what people say into meaningful action.
“Person-centred tools can help you understand what the outcome is, and then to think ‘how do I achieve it?’. Where am I now? What skills have I got? Where are they gaps? How can I close my skills gaps? How do I stay within budget?”
Rachel Mason
National Co-production Advisory Group
Download templates and guidance
We have created a booklet of guidance on how to use a range of person-centred tools, with associated printable templates. Download them below.
