ORG11 REASONING: Why This Action?
Recording why an action was chosen helps make sensory support defensible, understandable and easier to review.
Five things to consider
Link action to evidence
Show which identified barrier the action is intended to address.
State the intended benefit
Be clear about what improvement is expected.
Consider alternatives
Record relevant options where choices were considered.
Include the person’s preference
Reasoning should reflect what matters to the person, not only organisational convenience.
Make the logic understandable
Another worker should be able to follow why the decision was made.
Turning this into practical action
✓ Write a short rationale alongside significant actions.
✓ Show how the chosen approach relates to the functional assessment.
✓ Record relevant preferences or alternatives.
✓ Avoid vague phrases such as “for safety” without explaining the actual concern.
What this can look like in practice
A contrasting mug is chosen because the person repeatedly loses sight of a pale mug against a pale worktop and has said they want to continue preparing drinks independently.
Question for your organisation
If someone challenged an action six months later, would the record explain why it was chosen?
Important boundary
Reasoning should be proportionate. It does not replace formal risk, clinical or legal decision-making processes where those are required.
Want to take this further?
Clear reasoning connects professional judgement with transparent person-centred practice. If this resource has highlighted gaps in your organisation’s sensory practice, Sensory Visionaries can help, from reviewing what you currently have in place to providing a structured approach through the Sensory Compliance System.