Person-centred process?: Procedural fairness and Care Act 2014 needsz assessments

This article examines the process of seeking social care needs assessments under the Care Act 2014 in England through the lens of procedural fairness theory. Drawing on interviews with 21 individuals with experiences of needs assessments, we identify the 'process qualities'-the factors rooted in the literature on procedural fairness-that matter most to people navigating this critical front-line component of the social care system. Our analysis reveals two themes: the importance of 'dignified treatment' and system 'proactivity', each underpinned by a set of process qualities. These qualities for the former-personalization, empathy, and voice-are well explored in the literature on person-centred care. However, the latter-responsibility taking, dependability, transparency, assistance, and availability-are neglected in current research on experiences of the Care Act 2014. Drawing on these process qualities, we set out the potential for future research grounded in procedural fairness theory in social care. This study explores how people experience the process of seeking social care support under the Care Act 2014 in England using an approach normally adopted in studies evaluating 'procedural fairness'. By interviewing twenty-one individuals who have gone through needs assessments, either for themselves or as carers, the research uncovers what qualities matter most to people navigating this complex system. The findings highlight two key themes: the importance of a proactive system that takes responsibility and provides clear, dependable assistance, and the need for dignified treatment that emphasizes empathy and personalization. While current research focuses on dignified treatment, this study highlights that system proactivity is equally crucial but often overlooked. These insights can help local authorities design more responsive and effective social care processes, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those in need of care and support.