If a person is unable to make certain decision on their own they can to choose someone they know and trust to be their co-decision-maker. They can make a written co-decision-making agreement. You can find further information at the link co-decision-making agreement.
The co-decision-maker’s role is to make certain decisions together with the person.
As a co-decision-maker, you will have the legal authority to help the person by gathering relevant information and explaining it to them. Together, you look at the information and discuss the different options and outcomes. You will jointly come to a decision that respects the wishes of the person. You can also help the person to let other people know about the decision that has been made.
If a person wants you to be their co-decision-maker, they can to make a co-decision-making agreement with you. The agreement is made in writing and lists the decisions you will make together. The agreement must be registered with us.
Who can be a co-decision maker?
You can be a co-decision-maker if you are an adult (18 years and over). The person appointing you must know and trust you.
What's involved in being a co-decision-maker?
As a co-decision-maker, your role will be to make certain decisions together with the person who appointed you. You will only act as co-decision-maker for decisions listed in the agreement. But, any decision included in the agreement must be made together.
How does the DSS monitor and supervise a co-decision-maker?
Co-decision-makers must to send a written report to us every year. The reports must include details of big decisions made together as part of the agreement.
How do you become a co-decision-maker?
If a person wants you to be their co-decision-maker, they will make a co-decision-making agreement with you.
How to find out if someone is a co-decision-maker?
When we are notified about a co-decision-making agreement, we review it, check it meets legal requirements, and then register it. We give the person and their co-decision-maker a certified copy of the agreement. This confirms that the co-decision-maker has the legal authority to make certain decisions together with the person. Anyone who deals with the co-decision-maker can ask to see the certified copy.
Making a complaint about a co-decision-maker
Anyone can make a complaint to us about a co-decision-maker.