Consent in the UK
Downloaded content date
PDF created on: 13 May 2026.
Downloaded from: https://uatlearncyan.rcn.org.uk/Search/Safeguarding-Topic-Page/Safeguarding-Topic-Page/Consent-in-the-UK.
Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.Last reviewed: 10/02/2026
Consent in the UK
Consent in the UK
This guidance will cover the law on consent to care and treatment, including the care and treatment of those who are not capable of giving a valid consent.
The broad principles of the law of consent are the same in all parts of the United Kingdom, but there are legislative differences between countries. This guide will cover the law of consent and legislative differences across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This is intended to be a practical guide for nursing staff, including registered nurses and nursing support staff. The focus will be on day-to-day decisions.
Complex and rare situations, such as those that go to court, will be touched upon, but not explored in depth.
