In episode 57 of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we speak with Elaine McCaughley from the HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality about the HSE’s National Consent Policy, emphasising the policy's focus on the person making their own decisions about their health and social care, ensuring informed and voluntary consent. We hear about the role of family representing the views of a person who may not have the capacity to consent in cases such as dementia or those navigating mental health services, and also explore challenges in mental health services.