Accurate assessment and categorisation of skin damage and pressure ulcers (PUs) is paramount if patients are to receive safe and effective care interventions. The importance of being able to recognise an individual at risk of compromised skin integrity and being able to implement timely and effective, evidence-based measures to prevent skin breakdown cannot be overstated. Practitioners need to be aware of and use recognised and validated assessment and categorisation systems. All healthcare professionals are accountable for their own practice and have a responsibility to maintain their knowledge and skills base. The importance of maintaining education in understanding how, when and why to assess skin cannot be emphasised enough.