Developments for Service Providers
This page describes some of the relatively easy things service providers can do to get ready for the shift to Self-Directed Support.
In the future service providers should be able to help people make it easier for people to be in control. There are at least 7 smart strategies that service providers could do now:
- Build Individual Service Funds (ISFs) into current systems - protect people's money and treat it as restricted
- Start to offer Personal Assistance to people who want choice and control over staff - but don't want to employ people
- Rethink ‘support work’ - don't limit yourself to just providing the services of the past - help people to find work, make friends, learn new skills
- Plan, design and support for free - don't think 'brokerage' is something someone else must do - you should have the skills to help people plan and design their own support
- Agree a ‘transformation contract’ - work with local commissioners to create phased transition plans to the new systems
- Gather outcome data - make sure you understand the impact of these changes - when it works and when it doesn't
- Try and share your learning - get involved with the growing community of service providers who want to change.
On the right are some introductory documents. You can find more detailed documents elsewhere on the site.
Simon Duffy, 28th November 2008