Social Work Scotland Report: ‘Best Practice and Local Authority Progress in Self-Directed Support.’
Social Work Scotland have recently released a report that aims to share good practice examples and promote learning between local authority areas and across different fields of practice. 15 of the 32 Scottish local authorities came forward to offer evidence and examples of best practice in SDS implementation as follows:
- Angus
- The City of Edinburgh
- Dumfries and Galloway
- East Ayrshire
- East Dunbartonshire
- East Lothian
- East Renfrewshire
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Highland
- Midlothian
- Perth and Kinross
- South Ayrshire
- Scottish Borders
- South Lanarkshire
Based on its findings the report identifies 8 areas that are ‘key to the success of SDS’:
- Leadership: Buy in and permission from management across all Local Authority area services.
- Systems: Commissioning, procurement, contract and financing systems that allow access to all 4 SDS options in a streamlined way.
- Communities: Outreach and community capacity building that maximises community assets.
- Partnership: Provider flexibility and wholesale commitment to SDS, PA availability and skill.
- Support: Third sector enablement creating access for all to SDS.
- Practice: Practitioner knowledge, skill and values with management support.
- Recognition: Carer involvement, support and commitment to meeting the needs of carers.
- Taking control: Informed and confident users of SDS who are personalising and planning their own care and support.
Overall the report demonstrates the importance and value of shared learning and highlights some of the key issues faced in the implementation of SDS. You can access the full report here.
