Developing the Community Brokerage model in Scotland

Community brokerage is about supporting people in their own communities, through early intervention and maximising the use of community resources. It supports people to plan and access their social care through any of the Self-directed Support options. It is a way of working which encourages communities and individuals to be resilient and exercise choice and control.

The model of community brokerage was first established in Scotland at the time that Self-directed Support legislation came into effect. At first, it was implemented in East Ayrshire by the Community Brokerage Network, before expanding across the whole of Ayrshire. Ten years later, brokerage services are provided nationally, through brokerage organisations, Disabled People’s Organisations and Independent Support Organisations.

SDS Scotland runs Community Brokerage Scotland – a project aimed at developing and promoting the model of community brokerage across the country.

Our work to develop the community brokerage model in Scotland is focused in three main areas:

1. Developing a National Brokerage Framework for Scotland 

Throughout 2023-4, a range of stakeholders including Independent Support Organisations co-produced A Brokerage Framework for Scotland.

The Framework sets out the values and principles that underpin a shared national approach to brokerage. It is a framework that brokerage and Independent Support organisations can use to improve practice to ensure the delivery of the highest quality, in keeping with standard 1 of the national SDS Framework of Standards.

The Framework identifies the role of a community broker and how the work of brokers complements that of Local Authorities and other activities carried out by Independent Support Organisations.

A Brokerage Framework for Scotland was published in March 2024. Download the Framework below.

2. Delivering an accredited SQA level 7 qualification, the Community Brokerage Award 

As part of the aim to ensure consistent quality and standards across all brokerage services, the SQA-accredited Community Brokerage Award (SQA Level 7) is available for staff from organisations including independent support organisations, carers’ centres, third sector organisations and Local Authorities, to improve their skills, knowledge and confidence around community brokerage. 

The award is delivered nationally through Community Brokerage Scotland, and has both an educational and practical component with a focus on increasing knowledge, improving practice in independent support and brokerage, practitioner confidence and levels of competence.  

To find out more about the award, visit the Community Brokerage Scotland website.

3. Approved Brokers’ Community of Practice  

An essential component of the ongoing development of community brokerage is the Approved Brokers Community of Practice (ABCoP).  

Individuals with an interest in the Community Brokerage model can join the ABCoP to undertake continuous professional development opportunities and have access to regular peer support, with reflexive practice being a central feature.  

This is particularly important where there are brokers who are working in isolation or otherwise not well connected, including those who are self-employed.  

Community Brokerage Scotland is focusing on developing the Community of Practice to ensure it is a sustainable source of shared learning and promotion of best practice. 

You can find out more about Community Brokerage Scotland, and keep in touch with updates, on the dedicated website.