News

Read the latest news on our work and wider social care policy in Scotland.

A graphic showing a man looking at a laptop on a sofa with the Community Brokerage Scotland logo

News

30 May 2024

Brokerage Award deadline extended

Due to increased interest, the application deadline for this year’s delivery of the Community Brokerage Award has been extended until 14 June 2024. The course, which starts in September 2024…

Self Directed Support standards logo

News

18 May 2024

Revised SDS Standards published

Social Work Scotland have announced the publication of the newly revised SDS Standards. The Standards describe what good Self-directed Support looks like, and aim to support best practice and the…

ILF Scotland logo

News

3 May 2024

Independent Living Fund Scotland re-opens for new applications

On 3 May the Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland officially re-opened for new applications. The ILF provides funding support for disabled people in Scotland, and it is hoped that in…

An illustration representing access to information for people with sensory impairments

News

26 April 2024

Recommendations made for better information around SDS for people with sensory impairments

The ALLIANCE have published a report on people’s experiences of accessible information around Self-directed Support. The research looked at experiences of accessing information about SDS for people who are Deaf,…

A map of Scotland showing Support in the Right Direction funded services

News

16 April 2024

Funding announced for independent support

New funding has been announced that will enable people in Scotland who use social care, and their carers, to access independent support, information, advice and advocacy. The Support in the…

A man sits on a sofa doing a video call on his laptop

News

28 March 2024

Applications open for Community Brokerage Award 2024-25

Applications are now open for the next delivery of the Community Brokerage Award, running from September 2024 to June 2025. The award is a certified course, worth 30 credits at SCQF…

The front cover of a report titled A Brokerage Framework for Scotland

News

27 March 2024

Defining and developing Community Brokerage in Scotland

A new framework has been launched which sets out a national approach to Community Brokerage services in Scotland. Developed as part of the SDS Improvement plan 2023-2027, A Brokerage Framework for Scotland has…

Composite picture of Personal Assistants supporting people

News

26 March 2024

National plan sets out roadmap to improve training for Personal Assistant Employers and PAs

A new national plan has set out what needs to happen in Scotland to improve access to training for people who employ Personal Assistants.   The plan is about the training…

A screenshot of the My Job Scotland Personal Assistant vacancy page

News

18 March 2024

A new home for Personal Assistant vacancies in Scotland

My Job Scotland is Scotland’s job website for the public and third sector, and one of the most visited recruitment sites in Scotland. And now, it’s also home to a dedicated…

By My Side research logo

News

27 February 2024

Have you had help to sort out your social care support? 

Complete the By My Side survey now: qrco.de/bymysidesurvey   We are doing a research project called By My Side, all about the support people get when they need help to…

The Personal Assistant Workforce Survey 2023 report

News

15 February 2024

Latest Personal Assistant workforce survey findings published 

  The findings of the second Personal Assistant workforce survey have been published, giving an insight into the PA workforce in Scotland, what motivates and challenges them. Almost 800 PAs…

SDS National Voice 2024 A decade of learning

News

31 January 2024

Programme announced for SDS National Voice 2024 conference

We are pleased to announce the programme for this year’s SDS National Voice conference, taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 28 March. SDS National Voice is…