Social care - self-directed support: framework of standards - May 2024

Standard 11: Consistency of practice

Standard descriptor: Children, young people, families, supported people and carers can expect a consistent quality of practice within and across local authority areas regardless of age, stage and circumstances.

Practice statement: Consistent high-quality social work practice is required in assessment, early help, planning and review and the delivery of support so people have confidence that their agreed outcomes will be met no matter where they live.

Core Components and practice guidance

11.1 Practice focuses on exploring what matters to the person although available services and support may be different across local authorities depending on availability and geographical variation.

How to:

• A consistent approach across the authority area to eligibility criteria, charging and contributions criteria (where these exist), commissioning, procurement and budget allocation and calculation, including levels of delegated authority for workers and managers.
• Budgets can be spent on activities and support that are legal and to the benefit of the person in meeting their outcomes. There should be consistency in how this principle is applied across the Self-directed Support options and across the local authority area.

11.2 There is commitment locally to a consistent approach to early help, family support and community support that shifts focus from crisis intervention towards what matters to the person and their quality of life.

How to:

• Local authorities should take a consistent approach to early help and assessment through GIRFEC and GIRFE that is asset- and strength-based which takes account of natural supports and technological supports.

11.3 Local authorities work collaboratively to ensure that people can move residence from one local authority area to another while retaining a level of provision sufficient to meet their agreed outcomes.

How to:

• Local authorities work collaboratively to ensure that there is minimum bureaucracy when people move residence from one local authority area to another.
• Local authorities acknowledge the challenges facing those who live on the boundary between local authorities, and collaborate to ensure that there is agreement between the local authorities to maintaining a level of provision sufficient to meet agreed outcomes.
• Where the person moves residence from one local authority area to another and is defined as having become Ordinarily Resident in the new area, there is a duty on the new local authority/partnership to provide services to meet their assessed needs.