Self-directed Support Implementation Study 2018: report 1

1. Introduction

In November 2017, the Scottish Government commissioned a consortium of Blake Stevenson Ltd, Rocket Science and the York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) to conduct research which will contribute to the ongoing national monitoring and evaluation of self-directed support (SDS).

The main aims of the study were to assess and analyse the existing evidence base, to produce a refreshed set of key research questions for the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of self-directed support, and to carry out studies on two specific themes.

The study addressed three interconnected elements:

• A: an evaluability assessment of self-directed support;
• B: research on the economics/resource implications of self-directed support; and,
• C: research on Option 2 in practice.

For A, the Evaluability Assessment (EA), there were several components and building an SDS Change Map for the effective delivery of self-directed support, which captures specific outcomes from a range of stakeholders, is a key part of understanding and confirming what self-directed support was intended to achieve.

Three reports^[1] have been produced to detail the methodology and findings of the research, as well as a report which summarises the study's findings:

Report 1: The SDS Change Map (this report);

Report 2: Evidence Assessment for Self-directed Support;

Report 3: Self-directed Support Case Studies

Report 4: Summary of Study Findings and Implications.

A small Research Advisory Group (RAG) oversaw the study.

Theory of Change (ToC) workshops

In December 2017, 37 people from local authorities, providers, carer organisations, national bodies and disabled people's organisations were invited to participate in the ToC element of the study.

Two workshops were held in January and February 2018. The first one, in Glasgow, was with participants in a strategic role and the second one, held in Edinburgh was aimed at those in operational roles. The workshop discussions considered the existing evidence and data collection and then identified a series of key changes that were required for the effective delivery of self-directed support. The first workshop created a draft SDS Change Map which was refined by participants in the second workshop. Across the two workshops, there were 27 participants.

Creating the SDS Change Map and narrative

The draft SDS Change Map and narrative were refined and finalised through further discussions with the RAG members who represented a wide range of stakeholders. These include policymakers and researchers within Scottish Government, COSLA, the Care Inspectorate, SDS Scotland, Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland, Social Work Scotland, NHS Education Scotland, Scottish Care and West Lothian Council. In providing guidance and support to the work, the RAG members drew on their experience and knowledge of the health and social care landscape.

As a result the production of the final map and narrative reflected the developments in policy which include the national Health and Social Care Standards^[2], in use since April 2018, that detail what to expect when using health, social care or social work services in Scotland and are underpinned by a set of core principles. The SDS Change Map complements and reinforces the outcomes and statements set out in these standards.

Figure 1: SDS Change Map