Self-directed Support Strategy 2010-2020: Implementation Plan 2016-2018

Strategic Outcome 4

"People are able to live their lives and achieve the outcomes that matter to them."

Systems are more widely understood, flexible and less complex

Local authorities, health and social care partnerships and social care providers have proportionate, person-centred systems and participatory processes that enable people who receive care and support live their lives and achieve the outcomes that matter to them.

What has changed?

Over phases 1 and 2 of the Self-directed Support strategy we have observed that:

• Social work services, commissioners and providers are re-designing their assessment and support systems to focus on people's strengths and on the outcomes they want to achieve.
• We have better information about the choices people are making through Self-directed Support, and can use this to help plan flexible services for the future.
• Statutory services and care providers are beginning to work more effectively together to provide earlier interventions, build relationships with people who are disengaged or isolated, and deliver more personalised care.
• Health and social care partnerships are working with communities and providers to plan for more joined-up health and social care support which gives people greater choice and control.

What we will do during 2016-18 to facilitate change

• Scottish Government will invest £3.52m in local authorities to embed culture change and continue to develop simple and effective systems which are easy to navigate and enable people to access the support they need.
• Scottish Government, COSLA and Social Work Scotland will carry out a survey of local authority implementation of Self-directed Support. The information gathered will help shape improvement support.
• CCPS P&P programme will continue with their three-year commissioned research project into provider experiences of implementation of Self-directed Support and the sector's responses to this.
• Scottish Government, COSLA and Social Work Scotland will lead a project to support local authorities, health and social care partnerships and providers to overcome barriers to system changes.
• The Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, SSSC and NHS for Education Scotland will support social care and primary health care leaders to develop more integrated services and commissioning arrangements, which support the implementation of Self-directed Support across the health and social care system.
• SSSC will facilitate the co-design of a Self-directed Support Systems Map and resources that will help to overcome barriers to system change.
• Scottish Government and the Care Inspectorate will work with three localities to test and refine a national outcomes based improvement framework for Self-directed Support.
• The Care Inspectorate will highlight successful practice, and areas for improvement, in the implementation of Self-directed Support across social work, social care and commissioning practice.

Success

We will know this outcome is being achieved when:

• Local authorities, partnerships and providers have effective systems and processes which are easy to navigate and enable people to access the support they need.
• Input of the whole workforce, including finance, legal and procurement staff, is valued and its impact on how people experience support is recognised.
• The information we have about the choices people are making and the difference that this is making to their lives is improved.
• Scrutiny evidence demonstrates improved outcomes for people.