Getting it right for everyone (GIRFE) toolkit

Introduction

GIRFE is Scotland’s approach to designing and delivering public services that focus on people’s needs.  It makes sure services work well for everyone who uses them.

Health Boards must include the GIRFE principles in their delivery plans. Health and social care services are being asked to use this approach to better connect with the people they help.

The approach was created with both service users and professionals from nine Health and Social Care Partnerships. It puts individuals at the centre of decision-making, bringing all professionals involved in their care together.

People in Scotland have been frustrated by:

• having to repeat their story multiple times
• complicated information
• too many separate appointments

The GIRFE Team Around The Person Toolkit helps professionals provide holistic support. It includes 10 tools that can be used together or separately based on individual needs.

GIRFE principles

The GIRFE principles - written from the person's perspective - include:

• having accessible information to make decisions
• being listened to and understood as a whole person
• having choices respected
• being treated with kindness and dignity
• having professionals work together and share information appropriately

These principles apply to guardians or those with power of attorney when relevant.

Read a full description of the GIRFE principles.

By working together, around the person, we can ensure that everyone gets the support that is important to them as individuals. 

More information about the GIRFE approach: developing Getting It Right For Everyone 

Watch video 1 from the Health and Social Care Alliance:

Watch video 2 from the Health and Social Care Alliance: