Social care - self-directed support: framework of standards

Introduction

Self-directed support is the way that all social care must be delivered in Scotland. The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 and detailed Practitioner Guidance set out the principles and policy for delivering Self-directed Support (SDS). However, since the legislation was enacted, Care Inspectorate and Audit Scotland scrutiny has found that SDS has been implemented partially and inconsistently across Scotland. Evidence shows that some local areas have embedded SDS well, while others are challenged to make the changes required for successful SDS implementation.

The standards and action statements outlined in this document have been developed to ensure consistency of outcomes and approaches in SDS practice across Scotland experienced by supported people (children and adults) and carers, building up a framework of good practice in assessment for support, support planning and in provision of care and support resources. This work builds on the SDS Change Map developed in 2019.

In March 2021 the national framework of eleven standards for the implementation of Self-directed Support was developed and was published.

Following a period of consultation with local authorities, an additional standard focussing on addressing the challenges of personalised budgeting was developed in 2022, and is included as standard 12.

In 2022, the Self-directed Support Framework of Standards will be subject to review and impact assessment, and subsequently will be refreshed to ensure that the standards remain evidence-based and relevant.