About Us
At SDS Network England, we are dedicated to transforming social care by promoting self-directed support and fostering an inclusive society. Our mission is to empower citizens to take control of their care and support by managing their personal budgets effectively. By providing the necessary tools, resources, and a supportive community, we enable individuals to make informed decisions that enhance their independence and quality of life. We envision a society where every citizen can live with autonomy, dignity, and full participation.
We believe that every citizen has the right to shape their own life, regardless of circumstances. Our efforts are focused on shifting the current dominating commissioned care model from system-driven to citizen-led, ensuring that personal autonomy and community involvement are central to social care and health support services. By empowering citizens, we aim to further foster a culture of independence and inclusion.
What We Do
SDS Network England plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and innovation across the social care and health system. We bring together a diverse network of stakeholders, including support providers, commissioners, and citizens, to drive forward the agenda of self-directed support. Our activities are designed to create a holistic approach to social care, ensuring that the unique needs of each citizen are met with personalised solutions.
Community Collaboration
We bring support providers and commissioners together in regular meetings and sessions that foster collaboration. These gatherings provide a platform for sharing insights, best practice, and experiences, ensuring that all voices are heard. This collaborative approach strengthens our community and enables the implementation of effective, citizen-centred care and support strategies.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Our advocacy efforts focus on influencing policy and legislative frameworks to create a favourable environment for self-directed care. We work to ensure that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of citizens, promoting greater autonomy and inclusion. By shaping the policy landscape, we help create conditions where personal budgets can be managed effectively, supporting citizens to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Resources and Support
To assist citizens and families in navigating the complexities of self-directed support, we offer a comprehensive range of resources. These include user-friendly guides, best practices, and toolkits designed to provide clear and accessible information. Our resources are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that everyone has the support they need to manage their care confidently.
Innovative Solutions
We are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in self-directed support. By developing and implementing new approaches, we continuously enhance our services to better meet the evolving needs of our community. Our focus on innovation ensures that we can respond to emerging challenges and opportunities, delivering solutions that improve the quality of life for the citizens we support.
Our Community
Inclusive Collaboration
We prioritise inclusivity in all our activities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from our network. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we enable the sharing of diverse perspectives and experiences, which enriches our approach to self-directed support.
Global Perspective
As part of Citizen Network, an international cooperative that promotes inclusive citizenship, we bring a global perspective to our work. This collaboration allows us to leverage international expertise and incorporate diverse insights into our approach. By connecting with global partners, we enhance our capacity to deliver effective support initiatives that meet the needs of citizens in England and beyond.
Our Network
SDS Network England operates under Citizen Network, an international cooperative promoting inclusive citizenship. Based in England, we collaborate globally to share knowledge and strategies, ensuring effective support initiatives. Our operations span various regions, leveraging both local and international expertise to create a robust support system. This global perspective allows us to incorporate diverse insights and methodologies, enhancing our approach to self-directed support.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower citizens to take control of their lives through self-directed support. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care, leading to greater independence and an improved quality of life. Our approach is rooted in the principles of choice, control, and inclusion, ensuring that citizens have the tools and resources they need to direct their own care and support arrangements.
We are dedicated to connecting innovative health and social care commissioners, social workers, and care providers in a community of practice. This community is committed to enabling citizens to have more choice and control over their support, ensuring that their care is tailored to their unique needs and preferences. By fostering a collaborative environment, we support the development of personalised care solutions that empower citizens to live fulfilling lives.
Our Chairs
Commissioning for Individual Service Funds
Chris Watson, Self-Directed Futures
Individual Service Funds for Service Providers
Alex Goff, Darwin Care
Innovative Models of Neighbourhood Care
Dr Simon Duffy, Citizen Network
Building Bridges (transforming care for people with learning disabilities and autistic people)
Ashleigh Fox, LD Network
Innovations in Direct Payments for Children & Families
Ali Hiscox, Bristol City Council
Events
We organise a wide range of events designed to engage and support our community. These events provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking, helping to strengthen our collective efforts to advance self-directed support.
Network Meetings
Our regular network meetings offer a space for members to discuss strategies, share updates, and collaborate on initiatives. These sessions are crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring that our community remains aligned with our shared goals.
Information Events
We host informational events that provide comprehensive guidance on self-directed support. These sessions are designed to equip citizens and families with the knowledge they need to navigate the system effectively.
Webinars
Our webinars offer a convenient and accessible way to engage with educational content and participate in interactive discussions. These online seminars cover a range of topics related to self-directed support, providing valuable insights and practical advice.
In-Person Conferences
Our in-person conferences provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with other members of the community. These events foster collaboration and innovation, allowing participants to share experiences, explore new ideas, and work together to develop solutions that enhance self-directed support.
Join Our Community
SDS Network England is open to commissioners and support provider organisations who are committed to advancing self-directed support. By becoming a part of our community, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with others who share your commitment to promoting autonomy, inclusion, and empowerment in social care.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and responsive care and support system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of those it serves. Join us in our mission to empower citizens and transform the landscape of health and social care through self-directed support.
Please complete the form below to join the network:
Become a Sponsor
Supporting SDS Network England as a sponsor is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of self-directed support and inclusion in social care. Our sponsors play a vital role in helping us to continue our work, enabling us to expand our reach and impact. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Sara Penshovska at sara.penshovska@catalystgrp.co.uk to learn more about how you can get involved.
As a sponsor, you will be joining a network of organisations and individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of citizens who rely on self-directed support. Your support will help us to empower more people to take control of their care, promoting greater independence and improving quality of life across our community.
Our Sponsors
Global Partners
Local Partners
