Shaping Markets for Citizens and Communities – The Role of E-Brokerage
Local Authorities are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, financial oversight, and citizen choice in how they manage self-directed support. The introduction of e-brokerage platforms offers a transformative solution, enabling seamless integration of provider marketplaces, automated payments, and real-time budget management. This business case outlines the strategic rationale, key benefits, and expected outcomes of adopting an e-brokerage platform as a modern operating system for self-directed support. […]
Support Broker – Person Specification
The idea of Support Brokerage seems simple, helping people to find their way through barriers and complexities to a better life. Support Brokerage is: As a broker you should see yourself as facilitating the outcomes that have been set by the individual – taking on what the person would like you to do. This could […]
Personal Budgets: An Evidence-Based Case for Efficiency and Impact
How self-directed support delivers better lives and more sustainable care & support systems. There is a persistent misconception in some circles that personal budgets and independent living lead to higher public costs. This view is not supported by the evidence. Extensive research conducted in England, where self-directed support (SDS) has been trialled and implemented at […]
Direct Payments and Flexibility: A Review of All Local Authority Policies in England
A review of direct payment policies across English councils, identifying opportunities for more flexibility.
Self-Direction in the United States and England: Similarities and Differences
Self-direction in social care has become an increasingly critical approach for individuals who seek greater autonomy over their support systems. This blog is inspired by a thought-provoking conversation between Molly Morris from The Self-Direction Center in the United States and Chris Watson from Self Directed Futures in England. Both professionals are deeply engaged in advocating for self-direction and supporting its […]
Using Individual Service Funds (ISFs) for Holidays
The question of whether Individual Service Funds (ISFs) can be used for holidays and recreational activities is a common and sometimes contentious issue in social care. Many ISF providers and families report confusion, inconsistent decisions, or outright refusals from local authorities regarding the funding of short breaks, respite, and supported travel.
Jointly Purchasing Supports Through Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds
Self-Directed Support (SDS) has transformed how individuals access and manage their care. By offering personal budgets, Direct Payments, and Individual Service Funds (ISFs), SDS enables people to design care arrangements that align with their personal needs and aspirations. However, while these mechanisms are well established, joint funding – where individuals combine part or all of their […]
Reflections on Barriers and Opportunities for Increasing the Uptake of Direct Payments in England
1. The Policy Landscape 1.1 Origins and Development Direct Payments (DPs) were introduced under the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996, aiming to shift control from local authorities to individuals requiring social care support. The underlying principle was to promote personal autonomy by allowing recipients to manage their own care arrangements rather than relying on traditional […]
A Learning Disabilities & Autism Commissioner’s Guide to Shaping the Market for Individual Service Funds (ISFs) and Fading Support
Commissioning for Individual Service Funds (ISFs) presents local authorities with an opportunity to develop a more person-centred, flexible, and sustainable care system. Unlike traditional block contracts or time-and-task models, ISFs shift decision-making power to individuals, allowing them to shape their support in alignment with their personal goals, ambitions, and long-term independence. However, introducing ISFs alone […]
Transforming Care in Rural England
Rural communities across the UK face unique and complex challenges in accessing effective social care. Geographical isolation, workforce shortages, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the difficulties of delivering equitable services in these areas. Despite these challenges, innovative models and community-driven initiatives offer opportunities to rethink and reshape how rural social care is provided. In 2023/2024, IMPACT […]
