The Importance of Co-Producing ‘We Statements’ with Individual Service Fund Providers
When it comes to delivering meaningful and person-centred support, co-production is not just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of effective service provision. For organisations managing Individual Service Funds (ISFs), the creation and implementation of ‘We Statements’—statements that outline clear commitments to individuals and their families—are a vital tool to ensure accountability and alignment with […]
Co-Producing ‘I Statements’ Locally to Develop Individual Service Funds
When establishing Individual Service Funds (ISFs) in your local area, one of the most impactful steps is co-producing a tailored set of ‘I Statements.’ These statements express what people expect when ISFs are working effectively and reflect their priorities for control, transparency, and quality in their care and support. A co-produced version, designed with the […]
Individual Service Fund Broker: Example Person Specification
The role of an Individual Service Fund (ISF) Broker is both dynamic and empowering, enabling individuals to navigate complexities and achieve a fulfilling life. ISF Brokerage is about: This role can also encompass elements of a Community Connector, focusing on linking individuals to their community, strengthening local networks, and fostering social inclusion. What is an […]
Developing an Individual Service Fund Broker Role
The Individual Service Fund (ISF) Broker role is a relatively new but highly practical approach to delivering person-centred care. Rooted in empowering individuals to take control over their lives, the role combines support planning with advocacy and community connection, creating a powerful tool for improving outcomes. This blog explores how organisations can develop the ISF […]
A Brief Commissioners Guide to Running Individual Service Funds Accreditation
Individual Service Fund (ISF) accreditation is a process that ensures providers meet essential standards for delivering flexible, person-centred support. It builds trust, ensures accountability, and aligns services with the principles of the Care Act 2014. The success of Individual Service Funds (ISFs) hinges on more than just processes and policies; it demands a commitment to […]
Individual Service Funds (ISFs): Frequently Asked Questions By Councils
Individual Service Funds (ISFs) are transforming the way care is commissioned, offering a flexible, person-centred alternative to traditional approaches. This set of FAQs answers common questions about ISFs, highlighting their benefits, addressing potential challenges, and providing practical insights for implementation. 1. What are Individual Service Funds? ISFs give individuals or their representatives greater control over […]
Individual Service Funds: Insights and Opportunities
Care and support services are facing some of the biggest changes in decades. As society changes, so do the needs and expectations of the people these systems are meant to support. At the heart of these changes is a growing realisation that traditional ways of delivering care aren’t up to the task anymore. Whether it’s […]
Scaling up Local Authority Personal Budgets – The Role of Financial Management Platforms
Personal budgets have become a cornerstone of efforts to deliver more personalised care and support, empowering individuals to take greater control over their care arrangements. For Local Authorities (LAs), they present an opportunity to foster independence and flexibility, ensuring care aligns with the needs and preferences of those they serve. However, scaling personal budgets comes […]
Why Commissioners Need to Develop a Self-Directed Support Strategy
Councils are grappling with an ever-widening gap between rising social care demands and diminishing budgets. Faced with workforce shortages, escalating care costs, and increasing Citizen’s dissatisfaction, local authorities must rethink how they deliver adult social care. A robust Self-Directed Support (SDS) strategy, grounded in mechanisms like Direct Payments (DPs) and Individual Service Funds (ISFs), offers councils a transformative opportunity to save money, improve efficiencies, […]
Outsourcing Direct Payment Support Services: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
The growing complexity of administering Direct Payments (DPs) has led many local authorities to explore outsourcing DP support services to independent organisations. These specialist providers offer expertise, independence, and user-focused solutions that can enhance the effectiveness of self-directed support systems. However, outsourcing also carries risks, including potential loss of local accountability and challenges in market […]
