How Individual Service Funds Support And Uphold Social Work England’s Professional Standards
Personal budgets are allocated funds provided to individuals eligible for social care under the Care Act 2014, empowering them to plan and manage their own support services. This model fosters a sense of autonomy, enabling citizens to tailor support to their unique needs and preferences. Key benefits include: Taking a personal budget via an Individual […]
Commissioning for Hyper-Local Care and Support
Creating the right system conditions to support hyper-local care is essential for us to realise the full potential of personalised, community-centric care. By working together to integrate the principles of micro commissioning, market shaping, and self-directed support, we can foster conditions where small, local providers can thrive, offering tailored neighbourhood-based services that reflect the unique […]
A Brief Guide To Setting Individual Service Fund Management Fees
Individual Service Funds (ISFs) continue to emerge and grow as a key option for people looking for more personalised support, enabling citizens to tailor their service to their own unique set of needs and goals, effectively transforming the role of care providers towards facilitators of outcomes. Central to this transformation and underpinned by the Care […]
In-Sourcing Direct Payment Support Services Benefits and Drawbacks
Local authorities face a critical decision when managing Direct Payment (DP) support services whether to provide these services in-house or commission them from independent providers. In-sourcing offers councils the opportunity to retain direct control, enhance accountability, and deliver integrated services tailored to local needs. However, it also presents challenges, including resource constraints, potential inefficiencies, and […]
A Third-Way Hybrid Direct Payment Support Services
Councils managing Direct Payment (DP) support services often face a tough decision. Should they provide these services in-house or outsource them to independent providers? While both approaches have advantages, a hybrid model – a “third way” – is increasingly recognised as a balanced and effective solution. This model combines the strategic control of in-house provision […]
What Is The Difference Between An Individual Service Fund And A Direct Payment?
In England, the approach to funding and organising personal care and support services for citizens with disabilities, as outlined in the Care Act, emphasises providing people with more choice and control via the use of Personal Budgets. The two primary mechanisms to deliver a personal budget are Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds (ISFs). Both […]
