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 local community, ensures that ISFs resonate with the people they serve and align with their unique needs and values.
Why Co-Production is Essential
Co-production involves working in true partnership with people who use services, their families, and other key stakeholders. It ensures that ISFs are not just systems imposed by commissioners but frameworks that reflect real-life aspirations and practicalities. This process fosters trust, builds buy-in, and creates an ISF offer that works.
A localised set of ‘I Statements’ offers clarity about what people want from ISFs and enables commissioners to:
- Embed accountability and quality into their ISF framework.
- Ensure compliance with principles of the Care Act, such as personalisation and promoting well-being.
- Provide guidance for providers to align their practices with people’s expectations.
What are ‘I Statements’?
‘I Statements’ describe the outcomes and experiences individuals should have when using an ISF. For example, a tailored local version could include:
- “I know how much money is in my budget before we start planning.”
- “I (or my family) decide what having a good life means for me.”
- “I get help to make decisions in the way that works best for me.”
These statements provide a benchmark for ISFs to deliver flexible, transparent, and person-centred support.
Steps to Co-Produce Local ‘I Statements’
Developing locally relevant ‘I Statements’ requires a structured, inclusive process. Here’s how commissioners can achieve this:
- Engage the Community: Bring together individuals who will benefit from ISFs, their families, and advocates. Aim for diversity to ensure a wide range of perspectives.
- Facilitate Discussions: Use workshops and focus groups to explore what matters most to people in managing their support. Create safe, open spaces for discussion.
- Draft Initial Statements: Collate feedback and draft ‘I Statements’ that reflect common themes. Ensure language is accessible and inclusive.
- Test and Refine: Share drafts widely, inviting feedback from the community and stakeholders to refine the statements.
- Embed in the ISF Offer: Use the finalised ‘I Statements’ as a cornerstone for commissioning, quality monitoring, and partnership with providers.
Tailoring ‘I Statements’ to Your Area
Each local area has its own challenges, priorities, and opportunities. For example, urban areas might focus on accessing a range of cultural and employment opportunities, while rural areas might prioritise flexibility to address geographic isolation. Co-production ensures the ‘I Statements’ reflect these nuances, making them practical and meaningful for the local context.
Recommendations for Commissioners
- Facilitate Genuine Co-Production
Develop strong relationships with the local community and involve people early in the process. Use independent facilitators if needed to ensure discussions are unbiased. - Use ‘I Statements’ as a Framework
Incorporate these statements into commissioning specifications, quality monitoring, and service reviews. They should guide not only the ISF process but also provider practices and accountability. - Promote Transparency
Create clear pathways for communication about ISFs, including budgets, support planning, and outcomes. Accessible language and tools should be prioritised. - Embed Flexibility
Build provisions into the ISF offer that allow people to explore creative solutions for achieving their outcomes. - Establish Regular Reviews
Work with people locally to evaluate and revise the ‘I Statements’ periodically, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.
Co-producing ‘I Statements’ is not just a box-ticking exercise—it is the foundation of a truly person-centred ISF offer. By working collaboratively with local people, commissioners can ensure that ISFs reflect the community’s aspirations, promote individual choice and control, and deliver on the principles of personalisation and inclusion.
Investing time and resources into this process strengthens trust, aligns services with real-life needs, and creates a pathway to better outcomes for everyone involved. A set of locally co-produced ‘I Statements’ is a commitment to partnership and shared accountability in delivering care and support in this way.
Chris Watson
Chris Watson is the founder of Self Directed Futures and the Chair of SDS Network England. With extensive experience in strategic commissioning and change management, Chris advocates for innovative, community-led approaches to adult social care.