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 Broker role, either as a distinct position or by integrating its principles into existing roles. Whether you’re a commissioner, care provider, or strategic leader, there’s an opportunity here to make a real difference.

Why Focus on ISF Brokerage?

At its heart, the ISF Broker role enables people to navigate the often-complex world of care and support. It goes beyond simply managing a budget. It is about understanding a person’s goals, thinking creatively about solutions, and connecting them to opportunities that help them live a good life.

For organisations, ISF Brokerage is not just a useful tool. It is a framework that aligns with key priorities in social care:

• Personalisation means giving people real choice and control over their support.
• Efficiency ensures resources are used effectively to meet needs and aspirations.
• Inclusion focuses on supporting people to be part of their communities, not just recipients of services.

Developing the ISF Broker Role

Bringing the ISF Broker role into an organisation doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. Here are practical ways to make it happen:

1. Standalone Role or Integrated Approach

Decide whether ISF Brokerage will be a dedicated role or integrated into existing ones. For example:

• Social workers could use ISF principles to enhance their practice, focusing on personalisation.
• Community development officers might add brokerage tasks to help individuals connect with local resources and networks.

2. Skills and Knowledge

To succeed, ISF Brokers need the right skills:

• Person-centred planning tools such as PATH or MAPS can guide conversations about goals and aspirations.
• Resource navigation involves understanding funding systems, local services, and making connections that work.
• Advocacy is essential for negotiating with providers or presenting cases to local authorities.
• Community-building supports individuals to develop social networks and relationships.

3. Training and Support

Developing this role means investing in training and ongoing support. Staff need:

• A solid understanding of the Care Act, personal budgets, and ISFs.
• Coaching on facilitation, negotiation, and creative problem-solving.
• Regular supervision to reflect on challenges and successes.

4. Measuring Impact

To build momentum, organisations need to demonstrate the impact of ISF Brokerage. Metrics could include:

• Outcomes achieved, such as whether people meet the goals set in their plans.
• Satisfaction levels based on feedback from individuals and families.
• Efficient use of resources that improves both financial and personal outcomes.

Why Include Community Connection?

An exciting opportunity lies in combining ISF Brokerage with a Community Connector approach. It is not enough to help someone create a plan. People also need access to opportunities that bring those plans to life.

By linking people to local groups, activities, and peer networks, ISF Brokers can help reduce isolation, build social capital, and create stronger communities. This approach also helps organisations work more effectively with the voluntary sector by maximising what is available locally.

Building on Existing Practice

The principles of ISF Brokerage may already exist in your organisation. The challenge is to bring them to the forefront:

• For commissioners, consider how brokerage fits into market shaping and personalised commissioning.
• For providers, explore how ISF Brokers could complement roles such as key workers or support planners.
• For leaders, recognise the potential of this role to drive better outcomes for individuals and systems alike.

Practical Examples

Here are some ways ISF Brokers can work in practice:

• Supporting independence. A broker helps a person transition from supported living to their own tenancy by securing an ISF, connecting them to a peer mentor, and arranging adaptive equipment.
• Reducing isolation. By introducing a carer to a local walking group, a broker supports their mental health and builds connections that extend beyond formal services.

Final Thoughts

The ISF Broker role is about more than budgets and plans. It is about enabling people to live their best lives. For organisations, this is an opportunity to embed person-centred, outcomes-focused practice that aligns with modern social care principles.

Whether it is creating standalone roles, adding ISF elements to existing jobs, or strengthening links to the community, the potential for positive change is enormous. Let’s not miss the chance to make it happen.

If this resonates with you or your organisation, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How are you already using ISFs or similar approaches? What challenges or opportunities do you see in developing this role further?

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.