ISF Outcomes: Comparing Progress in Wakefield and Warwickshire

Individual Service Funds (ISFs) offer an alternative to traditional care and support models that often limit individual autonomy. This article dives into two case studies—Wakefield and Warwickshire—each demonstrating how ISFs can deliver transformative outcomes for those who use them.

Wakefield: Building Community and Confidence Through ISFs

In Wakefield, 38 individuals receiving ISFs participated in a survey to measure the impact of these funds across various domains. The data reveals a strong story of progress, particularly in areas such as community engagement and quality of life.

1. Choice, Control & Flexibility

The data from Wakefield highlights significant strides in enabling individuals to take control of their care:

  • “I am involved in designing and directing my own support” scored an average of 3.9 out of 5, with 35 respondents either agreeing or strongly agreeing.
  • “I have control over how my money is spent” achieved a score of 3.4, reflecting a growing understanding of financial autonomy.
  • “I know how much I have to spend” scored 3.1, indicating room for further improvement in financial transparency.

Commentary:

Wakefield’s ISF programme has successfully fostered autonomy, with most respondents feeling empowered to direct their support. However, improving clarity around personal budgets could further enhance this domain, ensuring every individual has the tools to manage their care effectively.

2. Community, Friendships & Citizenship

One of the standout successes in Wakefield is the increase in community involvement:

  • “I am more involved in my local community” scored an impressive 3.4, with 23 respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing.
  • “I see important people in my life more often” also achieved 3.4, underscoring the social connectivity ISFs enable.
  • “I have support from my community (not paid support)” scored slightly lower at 3.0, reflecting the ongoing need to strengthen natural support networks.

Commentary:

Wakefield has demonstrated how ISFs can combat isolation and promote social inclusion. By encouraging individuals to engage with their local communities, ISFs help foster a sense of belonging and purpose. Future efforts could focus on building even stronger connections with unpaid community networks to sustain these gains.

3. Quality of Life

The impact of ISFs on personal well-being in Wakefield is clear:

  • “I look forward to my days because I have purpose” achieved a score of 3.8, with 29 respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing.
  • “I enjoy an active, healthy life” also scored 3.8, reflecting improvements in physical and emotional health.
  • “I feel I have a better quality of life” achieved a score of 3.6, indicating broader satisfaction with life.

Commentary:

ISFs are enabling individuals in Wakefield to pursue purpose-driven lives, improving overall happiness and well-being. Continued investment in meaningful activities and opportunities for personal growth will ensure this progress is sustained.

4. Support & Risk

While this domain scored slightly lower than others, progress is still evident:

  • “I set my own support plan goals” scored 3.7, demonstrating that many individuals feel empowered to shape their care.
  • “I am supported to do new things, even if there is some risk to me” achieved 3.8, highlighting a healthy balance between safety and empowerment.

Commentary:

Wakefield has made important strides in supporting individuals to take ownership of their care plans. However, there is room to refine risk management strategies to further build confidence and independence.

Wakefield Summary

Wakefield’s ISF programme shows the power of choice and community to improve lives. While significant progress has been made, focusing on financial transparency and natural support networks could further enhance outcomes.

Warwickshire: A Holistic Approach to ISFs

In Warwickshire, a similar survey examined the outcomes of individuals using ISFs. The data paints a picture of a robust and inclusive programme that delivers notable improvements across all domains of life.

1. Choice, Control & Flexibility

Warwickshire’s ISF recipients reported strong gains in autonomy:

  • “I am involved in designing and directing my own support” scored an average of 4.2 out of 5, showing widespread satisfaction with personalisation.
  • “I have control over how my money is spent” achieved 4.0, reflecting confidence in financial management.
  • “I know how much I have to spend” scored 3.8, indicating a higher-than-average level of budgetary transparency.

Commentary:

Warwickshire has excelled in empowering individuals to take control of their care. The relatively high scores suggest that recipients feel informed and capable, laying the foundation for long-term independence.

2. Community, Friendships & Citizenship

Community involvement was another strong point in Warwickshire:

  • “I am more involved in my local community” scored 3.9, with many respondents noting increased participation in social activities.
  • “I see important people in my life more often” achieved 3.7, highlighting improved social connections.
  • “I have support from my community (not paid support)” scored 3.6, indicating solid progress in building natural support networks.

Commentary:

Warwickshire’s ISF programme has fostered both social inclusion and emotional well-being. By strengthening community ties, the programme has helped individuals feel more connected and supported in their daily lives.

3. Quality of Life

Warwickshire’s ISF recipients reported significant improvements in quality of life:

  • “I look forward to my days because I have a purpose” scored 4.1, reflecting a strong sense of fulfilment.
  • “I enjoy an active, healthy life” achieved 3.9, highlighting improvements in physical and mental health.
  • “I feel I have a better quality of life” scored 4.0, showcasing the programme’s success in delivering holistic benefits.

Commentary:

The emphasis on purpose and well-being has clearly paid off in Warwickshire. By enabling individuals to pursue meaningful activities, ISFs have improved satisfaction and happiness across the board.

4. Support & Risk

Warwickshire also demonstrated solid progress in balancing independence and safety:

  • “I set my own support plan goals” scored 4.0, showing confidence in personal decision-making.
  • “I am supported to do new things, even if there is some risk to me” achieved 3.8, reflecting a positive approach to risk management.

Commentary:

Warwickshire has successfully created an environment where individuals feel supported to take risks and grow. By refining these strategies further, the programme can build even greater confidence among recipients.

Warwickshire Summary

Warwickshire’s ISF programme stands out for its focus on autonomy, community, and quality of life. High scores across all domains reflect a well-rounded and effective approach to personalised care.

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.

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