The idea of Support Brokerage seems simple, helping people to find their way through barriers and complexities to a better life. Support Brokerage is:

• Not another industry – just a new way which frees up people’s creativity
• Not a narrowly defined planning role – but working alongside people to make change happen
• Support Brokerage is a good way of thinking about how we can become allies to positive change as people take control over their own lives
• What is Support Brokerage?
• Support Brokerage is not a defined role, not a fixed list of tasks or a toolkit, but a varied and flexible range of tasks that enables someone to work towards what they want in order to have a good life.

As a broker you should see yourself as facilitating the outcomes that have been set by the individual – taking on what the person would like you to do.

This could include:

• Conducting research and making connections.
• Putting together a case to present to the local authority which clearly demonstrates how a person’s aspirations and wishes can effectively meet their assessed needs.
• Working alongside the local authority to identify how to meet the assessed needs of an individual in the most effective way possible.
• Identifying opportunities to maximise resources available to the individual and accessing these resources, this could include: funding, equipment, activities or support.
• Negotiating with other people and organisations to achieve the outcomes set out by the individual.
• Supporting the person to develop a person centred plan or a PATH.

Broker’s Personal Qualities

Being a Support Broker requires dedication, commitment and a genuine interest in supporting an individual to reach their outcomes. It also requires the person to not try and have all the answers but to support the individual to find the answers for themselves.

It involves being resourceful, creative, adaptable and honest. It means that you do not need to be the expert in anything, but you do need to be skilled in enabling a person to be the expert in their own lives.

This means:

• Ensuring the person is taking the lead
• Ensuring the person has the opportunity to explore their options
• Avoiding the common temptation to ‘fix’ a person or their situation

Skills and Qualities

• A passionate belief in the value of human rights and the principles of citizenship
• Good listening skills
• Sensitivity to group dynamics
• Ability to take a problem-solving approach to tasks
• Ability to remain objective
• Integrity
• Calmness in the face of pressure
• Efficient
• Resourceful
• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to document the planning process and its outcomes in ways which are precise yet also support vitality and imagination
• Community development
• Facilitation skills
• Ability to assist in developing or broadening an individual’s personal network where this is minimal or non-existent

Your knowledge base

• An understanding of legislation, social policies and programmes and their associated parameters and criteria.
• Insight into the politics and operational realities of how both funding and provider organisations work.
• Awareness of generic community services and support and how they can be accessed, as well as the other kinds of services and organisations that are relevant.
• An understanding of the concept of a ‘personal network’ and its relevance to the quality of life.
• A solid understanding of the principles and practice of person centred planning.
• A working knowledge of all relevant Government departments and their contribution to the lives of disabled people.

Support Broker I Statements

Key values and approaches:

• I will work with you positively
• I will not discriminate against you
• I will work with you as an equal partner and a fellow citizen to self-direct your choices and decisions
• I will work with you to address and overcome any limiting beliefs about what is possible and practical
• I will be honest, respectful, responsible and reliable
• I will work under your direction and instruction in a way which makes sense for you
• I will act quickly and carefully if I have concerns about your safety or wellbeing
• I will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities as a citizen
• I will work with you (and anyone else you choose to involve) to produce a written agreement for how we will work together so that everybody is clear about their involvement and responsibilities

Person-Centred and Co-produced Approach:

• I will work with you to identify all of the things which make you into the person that you are, so that I understand you really well
• I will respect your views and values which come from your culture and/or your faith
• I will respect your choices and work with you without trying to take control
• I will help you to make decisions, only involving other people you have asked to be involved
• I will help you to say what is important to you and make sure we focus on that
  I will help you to explain what you want to other people, or speak up on your behalf if you would prefer
• I will help you to think about all of your choices and also your responsibilities to help you to understand any risks or barriers
• I will work with you in a suitable place which you have chosen, where you feel comfortable

Communication:

• I will make sure you understand how to contact me; and that I understand the best way that you would like me to contact you
• I will listen to you and repeat information back to you to show that I have been listening; and to check that I fully understand what you are saying