When it comes to delivering meaningful and person-centred support, co-production is not just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of effective service provision. For organisations managing Individual Service Funds (ISFs), the creation and implementation of ‘We Statements’—statements that outline clear commitments to individuals and their families—are a vital tool to ensure accountability and alignment with personal aspirations.

Defining ‘We Statements’

‘We Statements’ are promises made by ISF providers that define how they will work with individuals to manage personal budgets, plan support, and achieve outcomes. These statements are not vague ideals but actionable commitments designed to set expectations, enhance transparency, and uphold the principles of self-directed support. They include promises to help people know and manage their budgets, plan for a good life, and ensure that their support is flexible, person-centred, and outcome-focused​.

Why Co-Produce ‘We Statements’?

Co-producing ‘We Statements’ with the people who use services, their families, and other key stakeholders transforms these commitments from organisational declarations to shared agreements. Here’s why this collaborative process matters:

1. Building Trust and Transparency
   Co-production ensures that the statements reflect real-world needs and priorities, not just organisational goals. This builds trust between providers and individuals, demonstrating that the organisation listens and values lived experiences.
2. Clarifying Expectations
   By involving stakeholders, organisations can clarify what they will deliver and how they will measure success. This reduces misunderstandings and creates a shared language around accountability.
3. Enhancing Accountability
   Co-produced ‘We Statements’ serve as benchmarks for evaluating the organisation’s performance. They ensure that providers hold themselves accountable to the promises they make.
4. Promoting Flexibility and Personalisation
   When stakeholders are involved in crafting these commitments, the resulting statements are more likely to encourage innovative and flexible support arrangements tailored to individual needs.

How to Co-Produce ‘We Statements’

1. Engage Early and Often
   Begin by inviting individuals, families, and staff to participate in discussions. Use accessible tools like focus groups, surveys, and workshops to gather input.
2. Ground the Statements in Principles and Practice
   Ensure the statements align with the core principles of self-directed support, such as choice, control, and inclusion. Incorporate feedback to make them practical and actionable.
3. Use Plain Language
   As demonstrated in the examples provided by Self-Directed Futures, ‘We Statements’ should be written in plain English to ensure everyone understands the commitments being made​.
4. Test and Refine
   Share draft statements with stakeholders for feedback. This iterative process helps refine the statements and ensures they resonate with everyone involved.
5. Embed into Practice
   Once finalised, embed the ‘We Statements’ into organisational policies, training, and everyday practices. Regularly review them to ensure they remain relevant.

The Impact of Co-Produced ‘We Statements’

Organisations that co-produce ‘We Statements’ with stakeholders are better equipped to deliver services that are meaningful and effective. They create a culture of shared responsibility and foster stronger relationships with the individuals they support. These statements also act as a vital mechanism for continuous improvement, as they provide clear benchmarks for evaluating and evolving service delivery.

Co-producing ‘We Statements’ is not just a helpful exercise—it is essential for ensuring that Individual Service Funds are delivered in a way that reflects the principles of choice, control, and person-centred care. Providers have a responsibility to be transparent, accountable, and flexible in their approach, and ‘We Statements’ offer a practical framework to achieve this.

Here are some recommendations for providers looking to embed ‘We Statements’ into their work:

1. Start with Co-Production
   Work collaboratively with individuals, families, and other stakeholders from the outset. This ensures that your commitments are grounded in real experiences and priorities.
2. Be Transparent About Costs
   Clearly communicate the costs associated with managing ISFs and ensure these are easy to understand. Transparency builds trust and sets a strong foundation for accountability.
3. Focus on Outcomes, Not Services
   Shift the focus from simply providing services to helping people achieve their goals and aspirations. Support plans should reflect what a good life means to each individual and how their budget can be used to achieve it.
4. Review and Adapt Regularly
   Make sure ‘We Statements’ and support arrangements are reviewed frequently. People’s lives and needs change, and your commitments should evolve accordingly.
5. Embed Accountability
   Use ‘We Statements’ as benchmarks for your organisation’s performance. Regularly seek feedback from the people you support and their families to ensure you are delivering on your promises.

By taking these steps, ISF providers can ensure that they are not just meeting commissioners’ requirements but genuinely delivering the flexible, person-centred support that ISFs are designed to enable. It’s about creating a culture where individuals and families feel empowered and providers hold themselves accountable to the highest standards of care and support.

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.