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Bridging the gap: self-directed support and the current realityBy Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of UK Homecare AssociationMaking sure choice and control can work for all, and reviewing the implementation of personal budgets and direct payments is a very current concern for those working in adult social care. We all know there is a big gap between what we want to achieve with self-directed support and the current reality, particularly for older people.

The Easy Read document below gives an overview of the Making it Real framework. More information is available on our Making it Real webpages.

The document below gives an overview of the Making it Real framework. More information is available on our Making it Real webpages.

The Putting People First consortium has published a guide called Practical approaches to improving productivity through personalisation in adult social care. This paper suggests that self-directed support should be seen as a core part of the wider transformation process that aims to promote independence, extend choice, and offer cost effective solutions for people needing ongoing support.

The Local Innovation Award Scheme recognises, celebrates and awards partnerships who can demonstrate that they have innovative services, ideas and ways of working that bring real benefits to citizens. These case studies share learning from councils that were commended in the 'taking control of care' category of the scheme in 2010.

As part of the JIP programme, IESE has provided funding to Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Councils to act as a demonstrator site for personalisation for Mental Health. The first phase of this work is complete, drawing on learning from the development in each county of SDS pathways for service users with mental health needs.

Hertfordshire social services carried out an evaluation to find out about people's experiences of self-directed support and personal budgets what improvements can be made. The evaluation included a carers questionnaire.

This project supports the regional implementation of Objective 6 of the National Dementia StrategyThe project will seek to enhance the implementation of Objective 6 through the following high-level outcomes:Development of the market to ensure there is a range of services for people with dementia living at home and their carers that meet the needs, choices and aspirations of those who use them. Supporting existing providers to develop high quality services for people with Dementia Reducing the culture of risk aversion when working with people with dementia and reducing/removing stigma as a barrier to equality The project has the following objectives:To explore the experience, needs and desires of people with dementia and their carers based on a programme of engagement and a literature review of existing regional and national evidence.

This document has been produced for CQC staff who carry out local performance assessments of councils. It forms part of the CQC commissioner assessment guide for 2009/10.

This document aims to, enable local authorities in partnership with citizens, test and compare the effectiveness of their personalised process of allocating resources; and to provide assistance and examples of good practice.