Re-design of Self Directed Support documentation

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What we did

Portsmouth City Council has redesigned its assessment/support planning and review documentation. This was achieved by setting up a group of practitioners working with the documentation to ensure 'buy-in' and use of some project management resources in order to ensure the project remained within scope. New formats were tested and feedback sought from practitioners. New forms were produced in writeable PDF format to make best use of the electronic client record system and to ensure a chronological record is available electronically.

Why we did it

Following a review of fieldwork services, practitioners highlighted huge amounts of duplication in relation to information gathering and key-strokes into the client record system, often resulting in hours spent on the recording of assessments. Similarly, the quality of support plans was audited with numerous discrepancies identified. It was felt that the support plan was not being developed in the true spirit of personalisation.

Specific improvements intended were:

  • Reduction in paperwork; from three, 12 page documents to a single ten page document
  • More intuitive assessment and support planning process designed to underpin the principles of personalisation
  • Increased practitioner time with clients
  • Reduced duplication of key information gathering
  • Improved efficiency

Outcome

All of the desired improvements and outcomes have been achieved and the time taken conducting assessment meetings and associated paperwork has reduced by 70%. As a further step the council plans to initiate a self-assessment element to the system and include the RAS within the assessment form.

Contact details

Rob Guile, Transformation & Business Development Manager, Portsmouth City Council, Rob.Guile@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, Tel: 023 9268 8457