Self-directed support and personal budgets
The aim of self-directed support is to give people control over their support so that they can live more independent lives. Rather than being passive, people are active citizens choosing how to spend their allocated budget with or without help.
One of the main ways people can self-direct their support is through personal budgets or a direct payment.
Gathering the Evidence: Making Personal Budgets Work for All
This report, published today, sets out a direction for improving the evidence base for personal budgets. It is a response to the National Audit Office’s 2016 report, which drew attention to the lack of a firm evidence base for understanding the impact of personal budgets. Personal budgets need to work for all so that we can re-focus our concentration on creating good lives for people, not just good services for the system.
Personal Budgets Minimum Process Framework
An interactive web resource to help councils simplify processes for delivering personal budgets, in line with Care Act duties.
Key resources
Health and care charities argue that the use of personal budgets in health care reaffirms NHS values
This paper, published in partnership between National Voices, TLAP, Shared Lives Plus and In Control explores the use of personal budgets within the health system. It counters criticism that personal budgets undermine the values of the NHS.
Personal Outcomes Evaluation Tool (POET) for adults in receipt of social care support - 2017 report
Survey of 4,300 responses measuring expereinces of people in receipt of persoanl budgets and personalised care & support.
Individual Service Funds (ISFs) and Contracting for Flexible Support
This Guide, aimed at council commissioners and providers, sets out how councils can contract in a way that gives the person more control over their support.
Getting Better Outcomes for Older People using personal budgets
Report on what does and doesn't work well for older people using personal budgets
Delivering Care and Support Planning
This report offers councils practical examples for delivering Care & Support plans that are both Care Act compliant and person-centred in their approach.
Self-Directed Support: Reducing process, increasing choice and control
Report aimed at council staff responsible for implementing self-directed support
Third National Personal Budget Survey (POET 2014)
The survey looks at the experiences of personal budget holders and their carers and is based on the Personal Outcomes Evaluation Tool (POET).
Trust is the key: Increasing the take-up of direct payments
Report with case studies on latest guidance for increasing the uptake of direct payments
Paths to Personalisation in Mental Health
Report, drawing on Making it Real, aimed at people with mental health needs, health & social care commissioners, providers, practitioners, care coordinators.
Second National Personal Budget Survey
Survey of over 3,000 personal budget holders using the Personal Budgets Outcomes Evaluation Tool (POET)
Personal Budgets: Taking Stock, Moving Forward
An overview of evidence on how the sector is progressing with delivering personal budgets
Best Practice in Direct Payments Support
Examples of innovative practice in commissioning direct payments and support for their take-up
Leaner approaches to council operating systems
Advice on reducing bureaucracy in delivering direct payments
