Reducing process case studies

The case studies suggest ways in which to improve the provision of information and advice.

• Direct Payment Agreements and Factsheets

  The ADASS West Midlands Direct Payments Network has reviewed Direct Payment Agreements and accompanying factsheets.

• On-line resource directory

  East Sussex County Council has developed an on-line directory of services that brings together a range of information in one place.

The case studies suggest ways to overcome common concerns in supported self assessments including a lack in self-direction.

• Improved planning and outcomes for disabled younger people and adults

  Worcestershire County Council has set up two new teams in order to improve the transition of younger disabled people.

• Self-confirmation of assessments by experienced practitioners

  Essex County Council has changed its authorisation process for assessments, giving practitioners more responsibility.

The case studies highlight issues including public understanding, practitioner commitment and pressure on resources.

• New ways of working

  Southend Borough Council has introduced a number of changes to make its business processes more efficient.

• Resource Allocation Systems workshops

  Warwickshire County Council has run a series of workshops on their RAS aimed at supporting adult social care managers.

The case studies suggest improvements to market development and how to overcome common frustrations such as lack of clarity and the time support planning takes.

• Independent support planning & brokerage

  East Sussex County Council has commissioned independent support planning and brokerage.

• Mobile working and outcome focus

  Cumbria County Council has put a software package onto practitioner's laptops which includes the assessment and resource allocation tool.

• Support planning café

  North Tyneside Council has set up a Support Planning Cafe' for adults with learning disabilities.

These case studies give examples of where councils have engaged with people using services, carers and front line staff and their managers in reviewing and improving their SDS processes.

• New information for a new customer journey

  Derby City Council has used co-production to develop clear and easy to use customer information to support their new customer journey for SDS.

The case studies give examples of where councils have changed and improved their working practices in order to make the SDS process easier for practitioners to operate.

• Implementing a pre-paid card for people using Direct Payments

  Islington Council has introduced a pre-paid card for people using Direct Payments.

• Managing contracts better

  Telford & Wrekin Council has reduced the amount of process involved in managing contracts

• Mobile working and outcome focus

  Cumbria County Council has put a software package onto practitioner's laptops which includes the assessment and resource allocation tool.

• New ways of working

  Southend Borough Council has introduced a number of changes to make its business processes more efficient.

• Pass card for the personalisation and recovery pathway

  Coventry City Council has introduced a Pass Card as an integral component of their Personalisation and Recovery Pathway for people with mental health needs.

• Re-design of Self Directed Support documentation

  Portsmouth City Council has redesigned its assessment/support planning and review documentation.

• Review of direct payments policies and procedures

  Stoke City Council set up a Task & Finish Group to review its Direct Payments policies procedures and practice.

The case studies give examples of where councils have reviewed their SDS processes and subsequently implemented streamlined processes.

• Improving the SDS pathway

  Norfolk County Council has undertaken a review of its SDS process to increase the number of people taking up Personal Budgets.

• Improving the SDS pathway

  Kirklees Council has undertaken a review of its SDS pathway by developing its Care Navigation model.

• Operational staff leading change and reducing paperwork

  Hampshire County Council Adult Services set up a Personalisation Review Programme to take a fundamental look at the SDS business process.

• Re-design of the SDS process

  Derbyshire County Council has undertaken a fundamental review of its SDS process and tools.

• Re-designing the customer journey

  Lancashire County Council has co-produced a new person centred journey.

• SDS acceleration

  Herefordshire County Council has started a business change programme called Self-Directed Support (SDS) Acceleration.

• Simplifying businesses processes for SDS

  Sunderland City Council has taken steps to fundamentally review and streamline their SDS processes.

• Social care re-script

  Doncaster Council has re-defined the SDS pathway for people needing social care support across the FACs spectrum.

• Whole systems review

  Camden Council undertook a whole systems review, using "systems thinking" principles to reorganise services.