On 30th March 2012 67 delegates from a wide range of provider organisations attended an event at Rothes Halls about Self Directed Support in Fife.

1. Self Directed
Support
Conference Feedback Report
Friday 30th March 2012
Rothes Halls, Glenrothes

2. Self Directed Support
Contents
Introduction page 3
Brief Summary of findings page 3
Delegate feedback page 4
Recommended actions page 10
Appendix: workshop notes page 11
2 Fife Conference Feedback Report: June 2012

3. Self Directed Support
Introduction
This report summarises feedback from the 63 Most delegates (50 people) represented
delegates who attended the Self Directed voluntary and third sector organisations that
Support (SDS) Conference held for provider provide support or advocacy for a wide range
and advocacy organisations in Fife on 30 of people with additional support needs in Fife.
March 2012. The event was organised by There was also representation from Fife Council
members of the Fife Adult Provider Forum (7 people) and Scotland-wide statutory and
and ARC Scotland using funds provided by voluntary bodies (6 people). Most of those
the Scottish Government 2012 – 2015. attending were in leadership and management
positions.
For more information please contact
James Fletcher, Director ARC Scotland: We cannot be sure that delegates who attended
james.fletcher@arcuk.org.uk are representative of the views of all provider
organisations in Fife. However we believe their
feedback gives an interesting and informative
picture that will help inform future strategy to
support local providers in relation to SDS.
Brief summary of findings
Most delegates already had some awareness Some organisations that work in Fife are making
of the principles and values of SDS prior to the changes in response to SDS, however most are
event, but far fewer had a clear understanding at the planning, rather than implementation
of what impact it would have on their organisation. stage. Some providers have practical experience
of SDS from their work in other Local Authority
Delegates were strongly supportive of SDS as areas, however this also tends to be at an early
an opportunity to improve both the quality stage.
of service and quality of life for people who
get support. In contrast to this, many had Most delegates were seeking improved
significant concerns that SDS will both increase networking, information sharing (particularly
vulnerability of people who get support and with Fife Council) and training opportunities to
create leadership and management challenges further develop their capacity to implement
for the organisations that support them. SDS.
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4. Self Directed Support
Delegate feedback
At registration, delegates were asked to
complete a short (3 questions) questionnaire
Q2. How would you rate your understanding
of the practical issues arising from SDS?
that asked delegates to score on a 1 to 5
(1 is none, 5 is a lot)
scale their current level of engagement and
understanding of SDS.
At the end of the event, delegates were
given a more detailed feedback form (11
questions). This included repeating the
morning questions, giving the ‘before’ and
‘after’ figures shown below.
Q1. How would you rate your
understanding of the values, principles
and methodology surrounding SDS?
(1 is none, 5 is a lot)
Here the shift in understanding is significantly
less positive than in question 1. The majority
of delegates left the event with only a low to
moderate understanding of this. More detail
concerning delegate’s practical experience of
implementing SDS can be seen in question 6.
Q3. How would you rate your awareness
of local authority plans to implement SDS?
(1 is none, 5 is a lot)
Responses show a good increase in
understanding of the values principles and
methodologies surrounding SDS for many of
those who attended. It also shows that most
delegates had at least some understanding
of SDS prior to the event.
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5. Self Directed Support
This question showed the biggest shift in
understanding from delegates; the majority
Q5. How successful do you think local
providers are at working together to
of whom (57%) had little or no awareness of
implement SDS? (1 is none, 5 is a lot)
local authority plans to implement SDS at the
start of the event.
25
Number of Respondents
20
Questions 4 and 5 were asked in the final
evaluation form only so we do not have
before and after figures to compare. 15
10
Q4. How much change (if any)
do you think your organisation has 5
already made in response to SDS?
(1 is none, 5 is a lot)
1 2 3 4 5
25 Score (1 is none 5 is a lot)
Number of Respondents
20
The wide range of responses may reflect a
varying degree of engagement with local
15 networks and forum for providers.
10 Towards the end of the event we sought more
detailed written responses from delegates on
5
approaches to improve collaborative working
(see question 9).
1 2 3 4 5
Score (1 is none 5 is a lot)
A broad range of responses to this question, with
79% scoring their answer low to moderate. See
question 6 for more information about action
providers have taken.
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6. Self Directed Support
Q6. What action has your organisation Involved in practical application in other
Local Authority areas: 13 delegates
already taken to engage with SDS?
responded their organisation is engaged in
implementing SDS out with Fife. But responses
This question elicited a wide range of responses,
generally indicate that this work is at an early
but no delegates responded that they were
stage:
engaged in the practical application of SDS in
Fife. Only one delegate responded that their
• ‘(We have) started to look at implementing
experience of supporting direct payments would
SDS in certain areas and are keen to
be transferable to SDS:
implement throughout the organisation’
• ‘Our Dundee Manager is far more aware of
No action: 7 delegates
SDS introduction to her services’
• ‘We are just beginning, hopefully start in April
• ‘Not at the moment in the East. West have
this year’
had some involvement’
At planning stage: 13 delegates responded
that their organisation was planning to
implement an SDS strategy:
Q7. What key concerns (if any) do you
have about SDS?
• ‘Strategy implementation group covering
Broadly speaking, responses to this question
contracts, financial and support planning’
can be categorised as concerns about
• ‘Background reading, practice development
changes to how their organisation will operate
group discussion within Care Inspectorate’
(22 responses) and concerns about the impact
• ‘Discussions taking place to plan – involving
of SDS on those they support (24 responses). A
departments (Finance, HR)’
further 7 delegates were concerned about how
SDS would be applied at a local level.
Implementing strategy: 6 delegates
responded that their organisation was actively
Don’t know: 5 delegates
implementing a SDS strategy. It is not clear from
responses to what extent this implementation is
HR issues: 13 delegates responded that staff
happening in Fife. Three respondents said their
recruitment; retention and changes to terms of
organisation had recruited a SDS Worker or team
employment were a key concern:
and two delegates said that they were providing
information and support for users and carers:
• ‘Workforce implications are a major factor.
Balancing service user rights with the rights
• ‘Yes, we have delivered training and secured
of employee/employee legislation’
funding for part-time SDS worker’
• ‘Practicalities of provision – staff contracts,
• ‘We spent the past year developing a strategy
budgets, costs, experience training’
for the organisation re. SDS. This is now in the
implementation stage’
Organisational change: 9 delegates
• ‘Service in place with team leader and
responded that the change process in relation
advisor to take forward and promote
to SDS was a key concern. There is some overlap
and support people with gaining advice
in these responses with the HR concerns shown
knowledge and SDS if desired’
above:
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7. Self Directed Support
• ‘The logistical management required to • ‘Concerns around high level of health needs
deliver more flexible services’ of those with PMLD and complex medical
• ‘Shift in culture within service provision’ needs’
• ‘Being a small organisation not being able to
compete with the larger orgs’
• ‘Are larger organisations / providers able to Q8. What key opportunities (if any) do
change?’ you think that SDS offers?
Local implementation: 7 delegates raised In marked contrast to the concerns shown
concerns about how SDS would roll out at a local above, delegates also identified some very
level. 3 respondents particularly mention the significant opportunities offered by SDS. There
role of the Local Authority as a concern: was strong agreement (45 responses) that it
provides an opportunity for individuals to
• ‘Resistance/obstruction within local authority; improve choice, flexibility, control over the
local authority reluctance to embrace our services they receive and that it will help to
role’ progress the personalisation agenda. Some
• ‘How effectively it’s implemented and how delegates (10 responses) also see SDS as an
easily it’s made accessible to “customers”’ opportunity to re-shape the social care sector.
Lack of resources and managing Don’t know: 4 delegates
expectations: 8 delegates indicated that lack
of resources was a key concern. Again there is Improved choice, control and flexibility
some overlap with comments shown above: of support: 23 delegates responded that
these were key opportunities offered by SDS.
• ‘Management of service – expectations. 15 respondents used the word ‘choice’. Other
Monitoring and control. Setting unrealistic key words were ‘Flexibility’, (5 people) and
expectations due to current financial ‘Control’ (6 people):
restrictions’
• ‘Enough funds to meet needs’ • ‘Potential for person to purchase the support
they really need’
Increased vulnerability: 16 delegates • ‘Make decisions, have control and choice,
raised concerns that SDS would lead to self determination, Increased flexibility’
increased vulnerability for service users.
3 delegates had concerns relating to the needs Promotes personalisation, individual
of carers: outcomes and potential: Clearly this overlaps
with the above, however 22 responses focused
• ‘Still have concerns on how this will be on individuals quality of life, as opposed to
monitored and the service users will be quality of care. Key words here were ‘Better
protected with regard to issues severe Outcomes’ (4 people), ‘empowerment / shift in
financial abuse’ power’ (4 people), ‘personalisation/ person
• ‘What safe guarding systems will be in place centred’ (5 people):
to protect vulnerable adults?’
• ‘How will the personalisation of services for • ‘The ability to identify own self worth and
the service user still meet the needs of the personal expression’
carers when their priorities are different?’
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8. Self Directed Support
• ‘Enabling them to live a more fulfilling life full • ‘Clear and open discussion with Carers to
of more opportunities’ allow some of the fear and concern that
• ‘Better lifestyle, creativity, new opportunities, they currently have’
shift in power’ • ‘SDS information in alternative formats for
service users/carers’
Help to re-shape the Care sector: 10 delegates
thought that SDS provided an opportunity to More training: 8 people identified this as a
change or challenge practice within the sector: key issue. 3 people identified specific training
needs: outcomes, managing change, risk
• ‘Keep providers on their toes! (long overdue)’ assessment, finance, HR:
• ‘Opportunity to enhance service provision
and examine current practice’ • ‘Support/training re. managing change both
• ‘Cost effective use of resource. Potential to internal and external’
strip out ineffectual services over time’
Other support: 3 people mentioned ‘more
support ‘in relation to developing SDS, however
Q9. What (if anything) would you like to it is not clear what form this support should take.
see happening in this local authority area
to address key concerns and promote Specific action: 4 people identified a specific
opportunities? action they would like to see:
This question drew diverse comments concerning • ‘Red flag need for a certain number of high
networking / sharing information (13 people), level health input (financially)’
more involvement from people who use services • ‘Clear recognition of need for safe guarding
and carers (9 people), provision of training in balance with choice and self
(8 people) and other forms of support for determination’
providers (3 people): • ‘Flexibility and shared assessment from Social
Work’
Don’t know: 12 delegates • ‘PVG registers, trained, skilled workforce’
Networking / sharing information: 13 people
responded that they would like to see this Q10. What action (if any) do you plan to
happening. 3 people specifically mentioned take as a result of today’s event?
improved networking with Fife Council:
Don’t know: 8 delegates
• ‘SDS network created for providers’
• ‘More coming together of providers to share Gather more information about SDS 12 people
concerns, processes and learning’ said they would find out more about SDS:
• ‘More engagement/info sharing with
providers about development of SDS within • ‘Need to gather more information re – SDS
Fife Council’ look in more depth at possibilities /
practicalities’
Involve users and carers: 9 people mentioned • ‘Reading info at policy level’
improved involvement and communication with
these groups:
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9. Self Directed Support
Discuss / disseminate learning from today’s • ‘As a provider that currently works in
event: 23 people said they would do this. partnership with Fife Council it was
Dissemination will occur with CEO / Board of informative to hear how they intend to
Directors, Management Teams, HR Departments take things forward’
and Staff Teams. 2 people said that they would • ‘Explanation of SDS and all presentations in
disseminate information to people who use morning were very informative’
services and carers:
Workshop discussions: 7 delegates found the
• ‘Discuss and share wealth of information workshops were particularly helpful:
generated with MD and management team’
• ‘Look into and use the information provided • ‘Workshop was useful and practically met
to feedback to staff teams and also seek some questions I had. Useful to hear other
further information about where the peoples views and experiences’
organisation are with their plans’ • ‘I found the discussions in the workshop very
• ‘Now I have a bit clearer picture I can informative and thought provoking’
answer some of the Carers questions a bit
more confidently’ Areas for improvement: 2 delegates said
that the event was not long enough. Another
Begin planning process: 4 people said that 2 delegates said that timekeeping affected
they would use today’s event to actively start discussion and debate:
planning:
• ‘Felt very rushed through, information was
• ‘Start re-evaluating our services, look at how helpful but interrupted by time pressures’
we can be creative and expand to meet
potential, needs services’
• ‘Look at additions to the service we provide’
Q11. Please tell us about anything that
you found particularly helpful or unhelpful
about today’s event.
General positive comments: 12 delegates
• ‘All aspects of the day has helped enhance
my understanding of SDS’
Presentations: 15 delegates indicated that the
morning presentations were particularly helpful.
Of these, 11 delegates found the Fife Council
presentation particularly helpful:
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10. Self Directed Support
Recommended actions
The recommended action points will be the Outcome: Improve awareness of how the
subject of further discussion with Fife Adult local authority intends to implement Self Directed
Provider forum members and other stakeholders. Support in Fife and contribute to local authority
This will inform future action in Fife to increase community planning and implementation of the
capacity to implement SDS local strategy for self directed support.
Outcome: Improve understanding of processes Action: Continue to develop partnership with
and terms surrounding personalisation and Fife Council SDS team. Consult with and include
self directed support. them in future consortium activities.
Action: Organise training / workshop events to
increase understanding of the values principles For more information please contact
and methodologies surrounding SDS are to be James Fletcher, Director ARC Scotland:
arranged. james.fletcher@arcuk.org.uk
Outcome: Improve understanding of the
changes providers will be required to make
and the impact this will have on them and the
people they support.
Action: In partnership with providers and
advocacy organisations, deliver one full-day
workshop / event to disseminate knowledge of
good practice and innovative service models.
To invite local organisations, external experts
and people who use services to input to these
events.
Action: Seek practical examples of SDS in action
in Fife and other areas and disseminate these to
provider and advocacy organisations.
Action: Further explore opportunities to work
collaboratively to share learning and experience
between providers. Improve links with other
groups and forums for providers and advocates.
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11. Self Directed Support
Appendix 1: workshop notes
Taking forward Self-Directed Support in • Advice line for staff/service users.
Fife – the providers perspective: • Examples of good practice/problems.
• Participation in provider forum.
1. What are the practical issues arising • We should work in partnership with the
from SDS Council.
• Who represents providers on the reference
• How do small organisations complete? group?
Become part of a network
• Will small providers be disadvantaged?
• Will it be easier for them to be flexible? 3. What are the priorities arising from SDS
• Will we still be able to build relationships if for you?
focus is tasks/outcomes and make change?
• How will we keep skilled staff when we cannot • Considering new models of delivering
compete with other salaries e.g. local services
authorities. • Achieving culture change
• Will there be fair competition between LA • Achieving personalisation for people with
and providers? very complex needs.
• Do we become service brokers rather than • How do we contract staff to be that flexible?
employers? – when people want support at different
• Will staff have to pay for their own training times each day.
and development? Use of E-learning • It maybe more difficult to be flexible enough
• Will customers want to pay for quality? in new services as relationship will not be
• Will we pay staff differently for different roles. established.
Becomes complicated. Working through a competency framework
• Flexibility V quality for staff will be more difficult.
• Can people buy from providers who are not • Achieving change with same money.
on the framework. • Being clear about limitations against
expectations.
• Complying with HR legislation
2. What information and support do you • Achieving effective workforce development
need? and regulation – how will we contract with
people – will we have to pay stand-by what
• Social work to be flexible in how they respond is the extent of our liability if something goes
to organisations and individuals. wrong?
• We need information from the Council about
what is happening and what has been
learned.
• Where are housing, etc, in this process?
• On-line information/opportunities to learn
together.
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