Self-directed Support (SDS) statutory guidance update

Update of statutory guidance originally published in 2014 which retains some of the original guidance but with some important differences.

The Statutory Guidance has been updated, making it clearer that Self-directed Support (SDS) is for everyone in Scotland who needs social care services or support. This includes children, adults and unpaid carers.

The Guidance explains what authorities should do to make sure that people are able to get the support that is right for them. It is based on the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 (‘the 2013 Act’). This is the law that tells local authorities what they must do to give access to SDS in a way that supports people’s rights to choice, dignity and being able to take part in the life of their communities.

This law tells authorities that they should:
■ Treat supported people with dignity and respect at all times, including when they first assess someone for support;
■ Offer the four SDS options and explain what each of them mean in a balanced and impartial way, and how they would work for the supported person’s unique circumstances;
■ Make sure that supported people have a say in planning what their support looks like and that they have as much involvement as they want in decisions about their support;
■ Make sure that supported people have enough information to understand what is available and to make the choices which are right for them. This should include information about where to find independent support to help them choose; and
■ Make sure that supported people have opportunities to challenge and ask questions about any aspect of their support, and are given enough time to understand and participate in decisions about their support, particularly when it is being stopped or changed.

Since the 2013 Act become law, a lot has been learned about how SDS works, including from speaking to people who use support and people who work in social care. Most people agree that SDS is a very good idea but that not everyone who needs SDS is receiving the support that is right for them. Also, not everyone is able to have choice and control over how their support is provided.

Authorities have the freedom to decide how they provide SDS and how they decide who gets it. The updated Guidance therefore aims to help improve how people experience SDS by making it clearer what authorities and workers need to do to make sure the supported person has as much involvement and choice as the person wants.

For example, the Guidance has incorporated the SDS Framework of Standards. The Framework helps explain how everyone involved in SDS should help supported people to choose the kind of social care support that will give them dignity and control over their lives.

Click here to read the full updated Statutory Guidance.

Click here to read the Easy Read version of the updated Statutory Guidance.

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