New SDS Standard for Social Workers Published
Social Work Scotland have now published SDS Standard 13: Direct Payments for employing Personal Assistants. The Standard aims to ensure that Personal Assistant employers are consistently supported by social workers to develop and maintain a strong mutual relationship with their Personal Assistants.
The standard was collaboratively developed with key partners such as the Personal Assistant Programme Board, and has been endorsed by the Scottish Government Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport and COSLA (Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities).
Core components of the Standard include:
- Clear, accessible and inclusive information provided for employers, families and carers.
- Assessment, support planning and review processes that recognise that direct payments support activities for independent living.
- A direct payment budget is sufficient to enable the PA employer to meet the agreed outcomes identified through their assessment.
- Social workers are confident about supporting applications to the re-opened Independent Living Fund Scotland to enable the people they support to achieve independent living outcomes.
- Direct payment agreements embed the statutory principles of Self-directed Support and are accessible and easy to understand. Agreements are reciprocal, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both employers and local authorities. Agreements reflect national policy and practice guidance.
- PA employers, local authorities, and independent support organisations all have a role in identifying when a direct payment for employing Personal Assistants is not appropriate or should be suspended, terminated or returned. Any decision is explained clearly to the PA employer or, when appropriate, to their carers.
- There is locally coordinated support available for recruitment of, and support for, Personal Assistants. While it is not the responsibility of local authorities to recruit Personal Assistants, employers need locally coordinated support for recruitment.
- PA employers have access to training and support to enable them to carry out employer duties and to be a good employer.
- Personal Assistants have access to training and support to enable them to carry out the job required by their employer
Learn more and read Standard 13 in full, including in an Easy Read format, by clicking here.
