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Read the latest news on our work and wider social care policy in Scotland.
News
14 October 2026Call for People and Organisations to take part in National Personal Assistant Day Activity
The Personal Assistant Programme Board, which is co-chaired by Self Directed Support Scotland and the Scottish Government, is inviting people and organisations across Scotland to get involved in National Personal…
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14 October 2026Introducing the new SDSS Training Programme for 2026–27
Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) is pleased to introduce our new Training Programme for 2026–27, designed to strengthen knowledge, confidence and good practice in Self-directed Support (SDS) across Scotland. Bringing…
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9 October 2026Prioritising Partnership: Highlights from SDS Scotland Mid-Year Stakeholder Event 2026
On Thursday 8 October, Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) welcomed 56 attendees to its online Mid-Year Stakeholder Event 2026, held under the theme ‘Prioritising Partnership’. The event brought together people…
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28 September 2026Event helps shape plans for a new Disabled People’s Organisation in Argyll and Bute
Disabled people, unpaid carers, community organisations and partners came together in Inveraray and online on Monday 28 September to discuss the possibility of creating a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) for…
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14 September 2026SDSS Chief Executive speaks at Health, Care and Sport Committee
Self Directed Support Scotland Chief Executive Donald Macleod gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Care and Sport Committee on Wednesday 9 September. The session brought together organisations representing people…
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31 July 2026PVG fee waiver introduced for Personal Assistants
From 1 August 2026, Personal Assistants starting a new role will no longer have to pay for their Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme check, following a new Scottish Government…
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9 June 2026Changes to SDS Direct Payments in Scotland Report Published
Self Directed Support Scotland has now published its “Changes to Self-directed Support Direct Payments in Scotland” report. Donald Macleod (Chief Executive, SDSS), on the report’s publication, said: “Thank you to all those who…
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14 May 2026Recruitment to Focus Groups on National Research on Direct Payment Changes in Scotland Opens
Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) is looking for people with experience of Direct Payments (DPs) to take part in short online discussion groups discussing how DPs work in practice, including: Disabled people Unpaid carers Independent Support Organisation Staff This is an…
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29 April 2026Scottish Parliament elections 2026: What do party manifestos say about social care?
With the Scottish Parliament elections occurring on Thursday 7 May, all major Scottish political parties have now published their election manifestos. All parties, except the Scottish National Party, had specific sections in…
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31 March 2026Reflections on SDS National Voice 2026
The SDS National Voice 2026: Learning and Leading conference brought together leaders, practitioners, decision‑makers and people with lived experience from across Scotland for a day of collaboration, learning and shared purpose. This event was one…
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30 March 2026Increase in the minimum hourly rate for PAs from April 2026
The Scottish Government has announced that the minimum rate of pay for Personal Assistants will increase to £13.45 an hour from April 2026. The increase is part of funding agreed…
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17 March 2026SDS National Voice 2026: Key Information for Attendees
We are looking forward to welcoming delegates at our SDS National Voice 2026: Learning and Leading conference, coming up this Wednesday 18 March. Please see some practical information about the conference below: In…