Category: News

A picture of a magnifying glass over a computer screen with an online search bar displayed
10 October 2024 | News

Recruiting user testers for online search tools

Can you help us make it easier for people to find support with SDS, and training for Personal Assistants?  We are currently working on two online search tools:  Redeveloping the…

A PVG form and pen
3 October 2024 | News

Upcoming changes to PVG for Personal Assistants – what you need to know

A new law will come into force in April 2025 that will make it a legal requirement for Personal Assistants employed through Self-directed Support to join the PVG scheme. Disclosure…

19 September 2024 | News

SDSS’ response to the National Care Service Bill Stage 2

Self Directed Support Scotland have today published our response to the call for evidence on proposed amendments to the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill. The Bill, which was first introduced…

The front cover of the Scottish Parliament report called "Post-legislative scrutiny of the Social Care (Self-Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013: Phase 2"
9 September 2024 | News

Report published on Post-legislative Scrutiny of Self-Directed Support

The Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has today published its final report summarising the evidence it has collected during the process of scrutinising the Social Care (Self-directed…

The front cover of the consultation analysis report from the Scottish Government, which has a picture of a cartoon person surrounded by 5 thought bubbles with the following items inside: coach bus, justice scales, house, mobile phone, and heart
27 August 2024 | News

Scottish Government publishes analysis of Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill Consultation

The Scottish Government has recently published their analysis of the responses they received from the consultation on the introduction of a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill. The consultation process…

An illustration with a pie chart and bar chart and an elderly woman in a wheelchair with her PA
7 August 2024 | News

Report published on data around Personal Assistants

The Scottish Government have published a report looking into sources of data on Personal Assistants. Developing the Personal Assistant workforce has been a focus of the national Personal Assistant Programme…

IMPACT - Improving Adult Care together logo
7 August 2024 | News

New research published on Personal Assistants’ wellbeing

Researchers from IMPACT (Improving Adult Care Together) have for the past year been looking at the wellbeing of Personal Assistants in Scotland. The work, which is part of the national…

Donald Macleod appearing at Parliament committee
25 June 2024 | News

Scottish Parliament hears evidence on the implementation of Self-directed Support

Throughout June, the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has been hearing evidence from across the sector on the implementation of Self-directed Support. The hearings have formed part…

A graphic showing a man looking at a laptop on a sofa with the Community Brokerage Scotland logo
30 May 2024 | News

Brokerage Award deadline extended

Due to increased interest, the application deadline for this year’s delivery of the Community Brokerage Award has been extended until 14 June 2024. The course, which starts in September 2024…

Self Directed Support standards logo
18 May 2024 | News

Revised SDS Standards published

Social Work Scotland have announced the publication of the newly revised SDS Standards. The Standards describe what good Self-directed Support looks like, and aim to support best practice and the…

ILF Scotland logo
3 May 2024 | News

Independent Living Fund Scotland re-opens for new applications

On 3 May the Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland officially re-opened for new applications. The ILF provides funding support for disabled people in Scotland, and it is hoped that in…

An illustration representing access to information for people with sensory impairments
26 April 2024 | News

Recommendations made for better information around SDS for people with sensory impairments

The ALLIANCE have published a report on people’s experiences of accessible information around Self-directed Support. The research looked at experiences of accessing information about SDS for people who are Deaf,…

A map of Scotland showing Support in the Right Direction funded services
16 April 2024 | News

Funding announced for independent support

New funding has been announced that will enable people in Scotland who use social care, and their carers, to access independent support, information, advice and advocacy. The Support in the…

A man sits on a sofa doing a video call on his laptop
28 March 2024 | News

Applications open for Community Brokerage Award 2024-25

Applications are now open for the next delivery of the Community Brokerage Award, running from September 2024 to June 2025. The award is a certified course, worth 30 credits at SCQF…

The front cover of a report titled A Brokerage Framework for Scotland
27 March 2024 | News

Defining and developing Community Brokerage in Scotland

A new framework has been launched which sets out a national approach to Community Brokerage services in Scotland. Developed as part of the SDS Improvement plan 2023-2027, A Brokerage Framework for Scotland has…