Category: News
Recruitment 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…
Scottish 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…
Reflections 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…
Increase 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…
SDS 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…
SDSS Launches National Survey on Changes to Direct Payments
Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) has launched a new national survey to gather the experiences of staff working in Independent Support Organisations (ISOs), wider charities, and community organisations on how changes…
Five year PVG Scheme membership coming into effect April 2026
Five year PVG Scheme membership coming into effect April 2026 Disclosure Scotland has announced significant changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, confirming the move from lifetime membership to a…
SDSS reflections on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025
Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we join the global call to create societies that are truly inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for disabled people. This year’s theme,…
Highlights from SDS Scotland AGM 2025
Our Annual General Meeting this year brought together over 50 members and colleagues from across the Self-directed Support (SDS) sector for a day of learning, discussion, and collaboration. Held online, the event provided an opportunity…
Our latest Annual Report 2025
Today we published our most recent Annual Report, sharing highlights from our work over the past year. Covering the period April 2024 – March 2025, the report includes details of…
Scottish PA Workforce Survey 2025 results report published
Self Directed Support Scotland is pleased to publish the findings of the third Personal Assistant Workforce Survey! The 2025 PA Workforce Survey, conducted between 1st April and 5th May 2025,…
Reports exploring SDS implementation published
Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) have published three reports, exploring the following topics: Exploring barriers to Self-Directed Support for People Living with Dementia (here) Self-directed Support in the Alcohol and…
Care Reform (Scotland) Bill passed by Scottish Parliament
The Care Reform (Scotland) Bill has now been passed by Scottish Parliament. The Bill has been passed following it’s original iteration of the National Care Service Bill. The Bill will…
Reflecting on the 2025 Open Meeting of the PA Programme Board
The annual open meeting of the PA Programme Board was held online on Thursday 26th June. The Open Meeting was the chance for PAs to find out what the Programme Board…
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…