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 to reflect on the progress made over the past year and explore the latest developments in SDS and social care policy in Scotland.
Morning Session
The day began with our formal AGM, where SDSS members reviewed our work over the past year, examined financial accounts, and voted on the election of Board members. The election of Board members resulted in all Board members being re-elected for another year. You can view who is on the Board of SDSS here. We would like to thank all Board members for their ongoing support.
Following the formal business of the AGM, Donald Macleod, CEO of SDS Scotland, shared key highlights from our ongoing projects and initiatives, including engagement in National SDS Collaboration, launch of National Brokerage Framework, and pilot of an AI Chat Bot. You can read more about our work over the year 2024-25 in our annual report.
We were then joined by Christina McLaren, Unit Head for Ethical Commissioning and Personal Assistant Policy at the Scottish Government and co-chair of the PA Programme Board. Christina provided insights into the latest policy developments affecting Personal Assistants and Employers and discussed the future direction of the Programme Board.
The morning session also featured a presentation from Zoe McIntyre, Communication and Policy Manager at SDS Scotland, who provided an overview of the finding from the recent Scottish PA Workforce Survey report, including what motivates and challenges PAs across Scotland. You can read the full report here.
Afternoon Workshops
In the afternoon, attendees participated in interactive workshops covering a range of topics. We would like to thank all workshop facilitators for their contribution on the day.
Workshop A: Definitely maybe sometimes never – Prevention in adult social care
Facilitator: Dr Richard Brunner, University of Glasgow
This workshop, based on new research findings from Glasgow Disability Alliance and the University of Glasgow, explored prevention in social care. It combined policy analysis, evidence from the work of the GDA Community Navigator, and insights from two innovative workshops with disabled people to understand what prevention means in practice.
Workshop B: Accessible Travel – Exploring the barriers for recipients of Self-directed Support
Facilitators: Billi Allen-Mandeville and Pamela Tarrida del Mármol Pérez, Disability Equality Scotland
Drawing on engagement work with Transport Scotland, this session gave disabled people, supporters, and statutory bodies an opportunity to contribute to the creation of the new Accessible Travel Framework. Participants shared their experiences and views to help shape a more inclusive approach to travel.
Workshop C: Lessons from the Well Worthwhile Waiting Project – Setting Up a Pre-Assessment Information Pathway
Facilitators: Violet Keenan, Paul Barrowman, Mel Ryan (SDS Forth Valley), and Emma Mitchell (Clackmannanshire and Stirling HSCP)
This workshop showcased collaborative work between SDS Forth Valley and local Health and Social Care Partnerships to provide information and guidance around SDS at the earliest stages—when individuals are placed on a waiting list for an allocated worker. Attendees learned how this approach supports informed decision-making and explored how similar initiatives could be implemented elsewhere.
Workshop D: Developments in Social Work Scotland’s Standard 13
Facilitator: Donna Murray, Social Work Scotland
This session focused on Social Work Scotland’s SDS Standard 13, which sets out what good practice looks like for direct payments used to employ Personal Assistants. The workshop examined how the standard can ensure a consistent approach across Scotland and strengthen relationships between employers and Personal Assistants.
SDS National Voice Conference Announcement
We finished our AGM with revealing plans for the upcoming SDS National Voice Conference 2026. The event will take place on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, and for the first time – in Glasgow, bringing together voices from across the sector to explore this year’s inspiring theme: Learning and Leading. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, build connections, and shape the future of Self-directed Support. Don’t miss out – Early Bird tickets are now available! Book your place here.
