SDSS 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 who access social care, unpaid carers, providers, local government and the wider social care sector. It was held to help Committee members understand the key issues currently affecting social care in Scotland. 

Donald spoke about the importance of ensuring that changes to social care remain grounded in the independent living movement and the social model of disability. He highlighted concerns that giving the NHS a leading role in reform could lead to the medicalisation of social care. 

During the session, Donald also discussed: 

• the need for better data about people’s experiences of Self-directed Support 

• the importance of people being offered a genuine choice between all four SDS options 

• how tighter eligibility criteria and risk-averse practice can restrict flexibility 

• concerns that Option 1 can become the default where suitable local services are unavailable 

• the administrative pressures that prevent social workers from focusing on relationship-based practice and early intervention 

• the potential for Independent Living Fund Scotland to take on aspects of direct payment administration 

• the importance of Scotland’s personal assistant workforce 

• the training, recruitment and practical resources available to personal assistants and PA employers 

Donald also called for the National SDS Collaboration and its members to be involved in developing the next phase of national SDS improvement work. 

The full evidence session is available to read or watch on the Scottish Parliament TV website.