Programme announced for SDS National Voice 2024 conference

We are pleased to announce the programme for this year’s SDS National Voice conference, taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 28 March.

SDS National Voice is Scotland’s only national conference dedicated to Self-Directed Support. 

In 2024 our theme is “A decade of learning”, reflecting the ten years that have passed since the law enshrining the right to Self-directed Support came into effect in April 2014. We’ll be reflecting on what we’ve learned across the sector over the past ten years and how we’ve adapted to challenges and opportunities. We’ll also look ahead to the next ten years, and the work taking place to ensure the values and principles of SDS continue to be embedded in the way social care support is delivered in Scotland. 

We’re excited to bring this year’s conference back to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre for an in-person event, giving attendees including supported people, unpaid carers, SDSS members, partner organisations, local authority and government colleagues the chance to come together to learn, share ideas and make connections. 

For those who prefer to take part in the conference online, there is the option to view live-streamed plenary sessions and take part in online workshops.  

Programme 

The conference will be taking place at a pivotal moment for Self-directed Support, with the first year of the national SDS Improvement Plan complete, marking the tenth anniversary of SDS legislation – with the Parliamentary post-legislative scrutiny process ongoing – and in the context of developing plans for the National Care Service. 

The conference will be opened with a keynote address and Q&A from the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP. 

We are excited to share that this event will mark the relaunch of the Personal Assistant Network Scotland, showcasing their new offer as a membership organisation that aims to strengthen the PA workforce in Scotland, further empowering those who employ Personal Assistants.  

The Independent Living Fund Scotland, which is due to re-open in the days following the conference, will present on the new fund, the impact it will have on enabling independent living in Scotland, and the future of the ILF. 

And Self-directed Support Scotland will share findings from our ongoing research into Independent SDS Support services in Scotland – what does quality independent support look like, how can services become more accessible, what is needed to enable these services to meet demand? 

Following the morning presentations, a discussion panel featuring experts from across the sector will reveal a range of perspectives on the key issues around Self-directed Support. 

The afternoon will feature a range of workshops on emerging issues around SDS. In-person attendees will be able to attend two from a choice of 8 workshops, while those attending online will have the chance to take part in online-only workshops. More details of workshops will be announced soon.

Book a space

You can find out more details about the event (including timings, venue details and ticket types), and book your space, on the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sds-national-voice-2024-tickets-758800321187?aff=oddtdtcreator