Self-directed support: ten years on

Key Points:
It is ten years since the publication of the first national strategy for Self-directed Support (SDS).
Evidence, both from scrutiny activity and research, indicates a very mixed picture of delivery across Scotland, with some people benefitting and others not having full access
Processes for delivery of SDS are often bureaucratic and unwieldy, with the voice of the supported person not being fully heard.
In order for the goals of the SDS strategy to be fully implemented, a change of culture will be required to fully put the voice of the supported person at the heart of SDS processes.
There are significant implications for the workforce in terms of training and autonomy; real investment in education and training is required.