Scottish Government

ISBN 0 7559 4692 8

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Service Review Guidance

New guidance on service reviews has now been agreed with the Service Review Impact Group and emphasises the importance of checking that there is sufficient demand for services meeting the strategic aims of the Supporting People programme, providing value for money and high quality support.

It is similar to the previous version and still based around a 3 stage process. One change is to recognise that some councils are finding it helpful to include a discussion with the provider and, where the client is willing, a visit to where the service is provided as past of Stage 1 of the review. The other significant change is to extend the timescale for completing reviews to March 2007.

A covering context paper explains that no major changes in strategic aims or eligibility are envisaged at present for the programme, but local authorities need to demonstrate improved efficiencies, internally and externally, while ensuring that reviews are carried out in a fair, objective and transparent way. Local authorities will have to show they have followed the key principles for a fair review.

A report will be provided to Ministers by April 2006, assessing the impact of the service reviews and budget changes across Scotland. It will evaluate the level of efficiency gains as well as the impact on front line services, service users and levels of unmet need. Monitoring arrangements, agreed with the new group, will also assess the impact of the loss of separate pipeline funding on future build, on jobs and on other funding streams. These arrangements should not involve too much additional work for local authorities or providers and will be essential in providing robust evidence to inform future funding decisions by ministers. Other national research will be conducted to assess the full impact and benefits of Supporting People funding and its policy implications.

Listening Skills

Richard, 25, has a learning disability and a condition called Prader Willi Syndrome, which means he never feels full and he also needs more calories than most people. This has been called 'the Devil's own condition' and means that meals for Richard take some planning. On top of this, Richard has diabetes which brings a whole range of other dietary requirements. It would be fair to say Richard has a tough time with what he can and cannot eat. Richard now copes remarkably well with these daily challenges. However, this was not always the case.

He has not always had the opportunity to manage his life around food. When he first left home four years ago, Richard was supported every minute of the day with little control over many aspects of his life. He was given £1 per day for spending, the kitchen cupboards were locked, and food was stored in the staff sleepover room.

He felt support staff didn't understand what he was going through - they would even eat food in front of him without thinking. Needless to say, the support package didn't work and Richard was soon moved into Lennox Castle hospital.

Richard's life changed in 2002 when he was discharged from hospital and became involved with C Change for Inclusion. This organisation provides individual support for people with learning difficulties. Richard's support began as before with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, there was one important difference. Through actually listening to Richard and reviewing the service and reassessing his needs, with his input, C Change was able to support him in reducing the service and giving him time on his own during nights and during the day. He has been supported in taking on responsibility for shopping, cooking and managing his own meals. He gets himself weighed at the local health clinic fortnightly which allows everyone to monitor progress. Being trusted with so much more responsibility has motivated Richard to attend regular exercise classes, organise his busy social life, take holidays abroad and gain employment. He is a much happier individual now, aware of how C Change staff have helped him by listening and by including him in the management of his own life. He is keen to help empower other people with Prader Willi Syndrome. 'I feel I'm more in control,' said Richard. 'I feel more confident. My life has changed.'

Learning Disability Week 19 - 26 June 2005

It's our community too - we have the right to be involved.

People with learning disabilities and their families should have the same rights as everyone else to do things in their communities.

Further information can be obtained from Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, Adelphi Centre Room 16, 12 Commercial Road, Glasgow. Tel: 0141 418 5420.

Diversity Matters

Andy Smith and Pat Black of Diversity Matters pose an unusual challenge to services. 'How do you determine service quality while retaining true diversity in service delivery?'

In case you are about to skip in panic to the next article, Diversity Matters has developed a friendly, gentle way of helping organisations evaluate how they do what they do, and understanding what kinds of change might help them do it better.

Five dimensions

The Five Dimensions technique is based on five person-centred principles the group believes characterise successful support organisations. Learning (and developing and growing), having a right relationship, using power appropriately, maintaining usefulness and relevance, and respecting uniqueness and diversity all help successful organisations support service quality.

Tracking and sharing

On request the Five Dimensions team will meet with your organisation, agree a series of discussions and meetings with management and staff and service users, and will come and observe your organisation at work tracking daily activities. The team then discusses and mulls over the information they've gathered using the Five Dimensions tool, and will share conclusions and impressions with you, listening to your responses. They then produce a written report and recommendations based on joint discussion.

This can take a month or longer, and they offer follow-up workshops for organisations who want to develop change strategies based on the findings. The evaluation teams, who come from diverse groups, are self-organised and offer a large spread of expertise. They allow the process to take the time it needs to produce useful results.

'Every organisation is made up of many different people and relationships,' Pat and Andy emphasised. 'All relationships go two ways and make a difference to both sides. We don't work with tick boxes; we try to paint a large picture. We try to understand why things work or don't. Blame goes nowhere, and we believe everybody can learn'

If you want to find out more about the Five Dimensions evaluation, designed specifically for organisations working for inclusion, contact: pat@diversity-matters.co.uk or andy@diversity-matters.co.uk or RHarland@thistle.org or telephone 0131 347 1334

Eligibility Changes to Direct Payments

The Scottish Executive has announced an amendment to direct payments guidance which will allow a direct payment recipient to employ close relatives who reside in a different household. Previously close relatives living in a different house could only be employed under 'exceptional circumstances'.

The change means direct payment recipients will now be able to employ:

• A close relative who does not live in the same household
• The spouse or partner of a close relative if either the close relative or the spouse does not live in the same household.

The number and value of direct payments has increased greatly over the last three years, from 207 payments in 2001 to 912 in the year to 31 March 2004. Similarly the value of payments has increased by nearly £6.2m from £2.1m in 2001 to over £8.3m in 2004. This suggests that recent interventions made by the Executive are beginning to bring results on which to build.

The Executive recognises the need to increase awareness and promote more widespread use. The latest spending review has allocated £1.8m for direct payment development for 2006-07, and from 2007 onwards £2m per annum. Local authorities will be expected to fund direct payment support organisations, a designated direct payment lead officer, direct payment training, and other initiatives detailed in a forthcoming draft, Direct Payment Guidance, that will go out to consultation this summer.

Further information can be found at www.dpscotland.org.uk

Moving On

Catherine has Downs Syndrome. But that is not who she is.

She lives at home with her mum and eventually plans to live in a house of her own with support from her Circle. Catherine's Circle of Support was established in 2001 and is made up of family and friends who have listened to her dreams and nightmares, and her plans for how she wants to change her life.

What does a Circle of Support do? It provides a variety of people with different personalities and experiences Catherine can choose to turn to for help and advice, or just for someone to listen to her. Catherine's Circle has grown and developed over the years. New people have been introduced and some have left. But the overall impact of the Circle has been to increase her confidence and choices in a supported environment. She trusts that the Circle's input will benefit her. It may not always be just what she wants to hear, but in the end she is free to choose, safe in the knowledge she will be supported whatever the outcome.

From being bored in the job she had been in for 8 years, Catherine now has changed her life, obtained a paid job for two hours, does voluntary work and now has obtained a placement for a few hours a week. She has realised her ambition of singing live onstage, participating in mainstream college courses and she now goes out clubbing with her mates.

Through Catherine's development her mum and other Circle members have seen benefits in their own lives too. They have learned it's all right to ask for help and that if you do, you actually get it. They have currently working through an 8-week Health Care Pack and we are sure there is much more to come for them in the future. Catherine says, 'I don't think anyone owes me a life. With the help of my Circle of Support I go on having fun and a good life.'

Annual Care and Repair Conference

Over 140 delegates attended the annual conference of Care & Repair Forum Scotland on 25th April at Dunblane Hydro Hotel.

The event was considered very successful and useful. Staff from local authorities, health partners, voluntary organisations, and Care & Repair discussed the current issues around delivering a high quality service to older and disabled householders. The opening address was given by Johann Lamont MSP, Deputy Minister for Communities.

The Deputy Minister began by recognising the success of Care & Repair services. She said, 'My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to providing a better way of life for older and vulnerable people in Scotland and I am pleased to say Care & Repair is helping to deliver this on the ground to private home owners.' The Deputy Minister then outlined some of the policy changes that will affect Care & Repair. 'I am sure that many of you are aware of the recent change in funding arrangements for Care & Repair projects. As of 1 April this year, public sector revenue funding for Care & Repair projects in Scotland was transferred from Communities Scotland to local authorities as part of Private Sector Housing grants. As part of these new arrangements local authorities applied to Communities Scotland for over £2.3m of revenue funding for Care & Repair projects in 2005-06. These funding applications were awarded in full and emphasises the commitment of Scottish Ministers to ensuring Care & Repair projects continue to develop and deliver high quality, effective services to those individuals who need them most.'

She concluded her address, 'I am absolutely clear about the value of Care & Repair.

I believe it has a key part to play in delivering this Government's commitments on private housing, and today's conference will make a contribution to its delivery.'

Delegates then attended workshops on the subjects of Housing and Health, Household Security, Advice and Information Quality Standards and Joint Futures. The workshops provided an opportunity for learning and networking and were very useful.

The Dunblane Hydro buffet lunch is always a feature of the conference and this year was no exception. A few delegates managed to get extra puddings before attending the afternoon sessions!

Tell us about the Work of Housing Support Staff

Consultation

Scotland's regulatory body for social service workers, the Scottish Social Services Council, has produced a consultation document on the roles and responsibilities of housing support workers. The consultation is part of a project, funded by Supporting People, in partnership with the Scottish Executive, to identify the education and training needs of the sector.

The consultation document has been sent to more than 2,000 individuals and organisations, including local authorities, elected members, health boards, COSLA, Communities Scotland, voluntary sector and independent providers. A number of local events are also being held for service providers, staff and those who use housing support services.

Housing support staff are likely to be registered in the later stages of Phase Two of the SSSC's registration process, which begins in 2006.

Wendy Johnston, Project Officer for Housing with the SSSC said, 'We really want stakeholders to tell us about the work of housing support staff, and their role where staff deliver both housing support and care at home services. We are also asking what particular qualifications should be expected of housing support staff, working at different levels.'

The paper, Consultation on qualification requirements for phase two - housing support workers, is available on the SSSC website: www.sssc.uk.com under Consultations and Projects.

The closing date for responses is 1 July 2005.

Further information from Wendy Johnston, Tel 01382 207186, or by Email: wendy.johnston@sssc.uk.com

Care Commission Pilot Inspection

What do you expect from an inspection?

Ross-shire Women's Aid reported back on their first inspection. Here is what they found.

Generally speaking, the inspection was a positive experience. Women's Aid felt the 2 inspectors had been keen to show a collaborative approach, making it clear the Care Commission did not expect to see everything set in stone. They were looking for awareness of strengths and weaknesses and opportunities to improve. They sent out questionnaires for current and past service users. A staff questionnaire should have been circulated prior to the visit but this hadn't happened.

First the Care Commission Officer contacted the group and arranged to speak with women in refuge before speaking with workers. Service workers and users were given the choice whether to speak individually or as a group. Interestingly, service users chose both options but workers chose to speak individually. Issues the Care Commission focused on had arisen from the questionnaires. There was a list of standard questions; however, they seemed to focus on questions around training, induction and risk assessment. They were informed that much of the information needed was gained verbally from meeting service users. At the end of the inspection they were informed that there were no problems, but that some of their support plans were too ambitious. However, the risk assessment form was very acceptable.

The feedback report they received was in bullet point format including recommendations for best practice and requirements for things that must be put into practice. It was emphasised that policies need to be put into practice and all policies need to be implemented.

Women's Aid considered one issue for improvement, however, it could be the way service users were approached for feedback. The forms were legalistic and Women's Aid felt they needed to accompany them with an explanation.

'The Care Commission seemed very supportive of our service and valued the unique aspects of it,' said Lydia Okroj. 'It was great that they collated evidence verbally as well as written evidence. Many questions regarding the service and the National Care Standards were answered by the women themselves. We found the inspection rather less harrowing than anticipated. In fact it was not harrowing at all.'

Have your say!

This newsletter is also available on the Supporting People website (address below).
Let us know what you think of the site and this newsletter.
If you have an example of working practice that would make good news or have any ideals on Supporting People communications, send your comments and ideas to
Email:supportingpeople@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

You can contact the Scottish Executive or request additional copies of this newsletter from the Supporting team at: Regeneration, Fuel Poverty and Supporting People,
1-G, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ. Telephone: 0131-244 5525 Fax: 0131-244 5529
Email: supportingpeople@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

This publication is available on request in large print, Braille or audio cassette format and languages other than English.
www.scotland.gov.uk/housing/supportingpeople/

ISBN 0-7559-4692-8

RISK - You've Got It All Wrong

Tell people they've got something wrong and you can usually expect a robust response. Unless you hear it from someone like Hughie, who is walking proof that something that was wrong was put right in the support community at Inclusion Glasgow. And he told us exactly what.

People with a difference

Inclusion Glasgow's director, Frances Brown, likes people who are different. 'We see ourselves as freedom fighters,' said Frances to an audience of hundreds at a service provision conference in Edinburgh in March. 'We help people get a life.' The people in question are people labelled as having learning difficulties, along with their families and friends.

Inclusion, founded in February 1996, supports people with learning difficulties in exercising real choice and control over the way they interface with others. It provides individually tailored support services working alongside people's own natural networks. Frances said, 'We try to think out of the box. We listen. We ask whose needs are we meeting? Can we be creative in meeting these needs? What are the actual risks that block independence? What's stopping a solution?'

Scary risks

It's scary to support change. The balance between risk and opportunity is delicate. Things can go badly wrong, so risk is something you don't do alone. That's why a network of agreements and partnerships makes change more feasible. But Inclusion staff are fully aware partnerships in risk mean lots of attention to detail, planning and a robust understanding of what the person wants.

Hughie, small and lean, cast aside all polite phraseology in describing his first encounters with support in residential care. 'I was in care until I was eleven, and then I resided in special homes. I was seen as a demon, or the Incredible Hulk. I had punishment every day - it was like torture. I was in hospital for a while. When I came out I was moved into the community with 24 hour support [from Inclusion staff]. It sounded good, but to me this felt like Back to the Future. I didn't understand what was supposed to happen, I felt like the support staff were always in my face. I got angry and told them to leave. I didn't like the team leader - so I went out to the street and smashed his windscreen. Then I figured that was the end, I'd blown it. More punishment.'

But Hughie was fortunate. He was dealing with staff from Inclusion. At Inclusion staff are trained to understand that talking and listening help support partnerships grow. Hughie's care workers realised the balance wasn't right. Maybe it wasn't Hughie - maybe they needed to change their own approach. 'Instead of punishing me,' said Hughie, 'someone from the team came out to help me and talk, show me it was okay. After that I learned to deal with being upset or angry. They helped me learn to calm down myself. I learned to be in control. Now I ignore the devil on my shoulder and with just 35 hours a week support [still from Inclusion!] I go to college, play in a band, write songs, have a girlfriend, paint. I even made a record. I've just been for an audition with the BBC. Knowing you have a good life ahead means you pick yourself up and get on with it when difficulties come up. My life now means Freedom.'

No one listening to Hughie could doubt he knew exactly what he was talking about. Taking risks is good - but only with mutual agreement. With support and understanding and attention to detail, taking a risk can change a life. 'If you think you can, you can,' concluded Frances, Inclusion's Director, with a big grin. 'If you think you can't, you're right.'

Supporting People Lead Officers
Spot The Diffferences … who's still with us and who joined our merry band since it all began in 2001?

Aberdeen City Council
Mr M Scott
Corporate Director of Community Services
(Supporting People Lead Officer)
St Nicholas House
Upperkirkgate
ABERDEEN
AB10 1AX
Phone: 01224 522360
Fax: 01224 523404
Email: mscott@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Aberdeenshire Council
Ms Kathy Davidson
Supporting People Manager
Housing & Social Work Dept
Aberdeenshire Council
Unit 12 Blackhall Industrial Estate
Burghmuir Circle
Inverurie
AB51 4FS
Phone: 01467 629034
Fax: 01467 629849
Email: kathy.davidson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Website: Aberdeenshire Council

Angus Council
Mr Tony Fitzgerald
Principal Contracting Officer
Social Work Department
4 Kingston Place
KINGSMUIR
BY FORFAR
Angus DD8 3RG
Phone: 01307 474228
Fax: 01307 474239
Email: FitzgeraldT@angus.gov.uk

Argyll and Bute Council
Ian McFadyen
Cowal Resource Centre
Bullwood Road
DUNOON
PA23 7QL
Phone: 01369 703530/701066
Email: ian.mcfadyen@argyll-bute.gov.uk

City of Edinburgh Council
Mr Mike Penny
Supporting People Lead Officer
130 East Claremont Street
EDINBURGH
EH7 4LB
Mobile: 077888-566073
Phone: 0131 652 3227
Fax: 0131 524 7753
Email: mike.penny@edinburgh.gov.uk

Clackmannanshire Council
Mr John Gillespie
Housing Property & Benefit Advisor
Services to People
Lime Tree House
ALLOA
FK10 1EX
Phone: 01259 452372
Email: jgillespie@clacks.gov.uk
Website: Clackmannanshire Council

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Ms Isobel MacKenzie
Supporting People Project Manager
Housing Department
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 705312 or 01851 709512
Fax: 01851 709 346
Email: isobel-mackenzie@cne-siar.gov.uk

Dumfries and Galloway Council
Andrea McDonald
Commissioning Manager
Dumfries & Galloway Council
Carmont House
The Crichton
Bankhend Road
DUMFRIES
DG1 4ZJ
Phone: 01387 245114
Fax: 01387245133
Email: andreama@dumgal.gov.uk

Dundee City Council
Mr Peter McKenna
Housing Strategy Manager
Housing Department
1 Shore Terrace
DUNDEE
DD1 3AH
Phone: 01382 434431
Fax: 01382 434942
Email: peter.mckenna@dundeecity.gov.uk

East Ayrshire Council
Mr Chris McAleavey
Head of Housing,
Neighbourhood Services
Council Offices
John Dickie Street
KILMARNOCK
KA1 1BY
Phone: 01563 554876
Fax: 01563 554890
Email: chris.mcaleavey@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
Website: East Ayrshire Council

East Dunbartonshire Council
Gillain Healey
Supporting People Operations Manager
Supporting People Team
Whitegates Business Park
Lenzie Road
Kirkintilloch
G66 3BL
Phone: 0141 578 8055
Email: Gillian.healey@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

East Lothian Council
Ian Binnie
Service Manager
Community Services
9-11 Lodge Street
Haddington
East Lothian
EH41 3DX
Phone: 01620 827451
Fax: 01620 824295
Email: ibinnie@eastlothian.gov.uk

East Renfrewshire Council
Julie Murray
Head of Strategy and Development
Eastwood Park
Rouken Glen Road
Giffnock G46 6UG
Phone: 0141 577 3842
Fax: 0141 577 3846
Email: julie.murray@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

Falkirk Council
Margaret Burns
Supporting People Service Manager
Housing and Social Work Services
Falkirk Council
Brockville
FALKIRK
FK1 5RW
Phone: 01324 501911
Fax: 01324 501920
Email: margaret.burns@falkirk.gov.uk

Fife Council
Fiona McGregor
Supporting People Team Leader
Social Work Service
Q10 Flemington Road
GLENROTHES
Fife
KY7 5QF
Phone: 01592 416613
Fax: 01592 414273
Email: Fiona.Mcgregor@smtp5.fife.gov.uk

Glasgow City Council
Ms Sharon Wearing
Social Work Services
Centenary House
100 Morrison Street
GLASGOW
G5 8LN
Phone: 0141 420 5616
0141 420 5601
Email: sharon.wearing@sw.glasgow.gov.uk

The Highland Council
Helen Ross
Acting Head of Housing Strategy
Housing Department
Glenurquhart Road
INVERNESS
IV3 5NX
Phone: 01463 702864
Fax: 01463 702879
Email: helen.ross@highland.gov.uk
Website: Highland Council
Inverclyde Council
Marie McGinley
Supporting People Lead Officer
Social Work and Housing Services
Wallace Place
GREENOCK
PA15 1LZ
Phone: 01475 715850
Email: Marie.mcginley@inverclyde.gov.uk

Midlothian Council
Mr Malcolm McEwan
Director of Social Work
Midlothian Council
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
DALKEITH
Midlothian
EH22 3ZH
Phone: 0131 271 3605
Email: Malcolm.McEwan@midlothian.gov.uk

The Moray Council
Mr Iain Terry
Supporting People Lead Officer
Housing Programmes Manager
The Moray Council
Room 316
High Street
ELGIN
IV30 1BX
Phone: 01343 563517
Fax: 01343 563521
Email: iain.terry@moray.gov.uk

North Ayrshire Council
Mr Steven Good
Supporting People Lead Officer
Cunninghame House
IRVINE
KA12 8EE
Phone: 01294 324641
Fax: 01294 324624
Email: sgood@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

North Lanarkshire Council
Mr Jim Dickie
Director of Social Work
North Lanarkshire Council
Scott House
73-77 Merry Street
Motherwell
ML1 1BN
Phone: 01698 332011
Fax: 01698 332095
Email: dickiej@northlan.gov.uk

Orkney Islands Council
Ms Rosemary Colsell
Supporting People Officer
Department of Community Social Services
Council Offices
School Place
Kirkwall
ORKNEY KW15 1NY
Phone: 01856 873535 Ext 2640
Email: rosemary.colsell@orkney.gov.uk

Perth & Kinross Council
Mr Ian Gerono
Head of Housing Strategy
Housing and Community Care
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
PERTH
PH1 5GD
Phone: 01738 476004
Fax: 01738 476006
Email: igerono@pkc.gov.uk

Renfrewshire Council
Douglas Erdman
Mile End Mill
Room 904
12 Seedhill Road
PAISLEY
PA1 1JS
Phone: 0141 842 3990
Email: douglas.erdman@renfrewshire.gsi.gov.uk

Scottish Borders Council
Kim Suttle
Supporting People Lead Officer
Social Work Department
8 Burn Wynd
Jedburgh
TD8 6BY
Phone: 01835 865180
Email: ksuttle@scotborders.gov.uk

Shetland Islands Council
First Point of Contact:
Emma Miller
Supporting People Officer
Housing Services
Fort Road
LERWICK
Shetland
ZE1 0LW
Phone: 01595 744397
Fax: 01595 744395
Email: emma.miller@sic.shetland.gov.uk

South Ayrshire Council
Mr John Tupper
Supporting People Officer
Holmston House
3 Holmston Road
AYR
KA7 3BA
Phone: 01292 612090
Fax: 01292 614333
Email: John.Tupper@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

South Lanarkshire Council
Mr Patrick Murphy
Head of Support Services
Council Offices
Floor 10
Almada Street
HAMILTON
ML3 0AA
Phone: 01698 454065
Email: patrick.J.murphy@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Stirling Council
Irene Cavenagh
Social Work Officer
Head of Community Care
Viewforth
STIRLING
FK8 2ET
Phone: 01786 442689
Fax: 01786 443410
Email: cavanaghi@stirling.gov.uk

West Dunbartonshire Council
Mr Stephen West
Supporting People Lead Officer
Department of Social Work and Housing
Council Offices
Garshake Road
DUMBARTON
G82 3PU
Phone: 01389 737705
Email: stephen.west@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

West Lothian Council
Moira Mackenzie
Lead Officer
Supporting People
Lammermuir House
Owen Square
LIVINGSTON
EH54 6PW
Phone: 01506 773625
Email: moira.mackenzie@westlothian.gov.uk

Last Updated 08/04/05

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