Self-directed Support

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Self-directed support (SDS) allows people, their carers and their families to make informed choices about their support and how it is delivered, making it possible to meet agreed personal outcomes.

People eligible for funded support will be allocated a budget. This can be spent on the support that is needed. It can be used in different ways to ensure it works best for you.

People can choose to have as much responsibility over their budget as they want and can choose a support service to help manage it.

Self-directed Support options:

Direct Payment
People get an individual budget to arrange their own support. The Direct Payment may be used to pay for an agency or to employ staff. This option allows people to employ who they choose, and when and how they would like things to be done. It allows people to get to know their employees and build confidence in their team, enhancing quality of life. A Direct Payment gives the most choice, flexibility and control, but it also carries responsibilities. We can help with employers’ responsibilities by offering a range of support services including safe recruitment, job descriptions, contracts, a comprehensive payroll service and third party banking . We can work with the person and their family, friends, Powers of Attorney and Guardians.

Individual Service Fund
This is when the person’s budget is paid directly to a provider (such as an agency) to provide a service for them.

Social Work Services
This is when the local authority holds the budget and arranges any support that is needed.

A mix of the above options
People can choose to control part of their budget but not all of it.

More information on SDS can be found on the Scottish Borders Council website.

You can also find out more about SDS on the Scottish Government’s website.