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3 November 2023
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is undertaking post-legislative scrutiny into the impact of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.
The Committee is seeking views from anyone with experience or a view of self-directed support, as well as organisations and staff from the care sector.
The legislation was introduced to ensure that care and support is arranged, managed, and delivered in a way that supports choice and control for individuals. Four fundamental principles of self-directed support are built into the legislation – participation and dignity, involvement, informed choice and collaboration.
All social care in Scotland should be provided in line with the principles set out in the Act.
In addition to the principles, the Act contains a duty on local authorities to offer four options to people who have been assessed as needing a community care service.
The Committee’s post-legislative scrutiny of the Act will seek to find out whether the Act is achieving desired outcomes and if not, what is causing a lack of progress.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said:
“The Self-directed Support Act was introduced ten years ago but we’ve heard from stakeholders that there are still issues with its implementation.
“The Act intended to enable people to take control of, and empower them to make their own decisions about what social care support they receive to ensure it meets their needs. We want to know if these aims are being realised.
“We are keen to hear how self-directed support is working, where it has been successful and what barriers may be limiting its success.
“We’d encourage anyone who has a view on, or experience of, self-directed support, to let us know their views. We’d particularly like to hear from those with lived experience of SDS, staff and organisations supporting individuals in receipt of care, as well as the general public”.
Respond to the the call for views using the online form
The Committee's call for evidence is open until 5 January 2024.
The Committee’s scrutiny will involve two phases, with phase one exploring stakeholders’ views of the implementation of self-directed support to date through informal engagement work and a call for written evidence. During phase two, the Committee expects to hear formally from witnesses and produce a final report to the Scottish Government later in 2024.
Learn more about the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee
Nick Connelly: 07866 125623
For further information on this inquiry please contact:
Susan Brown, Assistant Clerk to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee
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