How can we ensure the people with (or thinking about having) a direct payment have access to advice that is independent of the council?

Ensuring that people considering or using direct payments have access to independent advice that is separate from the council is essential for empowering them to make informed decisions. Having access to independent advice and information can further enhance self-directed decision-making. Here are some ways councils achieve this:

• independent advocacy services: social work practitioners should encourage or facilitate access to independent advocacy services specifically designed to support people exploring direct payments. Advocates can provide unbiased information, help articulate needs, and ensure rights are upheld.
• third-party advisory organisations: social work practitioners should support people using direct payments or thinking about having a direct payment to get advice from third-party organisations that specialises in providing information and support about direct payments, with no ties to the council. These organisations can give impartial guidance on the various options available.
• peer networks and support groups: social work practitioners should support people using direct payments or thinking about having a direct payment to connect with peer support groups where people who are experienced with direct payments can share their insights and advice based on personal experience. Peer networks often provide practical advice and moral support.
• information resources from independent bodies: social work practitioners should support people using direct payments or thinking about having a direct payment should provide literature, guides, and online resources developed by independent entities. Many charities and non-profit organisations offer comprehensive guides that can be valuable for understanding direct payments outside the council’s perspective.
• online forums and communities: publicise and encourage involvement in online forums and communities where discussions revolve around direct payments and relevant experiences. Platforms like these are often moderated to provide a safe, informative space for asking questions and receiving advice from various perspectives.
• workshops and seminars: social work practitioners should support people using direct payments or thinking about having a direct payment to attend workshops or seminars hosted by independent organisations on direct payments These sessions can provide direct access to experts and opportunities to ask specific questions outside of council influence.
• consult with social enterprises: some social enterprises act independently to assist people with direct payments, offering tailored advice suitable for people’s circumstances and goals. By enhancing the accessibility of diverse, independent sources of advice, people are better equipped to make choices that align closely with their personal goals and circumstances and feel assured of the fairness in adherence to legal frameworks.

I have support to manage my direct payments from social care and finance staff who promote my feelings and preferences and respect my right to choice and control."

Ensuring access to advice that is both independent of the council and aligned with people’s values and attitudes can help create a supportive and empowering environment for managing direct payments. To ensure access to advice that is supportive and empowering social work practitioners should:

• identify and engage independent advocates: seek out and signpost to advocacy services that emphasise values like empowerment, dignity, and respect, which align with someone’s own values. Advocates can help ensure someone’s voice is heard and provide guidance that is not influenced by the council.
• build partnerships with values-aligned organisations: choose to work with organisations whose mission and values resonate with those of people who wish to use direct payments. Many non-profits and community organisations explicitly state their commitment to principals such as autonomy and person-centred care.
• peer networks with shared values: support people to join peer support groups or networks where members share similar values can help. These groups can serve as platforms for exchanging advice and experiences, ensuring that the perspectives align with people’s personal beliefs.
• values-based evaluation of information providers: social work practitioners should support people using direct payments or thinking about having a direct payment to get independent information or advice, from sources with values and attitudes that promote their choice and control.
• customisable information sessions: organise or participate in workshops that allow for agenda-setting based on participants' values and concerns. These sessions should be led by facilitators who respect and support personal values, providing a tailored and supportive learning experience.
• use of ethical guidelines for service providers: ensure direct payments support organisations have ethical guidelines and values that prioritise client autonomy, respect, and fairness. Documentation such as codes of conduct or charters can provide assurance of their commitment to these values.
• connecting with values-driven social enterprises: identify social enterprises that have expertise in direct payments. These organisations often exist to promote social good and can offer advice aligned with both practical needs and ethical considerations.
• feedback and continued alignment: maintain open communication and provide feedback to those supporting people’s direct payments, ensuring ongoing alignment with their values. This continuous dialogue helps reinforce a shared vision and mutual understanding.

By focusing on finding and engaging with independent advisors and resources that share someone’s values and attitudes, social work practitioners can create a supportive environment where people using or thinking of using direct payments feel both respected and empowered to take decisions about their direct payment arrangements.

I am supported by social care and finance staff who prioritise the care and support that makes sense for me above organisational financial considerations|"

Ensuring access to independent support for people considering or managing a direct payment can be facilitated through a strategic approach that prioritises personal needs and values over cost considerations. To ensure access to independent support social work practitioners should:

• facilitate access to independent advice services: support networks or charities that focus on disability and care needs and offer independent advice services. Make these organisations known to people considering direct payments as alternatives to council-provided guidance.
• promote independent information hubs: develop or partner with existing independent information hubs that provide resources, tools, and advice specifically for managing direct payments. These hubs can serve as a central place for unbiased information.
• encourage collaboration with voluntary sector organisations, which often have advocacy and support services independent from council influence. They can provide personalised and impartial advice tailored to people’s circumstances and preferences.
• develop third-party broker services: advocate for or create third-party brokerage services that focus on providing independent advice and helping people design their payment arrangements. These brokers should be trained to prioritise person-centred planning over cost-efficiency.
• empower peer support networks: foster peer networks where people with experience in managing direct payments can offer support and advice. These networks can share firsthand experiences, promoting autonomy and a clearer understanding of value-driven decision-making.
• promote transparent decision-making guidelines: share information on frameworks and guidelines that help people evaluate their direct payment options based on personal values and service effectiveness rather than cost alone.
• host workshops and learning events: organise workshops or events led by independent experts to discuss best practices, success stories, and strategies for managing direct payments. These sessions can highlight considerations beyond cost, focusing on quality-of-life improvements.
• involve advocacy groups: connect with advocacy groups to ensure there are channels for receiving independent advice that align with personal goals and visions. They often offer support in navigating and understanding the implications of different payment arrangements.
• regular feedback and review mechanisms: regularly review and receive feedback on direct payment plans with the help of an independent advisor. This continuous interaction helps ensure that the approach remains consistent with personal priorities over time.

By concentrating on these issues, PSWs and finance managers can ensure that people have access to diverse, independent advice channels, empowering them to make informed decisions about their direct payments that align more closely with their personal values and needs rather than being driven solely by cost considerations.

I get clear information, advice and guidance about direct payments which reflects the law and is relevant to me."

Ensuring that people who receive or are considering direct payments have access to independent and transparent advice involves implementing strategies that foster clarity, honesty, and independence. To ensure access to independent transparent advice PSWs and finance managers should:

• identify independent advisory bodies collaborate with known independent advisory bodies or organisations that specialise in disability rights, social care, and independent living to provide guidance. Ensure their presence is publicised and accessible to those considering direct payments
• establish clear communication protocols: develop communication guidelines for advisors to make sure they present information in a clear, jargon-free manner that is easy to understand. This helps foster straightforward interactions and builds trust.
• training for advisors: work with advisors to have strong codes of conduct focusing on honesty, transparency, and clarity. Regular training sessions can reinforce these values and ensure advisors maintain these standards.
• promote transparency from the start: when a person begins the process of managing direct payments, provide a starter pack or introductory session that explains the purpose of advice given, highlighting the motivations behind it and stating clearly that decisions should align with their personal goals.
• peer-led programmes. Create or support peer-led programs where people with personal experience in managing direct payments guide others. Peer supporters can offer authentic, advice drawn from personal experiences.
• documented advice sessions: implement a practice where meetings and advice sessions are documented and shared with a person. These records should explain the rationale behind each piece of advice, what’s been discussed, and the actions agreed.
• facilitate regular reflective sessions: organise regular opportunities for people to reflect on the advice received and its effectiveness. This reflection, preferably facilitated by independent third parties, helps ensure accountability and ongoing alignment with the recipient's needs and decisions.
• feedback and adjustments: introduce a feedback mechanism allowing people to review the advice services. Constructive feedback can ensure continuous service improvement and adaptability to meet personal expectations better.
• access to advocacy services: link people up with advocacy services that can provide support in understanding the advice being given and can assist when queries or issues arise.
• clear distinction between council and independent advisors: make a clear distinction between council-related advice services and independent services. This includes clearly labelling communications, documentation, and centres or resources.

By harnessing these actions, councils can help people access advice that prioritises transparency, respects their autonomy, and aligns more closely with their personal needs and aspirations, independent of council influence.