Analyse what responsibilities are held for the delivery and quality of self-directed support by: a. direct payments recipients, b. commissioners, c. social workers/care managers.

For this assessment criterion, you will need to analyse the responsibilities of different stakeholders in relation to the quality and delivery of self-directed support. This was already touched upon in the previous section, however, a more detailed (although not fully comprehensive) list of responsibilities is provided below:

Direct Payments Recipients

• Provide information and participate in the Direct Payments review process with the local authority
• Manage allocation of personal budget
• Ensure that the money from Direct Payments is used for its intended purpose
• Maintain a separate bank account solely for the use of Direct Payments
• Maintain records of how the money has been spent

Commissioners

• Ensure individuals have access to advice and information
• Ensure that individuals have an active role in their care planning and deliver
• Work in partnership with other agencies
• Maintain a list of care providers and brokers
• Commission services, where required
• Monitor the quality of service provision

Social Workers/Care Managers

• Assess the individual’s needs (and the needs of their carer or carers)
• Provide information and ensure that the individual understands their options in relation to their care provision and management of their personal budget
• Share risk assessments with Direct Payments recipients
• Review an individual’s needs on a regular basis
• Ensure the individual has opportunities to be involved in their care planning and delivery and promote this right