This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 3.1 Explain why it is important to know where responsibilities lie for the delivery and quality of self-directed support (Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, Understand Personalisation in Care and Support Services)
NOTE: This page has been quality assured for 2023 as per our Quality Assurance policy.
For this assessment criterion, you will be required to explain why it is important to know where responsibilities lie for the delivery and quality of self-directed support.
When an individual is assessed as eligible for care and support services, the local authority must explain what commissioning options are available – support arrangements can be managed by the individual, the local authority or a third party, such as a family member or care service.
If an individual decides to manage their personal budget themselves and have it paid to them by the local authority via direct payment then they must fully understand that they will be responsible for commissioning and employment. The local authority must assess that the individual has the mental capacity to understand this and should signpost them to resources and services, such as tax and payroll or a list of brokers. The individual also has the responsibility to ensure that the money from direct payments is spent appropriately – for example, this money can not be used to pay for informal care from a spouse.
It is essential that all stakeholders understand their own responsibilities as well as the responsibilities of others so that they understand what they must do and can be accountable for their actions and decisions. It also helps to know the responsibilities of others so that any dissatisfaction about service delivery or quality can be challenged appropriately.