Self Directed Support Scotland

01/06/2026

Applications are now open for the next delivery of the Community Brokerage Award, running from September 2026 to June 2027! 🎉

The Award is a certified course that will help you learn more about Self-directed Support, the Community Brokerage approach, and apply this knowledge and learning to your practice.

Anyone who is interested in helping people access support to live full lives in their community is likely to find the course useful. Subsidy may be available to study the award, dependent on your individual circumstances.

Apply to study the award before Thursday 30 June, and find out more on the Community Brokerage Scotland website:

Who is the course for?  This course is for anyone who works, or is interested in working, in a role that provides community brokerage to build the capacity of people who need support to live full lives in their community. This approach builds on people’s strengths and explores how resources such ...

15/05/2026

Help Shape National Research on Direct Payment Changes in Scotland!

Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) is looking for people with experience of Direct Payments (DPs) to take part in short online discussion groups discussing how DPs work in practice.

Sessions for Disabled People and Unpaid Carers
• Monday 18 May – 11am to 12 noon
• Wednesday 20 May – 3 to 4pm
• Monday 25 May – 7-8pm
• Tuesday 26 May – 11am to 12 noon

Sessions for Independent Support Organisations
• Tuesday 19 May – 1 to 2pm
• Thursday 21 May – 11am to 12 noon

Learn more and register here: https://www.sdsscotland.org.uk/news/recruitment-to-focus-groups-on-national-research-on-direct-payment-changes-in-scotland-opens/

21/04/2026

Our Self-directed Support and Dementia learning session with Alzheimer Scotland is being held tomorrow (Wednesday 22 April, 9.30- 1pm). Secure your place today! ⏰

We have last few places for our learning session delivered by Alzheimer Scotland on how Self-directed Support (SDS) can help people living with dementia and their care partners.

This session covers types of dementia, common challenges, SDS Options 1–4, and how to give empowering advice that supports choice, independence, and future planning.

Book your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/self-directed-support-and-dementia-learning-session-tickets-1982775849942

14/04/2026

We have last few places for our learning session delivered by Alzheimer Scotland on how Self-directed Support (SDS) can help people living with dementia and their care partners.

This session covers types of dementia, common challenges, SDS Options 1–4, and how to give empowering advice that supports choice, independence, and future planning.

Book your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/self-directed-support-and-dementia-learning-session-tickets-1982775849942

20/03/2026

There are still places for our learning session on 24 March delivered by Alzheimer Scotland to learn how Self-directed Support (SDS) can help people living with dementia and their care partners.

This session covers types of dementia, common challenges, SDS Options 1–4, and how to give empowering advice that supports choice, independence, and future planning.

To book the ticket, please visit our website:
https://www.sdsscotland.org.uk/event/self-directed-support-and-dementia-learning-session/

19/03/2026

Today we had the pleasure of attending the Personal Assistants Gathering in Perth organised by Support Choices, and it was an inspiring reminder of the incredible work PAs do every day.

A real highlight was the PA Awards, which shone a light on the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown across the sector. It was fantastic to see Personal Assistants being celebrated and recognised for the vital role they play in enabling people to live independently and on their own terms.

A huge thank you to Support Choices for bringing everyone together and for creating a space that celebrates the impact of PA work.

Well done to all nominees and award winners — your work truly matters.

18/03/2026

As the SDS National Voice 2026: Leading and Learning comes to an end, we would like to thank everyone who participated, in-person or online, for taking part in our conference.

It's great to see so many people gathering and cooperationg for the great cause!

See you all next year!

18/03/2026

Donald Macleod, our CEO has launched this year's SDS National Voice 2026: Learning and Leading conference.

A full day of presentations, talks, and workshops to strengthen cooperation to improve the Self-directed Support and build a better future for social care in Scotland.

12/03/2026

There are only a few days left to contribute to SDSS national research on how Self-directed Support Direct Payment (Option 1) packages are changing across Scotland.

There is currently no national evidence capturing the experiences of Independent Support Organisation staff, and this research aims to fill that gap.

This anonymous staff survey closes this Sunday (15 March) and takes around 10 minutes to complete (multiple responses per organisation encouraged). Please share within your networks too! https://forms.office.com/e/WNnKs546qa

After completing the survey, you can also complete a short follow-up form (3 minutes) if your organisation wishes to share evidence or take part in interviews or focus groups: https://forms.office.com/e/GwMWn6cD7C

11/03/2026

There's just one week left until our conference! Can't make it in person? There's online livestream tickets available too- get your tickets today:

Join us for Scotland's only national conference dedicated to Self-Directed Support - SDS National Voice 2026.