I work for a voluntary organisation
What is different?
Responsibilities
The self directed model fits well with the principles of many voluntary organisations. Underlying values such as self-determination, independent living and choice all aim at improving the situation of individuals. In this sense, voluntary organisations are already closer to what is needed in terms of culture.
What is different?
You may be asked questions about the self diected support process or become involved with individual's support plans. We hope that voluntary organisations position themselves so they can provide assistance, advice, information, advocacy, and help people to take the lead in planning their support.
A number of voluntary organisations such as Age UK are contracted by Oxfordshire County Council to provide day care and other services. Take-up of such services may change as a result of individuals deciding how they wish to use their budgets: a closer relationship with people wanting to purchase certain services from organisations is likely. Whether take-up of places in day centres is likely to drop as a result of the introduction of personal budgets will become apparent as more people plan their own support.
A good way of keeping up with the latest developments is by visiting the Knowledge Hub. To be added to the circulation list for monthly Adult Social Care updates, please email takingcontrol@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities remain largely unchanged. Voluntary organisations now also receive requests for assistance and advice and should be ready to help individuals navigate through the self directed support process as appropriate.
Two organisations, Advance UK and Age UK have been contracted by Oxfordshire County Council to provide support brokerage - for a full list of support brokers, please visit I want to get in touch with a support broker page on this website.
