Scottish Government Training Project Update

The Scottish Government has demonstrated its support to the field of Self Directed Support by commissioning SPAEN and SDSS to deliver training to Local Authorities and Health Boards in Scotland. SPAEN are delighted to report that this project is well under way with a number of Local Authorities keen to take up the offer of the training.

SPAEN’s approach to assist in the uptake of SDS is to give Local Authorities information on the topics which, from our experience, will be of benefit to their staff by hopefully making their jobs easier and releasing any anxiety they may have in approaching the topic, particularly when the SDS recipient intends to become an employer. 

SPAEN recognised the need to change our approach to the delivery of this information, having consulted with various Local Authorities, and having found that the off the shelf approach to modular training does not easily fit with the individual requirements of each Local Authority, we have had to rethink our methodology. Accordingly, in order to tailor the sessions to help participants recognise where employment law fits with their individual policies and procedures SPAEN work from this document and incorporate this information into the session. Whilst we have found using procedures staff are familiar with this helps make our delivery far more effective and understandable the complexities of marrying National Guidance with Local Authority interpretation with European and UK legislation are considerable but worthwhile.

Having worked in collaboration with Social Work Departments we have found that our suggestions, regarding potential changes in their policies and procedures, are being considered. These can then fit more comfortably with Employment legislation.