Contact SPAEN

Would you like to help support the development of best practice in Self-directed Support in the Highlands?

Come along to these FREE public events and share your ideas and experiences to make a difference in your area!

Thurso – The Weigh Inn
Wednesday 6th March 2019 – 10.30am – 3pm

Dingwall –  Dingwall Baptist Church
Tuesday 4th June 2019 – 10.30am – 3pm

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. To book a place contact:

Mark Han-Johnston
Self Directed Support Scotland
Tel: (0131) 475 2623 Mobile: 07775 065653
Email: mark@sdsscotland.org.uk

If you have visited the SPAEN website before then you will be instantly aware that the site has changed. During the last few months we have had a team working on giving the site a brand new look and feel and the site is now ready for the public to see. We hope that you like the new site and find the information contained on it useful.

Although there have been major changes to the public area of the site the most dramatic changes have been taking place in the exclusive members area of the site with lots of new information and documentation useful to PA employers having been already added, along with a number of additional features with more planned in the coming weeks and months.

If you are an existing SPAEN member you should have received word from us on how to access the new members area if however you did not and would like to gain access please let us know know by using the contact form in the “Contact Us” area of the site.

If you are not currently a SPAEN member and want to be able to use the features contained in the members area you can find out all about SPAEN membership and how to become a member on the “SPAEN Membership” pages.

The Scottish Social Services Council have just produced a series of new leaflets to support Personal Assistants and their employers.

The SSSC produced the leaflets after having commissioned the Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network (SPAEN) to conduct research into the realities of being a PA employer.

You can read the full article and download the resource leaflets here.  http://ssscnews.uk.com/2016/05/10/new-resources-for-personal-assistants-and-their-employers/

The Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network (SPAEN) has appointed a new Chair to strengthen the social care support provided by the leading Scottish charity.

Last year SPAEN combined with well-known Aberdeen based charity iConnect North East to strengthen its operation in that region.

Alan Fowler will take up the role on 28 February 2018, replacing Mrs Laura Forbes.

Mr Fowler, currently chairman of Isochron Limited, brings with him a wide range of specialist knowledge and practical experience in driving cultural and system changes. He formerly worked for the Scottish Office and has carried out strategic work with several UK Government departments.

An experienced public speaker, his skills and experience encompass teaching, change management, structured analysis, programme management, procurement and policy. His insights into business have led to practical techniques to accelerate and achieve change.

Welcoming the new Chair to the role Colin Millar, SPAEN Chief Executive, said he was delighted by the appointment as Mr Fowler had been working with the charity in a consulting capacity for some time and his experience and passion for driving change in social care had been insightful and energising. 

He added: “Both SPAEN and I are lucky to have someone of Alan’s experience and ability leading us at this important time in the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Self-Directed Support strategy and our work in relation to empowering individuals and families to exercise greater choice and control over how they become full, active citizens enabled by social care”

Mr Fowler said he was very excited and enthused by the thinking and work underway at SPAEN.

He added: “Social care and its intrinsic role in reducing the pressure our NHS is under cannot be understated. Social care support will be an important part of the lives of the majority of people in Scotland at some stage and if I and my past experience can make that a positive and empowering experience, then I’ll be honoured to play a part.”

HISTORY: SPAEN aims to offer a range of supports and services to Self-Directed Support (SDS) users across Scotland, ranging from HR and employment related advice and guidance for PA employers to Managed Account Services and Support Planning for Option 2 recipients.

Option 1 of the SDS Act allows for the individual (or the person with Power of Attorney / Guardianship or parental responsibility for the person with assessed support needs) to secure the provision of their own support This is done through the individual using the money to employ their own Personal Assistant (PA); for “creative purchases” or purchasing support from an organisation or organisations of your choosing.

Option 2 of the SDS Act allows the local authority to identify an “individual budget” to meet your assessed needs and personal outcomes. These monies can be held and administered on your behalf by the local authority; a care provider agency or a third party and the monies should be used in accordance with your wishes. An Individual Service Fund or ISF means that you know how much money you have available to make arrangements to meet your assessed needs and personal outcomes and you should be fully involved in discussing both how your needs and outcomes are met and how the monies are used.

For further information or assistance contact David Sinclair, SPAEN Communications Manager, on 07803 970320or at davidsinclair65@sky.com

This BBC News report details the increase in injuries caused by slips and falls in Aberdeen during the recent icy weather – so take extra care over the winter period.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-42394597