At SPAEN we understand that we and other organisations, when talking about some of the things we do and the services we provide, use words and phrases that may not make sense to the general public without some explanation. For this reason we have created our Jargon Buster page. We think we have covered most of the things people might be unsure about but if any wording on our site gives you trouble please get in touch and we will either try to change it or add an explanation here.

Self-Directed Support Jargon Buster

Assessment – the process of working out what your needs are and how you would like them to be met. It should involve you, a professional (such as a social worker) and any other people that you choose to help you such as a family member

Broker – a person whose job it is to provide you with advice and information about what services are available in your area, so that you choose to purchase the care and support that best meets your needs

Direct Payment – the council pays money directly to you and you arrange your own support by employing care staff or buying services from one or more organisations

Eligibility Criteria – the council’s rules on who can get support. The rules are based on the level of risk to a person if they do not get support

Independent Advocacy – an independent advocate is a person who could help you to have a stronger voice when speaking with your council. An independent advocate will help you get the information you need to make real choices about your support

Independent Living – Independent Living means all disabled people having the same freedom, dignity, choice and control as other citizens at home, at work and in the community. It does not mean living by yourself or fending for yourself. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life

Individual Budget – money that is allocated to you by your local council to pay for care or support to meet your assessed needs

Outcomes – Personal Outcomes – defined by the person as what is important to them. It is the difference or positive impact any support plans or interventions have on a person

Personalisation – a way of thinking about support which puts you at the centre of the process of working out what your needs are, choosing your support and having control over your life

Personal Assistant – a person who provides support to you who you directly employ through a Direct Payment (Option 1)

Professional working with you – a professional who works with you and your family to help improve your life by arranging to put in place the things you need

Resource Allocation System – a Resource Allocation System is a means of deciding how much money people are entitled to, to be able to purchase the support they need

Risk Assessment – an assessment of the risk to your health, safety and well-being in any particular situation

Support Organisation – this is a person or organisation that helps you access, plan and maintain the support you need. This could include assistance with assessment, information on SDS and support in using individual budgets or other forms of SDS and support in recruiting and employing personal assistants and payroll

Support Provider – the person or organisation that gives you the support you need. It could be:

• an organisation that provides staff and other support to you (sometimes people call these care providers or care agencies)
• a personal assistant that you employ to support you
• the council or NHS
• any organisation that provides a service that could help you