2026 Social Care - Aberdeenshire Self Directed Support Services

The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership have a service requirement for a locally based service to provide advice and information to members of the public regarding all aspects of Self-Directed Support, including information about the legislation and the four options available under The Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013. The service will include: - Support and advice to enable the supported person to access resources that will assist in the meeting of outcomes - the provision of information, support and advice in response to eligible referrals that will assist the individual to consider and understand the four options available to them - participation where requested in the support planning process - assistance to those supported persons that choose to employ staff to do so effectively and lawfully; and including support to the individual to access legal and payroll support - an Individual Service Fund management service that will be accessible to eligible individuals that choose an Individual Service Fund under Option 2 to fund all or some of their care and support package.

This will include the management of prepaid card accounts - Develop and facilitate service user forum. The Self Directed Support (SDS) service will be accessible to all individuals across Aberdeenshire requiring information, advice and support in relation to SDS, including children, young people and unpaid carers.

The level of support and communication needs of those requiring support will vary significantly and the Provider should be able to engage effectively face to face or with technology to respond to the needs of the individual. The services will be provided for people with a range of needs including, older people, people with a learning disability, people with mental health problems, people with physical disabilities, autistic people, people with sensory impairment and people with substance misuse problems.

The Individual Service Fund Management service will be accessible to all individuals across Aberdeenshire who are eligible for Self-Directed Support and have chosen an Individual Service Fund under Option 2 to fund all or part of their care and support package. Additional information: Aberdeenshire Council may require the service specification to be amended to meet its requirements over the duration of the contract; and in response to changes in legislation and statutory guidance or where outcomes demonstrate the benefits of an amendment or in the event of additional funding being made available for service development from other sources (including the Scottish Government).