SDS Framework of Standards
SDS Framework of Standards
To support the successful implementation of Self-directed Support, Scottish Government and partners have developed a guide to what “good” looks like in SDS: the Framework of Standards. The Framework introduces a set of standards (including practice statements and core components).
The Framework is divided in the twelve initial core Standards, with a thirteenth recently added to focus on Direct Payments for employing Personal Assistants. The Framework of Standards documents are available in both standard and easy read version: either version can be used by the public and professionals alike. Please email to any supported people or unpaid carer for them to better understand what good Self-directed Support looks like.
Self-directed Support Framework of Standards 2024
The Framework can be grouped in relation to their relevance to different parts of the system:
| Standard | Supported person's experience |
|---|---|
| Standard 1 | Independent support, community brokerage and advocacy |
| Standard 2 | Early help, family support and community support |
| Standard 10 | Early planning for transitions |
| Standard | Workforce competency |
|---|---|
| Standard 3 | Strengths and asset-based assessment, planning and review |
| Standard 8 | Worker autonomy |
| Standard 11 | Consistency of practice |
| Standard | Organisatioinal systems |
|---|---|
| Standard 4 | Meaningful and measureable recording practices |
| Standard 7 | Flexible and outcome focused commissioning |
| Standard 12 | Access to budgets and flexibility of spend |
| Standard | Leadership |
|---|---|
| Standard 5 | Accountability |
| Standard 6 | Risk enablement |
| Standard 9 | Transparency |
| Standard | Additioonal Standard added in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Standard 13 | Direct payments for employing personal assistants |
Additional documents support the use of the Framework of Standards:
The Practitioner Toolkit was developed in response to evidence that SDS is not being practiced in the way it was intended by policy and legislation, in many areas of Scotland. The practitioner Toolkit seeks to encourage creative thinking and co-production in SDS, particularly around support for people who are often under-represented within Self-directed Support:
- People with sensory loss
- People with metal health problems
- Unpaid carers
- Black and minority ethnic communities
