Self Directed Support (SDS)

Self‑Directed Support (SDS) in Scotland

Self‑Directed Support (SDS) is the national approach to arranging social care in Scotland. It is grounded in the belief that people should have choice and control over how their support is designed and delivered. SDS has been developed over many years, and became law on 1 April 2014 through the Social Care (Self‑Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013. This Act places clear duties on local authorities to ensure that anyone assessed as needing social care is offered informed choice about their support.

The legislation aims to ensure that people who require support can participate fully in decisions about their care, understand their options, and receive support that fits their own life, goals, and circumstances. It is built on human‑rights principles including participation, dignity, involvement, informed choice, and collaboration.

Every local authority in Scotland has a legal duty to:

• Offer the four SDS options to anyone assessed as eligible for social care support.
• Explain each option clearly, including how it works and what it means for the person.
• Support the individual to make an informed choice, ensuring they have accessible information and the opportunity to ask questions.

The Four SDS Options

Option 1 – Direct Payment

A direct payment is made to the supported person, who then uses this budget to arrange and purchase their own support. This may include employing personal assistants or buying services from providers like Fair Deal.

Option 2 – Person Directs the Support (without holding the money)

The person chooses the support they want, and the local authority or an agreed third party arranges this on their behalf. The authority pays for the support directly.

Option 3 – Local Authority Arranged Support

The local authority selects, arranges, and manages the support for the person, based on their assessed needs and agreed outcomes.

Option 4 – A Mix of Options 1, 2 and 3

The person chooses a tailored combination of the above options for different parts of their support. This allows maximum flexibility and personalisation.

Why SDS Matters

SDS is designed to promote independence, citizenship, and inclusion. It recognises that people themselves are usually best placed to understand what support will improve their quality of life. The legislation makes clear that individuals should be supported to participate in planning their care and support as much as they wish—regardless of their level of need or ability to make decisions independently.

People may need different levels of help to manage their SDS choices, but this does not reduce their right to direct their own support.

Fair Deal’s Commitment to SDS

Fair Deal fully supports the principles of SDS and is committed to helping the people we support exercise choice and control. We believe SDS aligns with our core values of:

• Promoting independence
• Supporting informed decision‑making
• Encouraging active citizenship
• Recognising people’s right to direct their own lives and participate in their communities

We work alongside individuals, families, carers, and social work partners to ensure that everyone who wants to move towards Self‑Directed Support receives the guidance and assistance they need.

More Information

The Scottish Government provides detailed guidance, easy‑read information, and statutory updates on SDS. Local authorities, including Glasgow City Council, also offer practical guidance and resources to help people understand the SDS process and their rights.

Easy read version [vocal.org.uk].

New SDS Statutory Guidance published – Self Directed Support Scotland