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"We couldn't maintain the status quo. The system was failing. We had a duty to do something"Oldham, In Control Team.
The Oldham In Control team have an important story to tell. It started with an honest assessment. An assessment that pointed to a failing system, a broken system. Far more important than that, it was failing the people they were there to care for.
Oldham took up the challenge, and became one of thirteen pilots to develop a whole systems approach to adult care delivery, including Individualised Budgets. This project, though, has gone beyond a pilot and the team are determined that their work will live long into the future.
They are tackling broken systems, and changing cultures, whilst putting in place the components that will ensure equality and fairness, including a Resource Allocation System, identification of new and alternative Funding Streams, and a Risk Enablement Panel.
The outcomes speak for themselves. Efficiency savings are being made, choice is brought into the service, and most importantly the recipients of Oldham's In Control work are citing transformations within their own lives and that of their families. This is true transformational government.
TALK invites you to listen to and contribute to Oldham's ongoing work. The In Control team will be the first to admit that this is far from a glossy story. They have had many battles along the way, even tears.
You may wish to start with the formal presentation. Viv Slater (Development Manager) will take you through many of the components and concepts. Remember, this is a live presentation. Coffee cups are chinking, mobile phones are ringing, but like a real presentation you can leave your questions and comments with Viv.
Thereafter, take a closer look at the project and listen to all the players that make up the Oldham In Control team, from Service Directors to recipients of the service themselves.
Oldham in the News
Oldham praised for 'revolutionary' care
A revolutionary scheme which puts Oldham people in control of their own budgets to buy social care has received national acclaim.
Oldham Chronicle - 30th April 2008
The UK's social care system is on the verge of major change, and Oldham has been heralded as one of the country's most forward-thinking local authorities by offering what is called "self-directed support" ahead of the change.
A new report shows people who use social care in Oldham are reaping the rewards of the scheme which not only gives them control of a personal budget, but also the planning and management of their own personal support package.
An independent evaluation of Self-Directed Support by Lancaster University's Professor Chris Hatton, claims the scheme improves control and quality of life, and helps people build relationships, engage with society and take control of their own lives.
Figures for Oldham show: 86 per cent report an improved quality of life, with 14 per cent saying there was no change; 56 per cent said opportunities to take part in, and contribute to, their community were increased, with 44 cent reporting no change; 72 per cent reported a greater level of choice and control in their lives, with 28 per cent saying there was no change; and 74 per cent reported a greater level of dignity in their support, with 26 per cent reporting no change.
Oldham is a member of in Control, a social enterprise that began developing the Self-Directed Support model in 2003.
This new report evaluates the last two years of its work, based on the views of 196 people across 17 local authorities.
In the current social care system, the support people get is usually determined by professionals, and mainly delivered through block arrangements into which individuals are expected to fit - a situation that leaves many feeling isolated, disempowered and lacking control.
Self-Directed Support puts the user of care services at the centre of the process, so that, by making use of personal budgets, they can arrange the kind of help that is right for them.
http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/
BBC News - Thursday, 10 January 2008, 14:48 GMT
Gavin Croft is many things - a talented web designer, a fan of Rochdale FC and a multiple sclerosis sufferer. He has also taken part in a new funding pilot through Oldham Borough Council...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/politics_show/7176965.stm
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Throughout the life of the Oldham InControl: Individualised Budgets programme, the team has regularly presented their work to a number of audiences across UK local government. The team outline the vision of In Control and Individualised Budgets and update attendees on progress and the challenges faced to date. The presentations have been delivered within a number of forums, including conferences, social services teams, and other interested authorities.
In this short interview Beverly Maybury covers many of the key transformational themes that underpin the visionary work being undertaken in Oldham. Beverly describes the process of installing a vision that challenges the role of the authority, but also challenges the service market currently operating.
