Voluntary sector role in transforming social care for people with disabilities
Report, case studies | September 2010
Social care faces the toughest challenge of its history: how to meet rapidly rising demand for better, more imaginative services when the prospects for public spending are bleak. But there are alternatives, as this report commissioned by the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) from the Institute of Public Care (IPC), demonstrates. The case studies published here clearly demonstrate that the innovation and expertise of the voluntary sector can achieve remarkable results: through working with commissioners, users and their communities to bring about inspired and cost-effective change, it can increase the independence of service users, ensure more personalised care and support, and save money at the same time.
The report examines the demographic challenge (increasing demand), the financial challenge (decreasing funds) and the challenge of changing expectations at the heart of the personalisation approach. The case studies draw out vital benefits that the voluntary sector brings to the table – adding value, flexibility, enthusiasm and expertise. They also show that the sector is well placed to help public services achieve efficiencies, through its capacity for improving knowledge, changing commissioner-provider relationships, getting personalisation right, and demonstrating results.
For further information please contact Nicolette Rattle at IPC
Email: ipc@brookes.ac.uk
Tel: 01225 484088