Personalisation
Definition
Personalisation was developed in response to the growing older population, and the higher standards that we all expect out of social care. It is about transforming adult social care in Britain to enable service users to have more choice and control in their lives, and understanding that individuals have hopes and aspirations beyond their social care needs.
It puts the person at the very centre of their services, and takes into account everything that is going on their lives, from benefits they may be entitled to, to the informal support they may be receiving from family and friends. It enables people to make decisions for themselves, and to have access to information and support when they need it.
It is often referred to as the biggest change since the introduction of the welfare state, and is certainly the biggest change since the introduction of the Community Care Act in 1996. It is about introducing a change that affects the whole social care system, right from before people even need support.
Personalisation comes in 4 parts:
- Early Intervention and Prevention – Introducing more preventative services and ensuring people stay independent and healthy, without the need for intensive social care services.
- Universal Services – Ensuring that good advice and information about services is universally available, and that public services are accessible to all.
- Social Capital – Developing interdependent communities and local services.
- Choice and Control – Giving people more choice and control in their lives through the introduction of Self Directed Support and Personal Budgets.
Policies and legislation
- Building on progress: Public services – The Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit report
- Putting People First: A shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care – A concordat between central government, local government and the social care sector
- Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
Good practice examples
- Transforming social care in Stockport
- Stockport’s Information and Advice Strategy
- Transforming social care in Leicestershire
Useful links
- IBSEN Report – The report on the initial national pilot of Individual Budgets
- Putting People First – The official online central hub for information and resources
- SCIE ‘at a glance’ briefing notes – Digestible briefing notes on the implications of Personalisation for a variety of stakeholders
- In Control – One of the first advocates of Personalisation
- Progress for Providers – A great tool to help providers adjust to the changes
- Self-directed Support (Direct Payments), Scotland, 2008
Documents
- Putting People First 2009/1: Summary of Joint National Delivery Support Plan (2010) Transforming Adult Social Care (TASC)
- Creating a stronger Information, Advice and Advocacy System for Older People (2009) Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Personalisation: a rough guide – Social Care Institute for Excellence (2008) SCIE
Association of Social Care Communicators 
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