# Top **URL:** https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/top.md?period=all [Latest](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/categories.md) --- ## [Option one and Respite funding](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/option-one-and-respite-funding/128)
**Author:** [@lennen57](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/lennen57)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [21 September 2021 09:01 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/option-one-and-respite-funding/128 "2021-09-21T09:01:10Z")
Hi Does anyone know when respite/short break funding is to recommence? It was suspended during the First Wave of Covid and I have had no luck finding out when it will continue. In addition but on the same subject. Can I… --- ## [Contracting with a self-employed PA?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contracting-with-a-self-employed-pa/59)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [2 May 2024 10:25 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/contracting-with-a-self-employed-pa/59 "2024-05-02T10:25:16Z")
What difficulties could there be with contracting with a self-employed PA? --- ## [Sds budget direct payment](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-budget-direct-payment/908)
**Author:** [@Lewis](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Lewis)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [26 June 2025 08:05 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-budget-direct-payment/908 "2025-06-26T08:05:46Z")
Hi i am a full time carer for my son who receives an SDS budget.My son previously used the budget for a PA due to ill health over the last 18 months his support plan was changed to meet his outcomes.He no longer uses the… --- ## [Children, Young People, GIRFEC and SDS](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/children-young-people-girfec-and-sds/300)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [12 November 2024 11:11 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/children-young-people-girfec-and-sds/300 "2024-11-12T11:11:54Z")
Learn about Self Directed Support and when this becomes relevant for a child or young person with additional support for learning needs. We will explore key areas such as: Eligibility and access to SDS How SDS relates … --- ## [Ask permission before, or check up afterwards?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/ask-permission-before-or-check-up-afterwards/708)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [3 May 2024 15:10 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/ask-permission-before-or-check-up-afterwards/708 "2024-05-03T15:10:57Z")
I’d be interested in the opinion of SDS Scotland (and anyone) on the following question: Must direct payment users ask permission before spending their DP on something novel that has not specifically been previously agr… --- ## [Can an LA force direct payment budget holders to use a managed account?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/can-an-la-force-direct-payment-budget-holders-to-use-a-managed-account/544)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [6 March 2025 20:04 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/can-an-la-force-direct-payment-budget-holders-to-use-a-managed-account/544 "2025-03-06T20:04:12Z")
I hold a budget on behalf of my disabled son. The LA refuse to pay the DP into an account I control. They insist I must use a managed account. As far as I am aware this is contrary to legislation and statutory guidance. … --- ## [How Many Short Breaks](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-many-short-breaks/418)
**Author:** [@Brucebaby](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Brucebaby)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [12 November 2025 19:10 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-many-short-breaks/418 "2025-11-12T19:10:18Z")
Hi there, does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of short breaks we can take with my son using his Direct Payment. I am in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. --- ## [Carer budget care plan outcome issues](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/carer-budget-care-plan-outcome-issues/877)
**Author:** [@Spearmint](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Spearmint)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [18 December 2024 09:37 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/carer-budget-care-plan-outcome-issues/877 "2024-12-18T09:37:38Z")
I have been an sds option 1 employer for many years now however the last few have been a nightmare at times due to a certain LA finance employee allocated to our budgets. Until recently I never had a carer budget via ass… --- ## [Using Appropriate Circumstances Agreements to employ POAs as PAs](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-appropriate-circumstances-agreements-to-employ-poas-as-pas/499)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [27 May 2023 21:50 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-appropriate-circumstances-agreements-to-employ-poas-as-pas/499 "2023-05-27T21:50:41Z")
Is it possible to employ a person’s Power of Attorney’s (POA) as their PA using Appropriate Circumstances Agreements? Most people will be familiar with the rules governing the employment of people as PAs when they also … --- ## [Guardianship and PA role](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/guardianship-and-pa-role/636)
**Author:** [@Aidersmom](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Aidersmom)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [15 September 2023 15:45 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/guardianship-and-pa-role/636 "2023-09-15T15:45:20Z")
Hello. I have Guardianship for my son and Social Work agree that I am only person able to look after his care needs and although they are fully supportive of this they can’t find way around legislation which stops a Guar… --- ## [How much or how long?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-much-or-how-long/764)
**Author:** [@Mac](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Mac)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [17 May 2024 15:38 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-much-or-how-long/764 "2024-05-17T15:38:26Z")
Hi, we are completely new to sds and are just going through the process. Our question is how much is the grant or how many hours is the maximum. Social worker keeping everything quiet on this level and yes we know she ha… --- ## [SDS experience and advice?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-experience-and-advice/978)
**Author:** [@toleranceandrespect](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/toleranceandrespect)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [7 July 2025 14:15 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-experience-and-advice/978 "2025-07-07T14:15:06Z")
Hi all We get SDS for our disabled child. We also get Universal Credit. Can I ask others something please? It doesn’t seem like you have much autonomy or self direction with the SDS. Our child’s needs and interests c… --- ## [Restaurant visit](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/restaurant-visit/274)
**Author:** [@Brucebaby](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Brucebaby)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [20 July 2022 07:33 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/restaurant-visit/274 "2022-07-20T07:33:30Z")
My son’s SDS outcomes are for ‘anything which supports independence and socialisation’. Could this cover restaurant visit with his PA? Thankyou --- ## [Do you have to sign a contract for SDS Option 1?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/do-you-have-to-sign-a-contract-for-sds-option-1/840)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [7 January 2025 15:59 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/do-you-have-to-sign-a-contract-for-sds-option-1/840 "2025-01-07T15:59:01Z")
It seems local authorities like Option 1 users to sign contracts. If you refuse to sign, can the LA withhold the direct payment? --- ## [Budget recovery](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/budget-recovery/763)
**Author:** [@MaryP](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MaryP)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [3 February 2025 03:54 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/budget-recovery/763 "2025-02-03T03:54:44Z")
Hello, I’m looking for some advice. I feel very let down by services that are supporting my family. I have an adult carer support plan and my SDS budget is split with one of my children who also has an SDS budget. It is … --- ## [POP created without our knowledge](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pop-created-without-our-knowledge/714)
**Author:** [@Beth](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Beth)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [4 July 2024 10:35 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pop-created-without-our-knowledge/714 "2024-07-04T10:35:26Z")
We were recently appointed a new social worker. She asked to meet with my daughter and myself as she put it to ‘Get to know us’ It transpires that she actually used the meeting to gather information to write a POP for my… --- ## [Paying PAs more than the minimum wage](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/paying-pas-more-than-the-minimum-wage/1019)
**Author:** [@Allymum](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Allymum)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [16 September 2026 11:18 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/paying-pas-more-than-the-minimum-wage/1019 "2026-09-16T11:18:32Z")
​ ​ ​ ​ Our son has profound learning disabilities with multiple health issues, including Type 1 diabetes requiring monitoring and insulin injections. Since taking onSDS Option1 more than 15 years ago, we have alway… --- ## [Smoking in a PAs Workplace](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/smoking-in-a-pas-workplace/527)
**Author:** [@LesWatson](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/LesWatson)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [10 December 2023 00:15 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/smoking-in-a-pas-workplace/527 "2023-12-10T00:15:39Z")
What options does a PA have if her employer smokes heavily in the house whilst the PA is present? I’m aware of the law regarding smoking and as it’s the PAs workplace the employer should refrain as much as possible whils… --- ## [SDS Standard Standard 13 on Direct Payments](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-standard-standard-13-on-direct-payments/937)
**Author:** [@Josh](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Josh)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [3 June 2025 14:03 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-standard-standard-13-on-direct-payments/937 "2025-06-03T14:03:08Z")
@MarkieBoy mentioned that a new SDS Standard covering Direct Payments is on the way. I wonder if it would be helpful to raise questions in this thread that the new Standard might address. Off the top of my head: Can a… --- ## [Does option 1 mean different things depending on what you are using it for?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/does-option-1-mean-different-things-depending-on-what-you-are-using-it-for/754)
**Author:** [@Ann20](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Ann20)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [7 May 2024 11:27 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/does-option-1-mean-different-things-depending-on-what-you-are-using-it-for/754 "2024-05-07T11:27:29Z")
Hi I have been given option 1 which I requested. However,I’m now informed that I will not receive a direct payment and that the council will keep hold of the funds and they will make the payments.The only reason I can … --- ## [Midlothian Council agreement for Option 1 SDS](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/midlothian-council-agreement-for-option-1-sds/804)
**Author:** [@MidlothianGuy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MidlothianGuy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [2 September 2024 23:27 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/midlothian-council-agreement-for-option-1-sds/804 "2024-09-02T23:27:29Z")
Six months on since starting to receive SDS Option 1 direct payment, and having PAs in place, I’ve received a ‘direct payment agreement’ document to sign. It’s quite a lengthy document - so I’ve included a few excerpts b… --- ## [Reassessment or Review? Legislation / guidance](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/reassessment-or-review-legislation-guidance/1002)
**Author:** [@Digitsmidori](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Digitsmidori)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [29 July 2025 14:38 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/reassessment-or-review-legislation-guidance/1002 "2025-07-29T14:38:49Z")
Hello, in my local authority there has been a new Support Needs Assessment eform created and the Personalisation Review form has been discontinued entirely. The rationale behind this was that the review form conflated th… --- ## [Using an SDS Budget to pay for Community Brokerage Support](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-an-sds-budget-to-pay-for-community-brokerage-support/740)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [21 February 2025 13:07 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/using-an-sds-budget-to-pay-for-community-brokerage-support/740 "2025-02-21T13:07:28Z")
Hi SDS Forum, I received an enquiry about the use of an SDS budget (under Option 1) to pay for the support of a Community Broker. I couldn’t find any reference to this in any legislation, guidance, standards, good pract… --- ## [Eastren council cutting outcomes](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/eastren-council-cutting-outcomes/907)
**Author:** [@Hampton](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Hampton)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [30 January 2025 15:57 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/eastren-council-cutting-outcomes/907 "2025-01-30T15:57:33Z")
My wife receives a budget for personal care excercise and social. She receives 42.5 hours at £24 per hour. She contracts an agency at £38 per hour which means she only can get a max of 27 hours per week. She is happy wit… --- ## [Working Together for Change - now open](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/working-together-for-change-now-open/435)
**Author:** [@paulineICS](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/paulineICS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [3 August 2022 15:24 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/working-together-for-change-now-open/435 "2022-08-03T15:24:33Z")
In Control Scotland has just opened up recruitment for our Working Together for Change programme. Working Together for Change takes place over 8 days over 6 months, from Sept-March, and is open to anyone who is passiona… --- ## [Thinking about applying for the Community Brokerage Award?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/thinking-about-applying-for-the-community-brokerage-award/408)
**Author:** [@Jenny](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Jenny)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [29 February 2024 15:05 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/thinking-about-applying-for-the-community-brokerage-award/408 "2024-02-29T15:05:18Z")
Hi. Applications are now open for our open course, starting in September 2022. If you have any questions about the application process or the course itself, please get in touch. --- ## [PA Employer and PA Handbooks: new online resources for everyone](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-employer-and-pa-handbooks-new-online-resources-for-everyone/109)
**Author:** [@michaelpillans](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/michaelpillans)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [15 August 2022 13:13 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-employer-and-pa-handbooks-new-online-resources-for-everyone/109 "2022-08-15T13:13:05Z")
SDSS has been working with partners to update and redesign the Personal Assistant ¶ Employer Handbook, first published by the Scottish Government in 2014. You can find out more about the handbook here, and we’d welcome … --- ## [The Future of Social Care and Support in Scotland Report](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/the-future-of-social-care-and-support-in-scotland-report/67)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [12 March 2021 11:55 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/the-future-of-social-care-and-support-in-scotland-report/67 "2021-03-12T11:55:42Z")
The Health and Sport Committee had recently published it’s report on social care in Scotland. There are some interesting conclusions and recommendations with a section on Self Directed Support (p.11). Key points made are… --- ## [How do Co-ordinated Support Plans relate to SDS and the assessment for it?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-do-co-ordinated-support-plans-relate-to-sds-and-the-assessment-for-it/77)
**Author:** [@Laura\_Jamieson](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Laura_Jamieson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [30 March 2021 10:13 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/how-do-co-ordinated-support-plans-relate-to-sds-and-the-assessment-for-it/77 "2021-03-30T10:13:52Z")
I have been supporting a parent, who has a school age child, to understand SDS and consider if this something his family could benefit from. He asked me how his child’s Co-ordinated Support Plan related to SDS and the as… --- ## [Landlord registration for family members?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/landlord-registration-for-family-members/753)
**Author:** [@Scally](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Scally)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [27 June 2024 16:14 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/landlord-registration-for-family-members/753 "2024-06-27T16:14:53Z")
We own our sons home as well as manage his support team under SDS Option 1, and he is in receipt of Universal Credit which repays his rent to us. We are registered as landlords. However, I recently received the following… --- ## [Upcoming changes to the PVG scheme: for PA employers](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/upcoming-changes-to-the-pvg-scheme-for-pa-employers/854)
**Author:** [@justinb](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/justinb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [8 October 2024 10:44 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/upcoming-changes-to-the-pvg-scheme-for-pa-employers/854 "2024-10-08T10:44:57Z")
A new law in Scotland, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, means that from 1 April 2025, any Personal Assistants (PAs) who are not exempt will be legally required to join the PVG scheme. This includes PAs who are employe… --- ## [End of Life who is responsible for PA redundancy?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/end-of-life-who-is-responsible-for-pa-redundancy/45)
**Author:** [@Laura\_Jamieson](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Laura_Jamieson)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [18 March 2021 12:54 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/end-of-life-who-is-responsible-for-pa-redundancy/45 "2021-03-18T12:54:16Z")
I’m supporting a PA employer whose son is terminally ill, he’s been told he will have to make his PA redundant and meet these costs and his LA says they won’t pay this – is this right? --- ## [Timescales for Assessments for Social Care](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/timescales-for-assessments-for-social-care/42)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [18 February 2021 09:28 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/timescales-for-assessments-for-social-care/42 "2021-02-18T09:28:11Z")
I would like to know what a reasonable timescale would be for an assessment to be undertaken? When you first contact Social Work and ask for support, how long should it take for you to have an assessment of your needs? D… --- ## [Queries on usage of child's budget](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/queries-on-usage-of-childs-budget/697)
**Author:** [@mkerr866](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/mkerr866)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [6 February 2024 04:10 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/queries-on-usage-of-childs-budget/697 "2024-02-06T04:10:36Z")
Hi looking for bit of advice currently had budget 2 yrs and still not accessed usage due to SW allocating worker allocated worker for them to leave after agreed budget usage was not put in place new worker recently assig… --- ## [Ideas for Annual PA Survey 2023](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/ideas-for-annual-pa-survey-2023/388)
**Author:** [@jeremy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/jeremy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [12 January 2023 11:15 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/ideas-for-annual-pa-survey-2023/388 "2023-01-12T11:15:07Z")
What are your thoughts about what questions we should ask next year in the PA Programme Board Annual PA workforce survey? --- ## [Personal Assistant Employers](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/personal-assistant-employers/458)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [12 March 2024 16:51 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/personal-assistant-employers/458 "2024-03-12T16:51:58Z")
Information, resources and discussions for PA Employers, to support them in their role as an employer. Whether you are thinking about becoming a PA Employer in the future, are just taking on this role, or have many years… --- ## [Part time study](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/part-time-study/321)
**Author:** [@Brucebaby](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Brucebaby)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [16 December 2021 22:17 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/part-time-study/321 "2021-12-16T22:17:40Z")
Hi everyone, thinking of maybe taking up some part time university study. Does anyone know if I can use some of my Carers Budget to pay for this? Many thanks --- ## [Self-directed support: ten years on](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/self-directed-support-ten-years-on/172)
**Author:** [@michaelpillans](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/michaelpillans)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [17 May 2021 09:33 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/self-directed-support-ten-years-on/172 "2021-05-17T09:33:10Z")
Iriss has published an insight report exploring the 10 year’s of SDS. ‘Self-directed support: ten years on’ explores the background to the development of SDS in Scotland, summarises the evidence from policy and scrutiny… --- ## [Barriers to Autism and SDS](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/barriers-to-autism-and-sds/395)
**Author:** [@Donald](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Donald)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [14 May 2024 11:46 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/barriers-to-autism-and-sds/395 "2024-05-14T11:46:24Z")
We are about to start some work on Autism and overcoming barriers to accessing SDS. Does anyone have any experience they’d like to share; positive or negative? --- ## [Training for Social care workers](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/training-for-social-care-workers/304)
**Author:** [@Nichola47](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Nichola47)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [15 November 2021 17:31 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/training-for-social-care-workers/304 "2021-11-15T17:31:39Z")
Sharp Training is offering funded SVQ3 and 4 course at no additional cost, providing you earn under £25,000 per year. We also offer SVQ2 courses at £600 and if you earn under £22,000 you can apply for £200 ITA towards t… --- ## [Personal Assistant Employers under Option 1 of SDS (direct payments)](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/personal-assistant-employers-under-option-1-of-sds-direct-payments/423)
**Author:** [@MarkieBoy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/MarkieBoy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [15 July 2022 10:39 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/personal-assistant-employers-under-option-1-of-sds-direct-payments/423 "2022-07-15T10:39:35Z")
The PA Employer and PA Handbooks: A new online resource will be launched for PA Employers and PAs on Wednesday 27th July 2022. This new resource has been developed in partnership with SDS Scotland members and individua… --- ## [SDS re Residential Packages](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-re-residential-packages/148)
**Author:** [@Mairi](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Mairi)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [4 November 2021 22:29 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/sds-re-residential-packages/148 "2021-11-04T22:29:43Z")
Opinion: Residential packages (value of) should be included as part of an SDS budget, rather than kept separate and inaccessible to service users. My views on this stem from a background in child disability services, in… --- ## [What are the pros and cons of Direct Payments for personal care?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-direct-payments-for-personal-care/592)
**Author:** [@ClaireS](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/ClaireS)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [25 July 2023 10:26 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-direct-payments-for-personal-care/592 "2023-07-25T10:26:22Z")
My husband in his 60s has dementia and Parkinson’s and has just been assessed for SDS in Edinburgh, with three elements being proposed - personal care for him, day services for him, and respite care. I have opted for Dir… --- ## [Is there a course directed towards relatives of people in receipt of social care?](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/is-there-a-course-directed-towards-relatives-of-people-in-receipt-of-social-care/409)
**Author:** [@jeremy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/jeremy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [29 June 2022 14:41 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/is-there-a-course-directed-towards-relatives-of-people-in-receipt-of-social-care/409 "2022-06-29T14:41:13Z")
We had an enquiry on twitter today about this today and it may come up for others, so here are some options: Open Badges Scheme: There are still some Open Badges which I think are available to anyone which you can fin… --- ## [Personal Assistant recruitment in crisis](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/personal-assistant-recruitment-in-crisis/335)
**Author:** [@IainMcG](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/IainMcG)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [2 June 2022 11:56 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/personal-assistant-recruitment-in-crisis/335 "2022-06-02T11:56:47Z")
LCiL recently published a blog post and newsletter article looking at our experiences, as a support organisation, of the current crisis in PA recruitment. We, and SDSS, would be keen to hear your thoughts on the subject … --- ## [PA Holiday Calculations](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-holiday-calculations/699)
**Author:** [@SupportChoices1](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/SupportChoices1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [15 February 2024 15:06 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-holiday-calculations/699 "2024-02-15T15:06:26Z")
Hello, I’m a Self-Employed PA with around 10 years experience in SDS, who supports a gentleman to manage his package and employees. I’m also a community worker for Support Choices, which is an organisation who works clo… --- ## [PA Employer Peer Support Event](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-employer-peer-support-event/309)
**Author:** [@ShazMcld](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/ShazMcld)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [1 December 2021 15:34 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pa-employer-peer-support-event/309 "2021-12-01T15:34:19Z")
--- ## [PAs and jury service](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pas-and-jury-service/492)
**Author:** [@Allison](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Allison)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [20 December 2022 11:35 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/pas-and-jury-service/492 "2022-12-20T11:35:07Z")
Has anyone else been called to jury service and what did you do about it? --- ## [Funding for self direct support](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/funding-for-self-direct-support/704)
**Author:** [@Pollywolly](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/Pollywolly)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [22 February 2024 11:15 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/funding-for-self-direct-support/704 "2024-02-22T11:15:13Z")
Is there a maximum amount of hours/funding Perth & Kinross council will pay for SDS? --- ## [Ideas for Annual PA Survey Analysis](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/ideas-for-annual-pa-survey-analysis/385)
**Author:** [@jeremy](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/u/jeremy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [10 June 2022 14:26 UTC](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/t/ideas-for-annual-pa-survey-analysis/385 "2022-06-10T14:26:54Z")
So, the first Annual PA Workforce survey data is in, 917 respondents, and we are looking for interest in what the data might tell us, any thoughts on what you’d like to see from the analysis? Background and expectations … [Next page](https://forum.sdsscotland.org.uk/top.md?page=1&per_page=50&period=all)