Rich Watts, Strengthening ULOs Programme Gerry Nosowska, research in practice for adults   

NCASC 2012: User-Led Organisations

and Social Care

Overview

Which problems are ULOs a solution to? What’s the evidence they’re a solution? You’ve convinced me: what do I do next?

The demand side: questions you might be asking yourself

What is a ULO? What do they do? How does this support me in my work? So?

What is a ULO?

At least 75% of Management Board are disabled people At least 50% of staff are disabled people At least 50% of volunteers are disabled people Works from the social model of disability perspective

(Or working towards the above) Around 350

Significant variation Across the country In shape and size

How can commissioners be expected to work with organisations which they might not even know are there?

What problems are they a solution to? (1) ULOs do the voice side of things very well

Local Involvement Networks: saved £4.30 for every £1 invested Community development: saved £3.80 for every £1 invested POET survey: good support for navigating the care system vital

ODI’s Support, Advocacy & Brokerage Project People have more control over their care and support People feel they achieve more through their care and support

Demos Counting the Costs report Examples of coproduction to make difficult decisions Mitigates or minimises effects of these choices

What problems are they a solution to? (2) IAG – 89% of all people who went through a peer-led IAG

service took up a DP, compared to 13% nationally Support planning – 100% of all people who went through

peer-led approach took up a DP, compared to 17% locally Peer-led approaches save money

Leeds User-Led Crisis Centre – saves £28k/year by reducing acute hospital days

Support, Time & Recovery peer-led model – saved £120k/year More complex referrals in a more personalised way

Disability hate crime reporting – higher incidence Healthwatch, employment, housing etc. Three in five people (59%) trust services more

Example: Disability Equality North West

We are a base for disabled people to access anything, we are a good place to start.

Strengths

We inhabit and work in the gaps between other services

Examples

Volunteer bureau

Diversity Arts Festival

Help Direct

One-to-one support planning

How local authorities can help

Working more closely together, more as human beings, would be good

The supply side: ULO challenges Independence Professionalisation Building constructive, positive relationships whilst also

being a critical friend and staying true to your values Recognising PBs and personalisation represent an

opportunity As well as…

Governance Business skills Linking with other relevant organisations

What can be done?

Significant commissioning options E.g. reserving contracts (Article 19)

Contracts for voice-related work Work together to deliver value for money at a time

of austerity Strategic partnerships (incl secondments) Health & Wellbeing Boards and local HealthWatch

organisations Section 106 agreements

What support is available? (1)

Strengthening ULOs Programme 15 local Ambassadors £3m Facilitation Fund specifically for ULOs

Key is to focus on sustainability Chance to develop ideas to put them into practice

http://odi.dwp.gov.uk/dpuloprogramme www.facebook.com/dpulos Twitter - #dpulo

What support is available? (2)

ripfa work Key Issues publication on ULOs Strategic Briefing Customer Guide Dedicated website section on ULOs Support for organisational change Forum and network support http://www.interactive.ripfa.org.uk/ www.ripfa.org.uk

Thanks and contact details

Gerry Nosowska Research & Development Manager, ripfa gerry@ripfa.org.uk 01803 847262

Rich Watts National Lead, Strengthening ULOs Programme richard.watts1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk 07595 345235 Twitter – @rich_w