Webinar: Why Individual Service Funds Matter: Voices, Data and Action

This webinar is for Learning Disability England members who are interested in learning about ISFs.

Session overview
Individual Service Funds (ISFs) offer a flexible and person-centred way for people to shape their support, but they remain underused in many areas.

This webinar brings together lived experience, national data, and practical insight to explore how ISFs are working on the ground and what needs to happen to make them more widely available. Whether you are a provider, commissioner, or advocate for better social care, this session will share real examples and practical tools to help make ISFs a reality.

Agenda
2.00 to 2.20 – My Support, My Money - Michael and Jimmy
Michael and Jimmy live in the same block of flats and are supported by Dimensions. They are both passionate football fans and strong advocates for choice and control in social care. In this session, they will share what their Individual Service Funds have made possible – from deciding who supports them to making day-to-day choices that matter.

2.20 to 2.35 – Why ISFs Matter - Simon Duffy
Simon will reflect on the potential of ISFs as a key innovation in adult social care – and why both providers and commissioners should take them seriously as a route to better, more inclusive support.

2.35 to 2.50 – ISFs in England: Where Are We Now? - Chris Watson
Chris will share insights from recent Freedom of Information requests, mapping work and council case studies. He will look at current uptake, what’s driving progress, and what needs to change to make ISFs more widely available and better understood.

2.50 to 3.00 – Questions and discussion
An open Q and A session for attendees to ask questions and share ideas.

About the speakers

Michael and Jimmy
Michael and Jimmy are close friends from the North East who live in the same building and are supported by Dimensions. They both use Individual Service Funds to arrange support that works for them – and are passionate about football, independence, and speaking up for better social care. They’ve shared their story at local and national events, showing how ISFs can put people in control.

Simon Duffy
Simon is Director of Citizen Network. He helped to develop personal budgets and ISFs in England and is a recognised international leader in self-directed support, citizenship, and welfare reform.

Chris Watson
Chris is the founder of Self Directed Futures and Chair of the SDS Network England. With over 25 years in commissioning, provider development, and support planning, he now works nationally to help councils and providers implement ISFs and other self-directed models. Chris also advises the Down’s Syndrome Association and other organisations on personalisation and rights-based approaches.

Not a member of Learning Disability England yet? You can join from as little as £12 a year!

If you have any questions, send us an email on amanda.fawcett@ldengland.org.uk