Information below from The National Direct Payment Forum:
The National Direct Payment Forum is at the forefront of the personalisation of social and health care.
We are a thriving network who meet to share, develop and review good practice. We believe the Forum is unique in its field as the only place where both staff from the statutory sector and those from the voluntary and independent sector, including Disabled Peoples’ Organisations, meet and work together as equals.
Our work was originally within Greater London, however as most issues in direct payments are common regardless of locality, we have extended this to include all areas nationwide.
The Forum provides a safe, honest space where people can admit to each other that sometimes things aren’t going so well and then know they will be supported to put them right.
Although our membership is that of staff working in various aspects of direct payments, embedded in our organising committee we have the voice of those who use direct payments and PAs. From the very beginning we were clear that the Forum’s mission was to champion best practice, challenge bad practice and advocate for change, all in the interests of furthering the cause of independence, choice and control for Disabled people.
We work closely with Disabled Peoples’ Organisations across the country to hear the issues they are facing and work across the sector to ensure direct payments are working for those who draw on care and support.
Co-producing work is key to getting things right.
THE NATIONAL DIRECT PAYMENT FORUM
We are pleased to launch the Personal Assistants Employment Status Report June 2023.
Please click on the link below to access the report
How we work
The forums work and programme of activities is run by a small team of cross sector volunteers who meet regularly to plan the four main forum meetings including our annual conference, run our social media platforms, and collectively ensure the work of the forum is progressive, responsive to government policy and meets the needs of its members.
Our organising group hold a wealth of knowledge and are passionate about keeping direct payment at the forefront of health and social care policy. The group is represented from across the health and social care sectors, including charities, local authority and private organisations, which means we are in a very unique position to tackle and find ways together to help resolve the issues facing professionals working in the field of direct payments.
As a networking forum we pride ourselves in encouraging our members to share what’s happening in their local boroughs and DP support services. Sharing ideas and discussing what’s worked and not worked so well is a great way to support each other.
As a valuable asset to the work of the forum you will receive reminder notification of all our planned meetings, including policy updates, conference invites and opportunities to get involved in project work, for example the forum has been at the forefront of the publication of a paper regarding the employment status of Personal Assistants.
We guarantee to offer a packed and interesting events programme, including guest speakers and networking opportunities. We encourage anyone attending to come armed with questions and if we can’t answer your enquiry we will use our extensive network of contacts to ensure your questions are answered.
If you are not already on our circulation list please get in touch and we would be happy to include you.
We have suspended our membership fee so do take advantage of this and sign up to receiving information, meeting invites and networking opportunities.
Currently our forum meetings will be held via zoom : 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. but we are looking to hold the main conference in person.
Please see dates for 2023:
- TBC
Being involved in such a wide and diverse networking forum means you will be linked up with some incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable professionals working in the field of direct payments.
We would love to hear from you so do get in touch and join the forum.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Contact
If you would like to get in touch with us, please use the Pop-up email link below:
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Source:National Direct Payment Forum
Cross posted 23/02/2024 RW