This group has membership from provider organisations who deliver services to people with learning difficulties. The Local Authority and on occasion the NHS attend the meetings for part of the time to share information and discuss issues of mutual interest.

The Forum discusses a broad range of issues relevant to the delivery of high quality person centred services for people with a learning difficulty and to supporting people to lead the best possible lives. Those involved in planning, managing or delivering services to people with learning difficulties in the area are welcome to attend.

The Group meetings are used to:

  • Work together to share good practice and live issues
  • Provide an opportunity for working in partnership with health and social care colleagues
  • Contribute to the strategic development planning process
  • Improve the quality of health and social care services for people receiving support
  • Develop and sustain high quality personalised services that promote well being, independence, resilience, involvement and inclusion
  • Improve skills and knowledge in the work place

Chairperson

The Forum is chaired by one of the members of the group. The Chairperson is elected each year at the Annual Review meeting.  The current Co Chairs of the Forums are Andrew Will – Cornerstone and Ben Robertson – Eildon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facilitator

Catherine Dempsey – ARC Scotland

The Forum is facilitated by ARC Scotland team member Catherine Dempsey. She is responsible for: organising meetings, inviting guest speakers, taking minutes, maintaining a list of members and circulating information and papers to the members and other appropriate people connected to the Forum.

 

 

 

Meeting Dates

While we can’t meet in person, Borders Provider Forum are currently holding meetings on Zoom. These meetings are usually every 4 weeks. Catherine shares the zoom meeting links and agendas for these meetings by email.

If you are interested in attending these online meetings please get in touch with Catherine.

 

Venue:      Usually at - Brothers of Charity offices, Triest House, Bridge Street, Galashiels TD1 1SW       10am - 1pm

Information from Meetings

Agenda

 

Constitution and TOR

ARC Scotland consulted with the Forums it supports to gather members views about the benefits of collaborative working.

The importance of grounding all that we do in the context of Human Rights, and putting rights into action, is also reflected and reinforced in the Guidelines For Person Centred Support Planning

Here is an accessible version of these Guidelines – Accessible Guidelines

 

SOLD Presentation

Here is the presentation given by Tony Bowman from SOLD (Supporting Offenders with a Learning Disability) about the work of SOLD and in particular their new Practice Guide for support workers – Provider Forum presentation

 

Local News

‘Clinical Formulation Practice Guide’ which was in the pack.  It’s here:  https://promo-manager.server-secure.com/download/files/13839/319178/INC3063619Clinical%20Formulation%20Practice%20Guide.pdf

Keys to Life Choir Poster – Keys to Life Choir Poster 031018

 

Government Policy

The Provider Forum keeps up to date with local and national information and activity around key Government policies:

The Keys to Life is the Scottish Government’s Strategy for improving the quality of life for people with learning disabilities. For more information visit: keystolife.info

The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 places a duty on local authority social work departments to offer people who are eligible for social care a range of choices over how they receive their support. More information at:

Easy read leaflets about SDS from Scottish Borders Council:

 

The way we plan and deliver health and social care services in Scotland is changing. Legislation requiring integration of health and social care came into effect in April 2016 and new Integration Authorities now have responsibility for over £8 billion of funding for local services which was previously managed separately by NHS Boards and Local Authorities. More information at Scottish Government – Health and Social Care Integration

 

Provider Forums

Local networks for organisations that provide social care for people with disabilities or other support needs in eight Scottish local authority areas:

Read more about Provider Forums