A practical, structured guide for Local Authorities considering implementing Individual Service Funds (ISFs).
Author: Chris Watson
Individual Service Funds (ISFs) offer a flexible, person-centred model for social care, enabling citizens to control and customise their support based on individual needs and goals. This template is designed to help councils build a detailed, evidence-backed business case to gain internal approvals, plan for implementation, and align stakeholders on key objectives.
Use the placeholders provided (e.g. “(cost estimate here)”) to input your specific financial projections and timelines. Consider using cost data from similar initiatives or pilot programmes as benchmarks to estimate digital infrastructure, training, staffing, and other setup costs accurately.
While the template includes core objectives of personalisation, choice, and market diversity, it’s essential to align these with your council’s broader goals. Emphasise how ISFs will support local strategic aims, such as promoting community-based care, supporting small providers, or enhancing citizen independence.
Incorporate local demographic data and survey insights to support the case for ISFs. For example, outline the demand for personalised support among specific groups in your area (e.g. older adults, individuals with learning disabilities). Local evidence will strengthen the rationale for implementing ISFs.
Use the template’s structure to estimate cost savings, based on conservative projections of 5-10% annual savings from Year 2. Include a break-even analysis to outline when the council can expect net savings from the ISF model, which typically occurs around Year 4.
The Implementation Plan offers a robust framework, but each council may need to adjust this based on specific operational constraints, digital readiness, and staff capacity. Consider engaging with internal stakeholders to tailor the Governance and Training sections to ensure alignment with current systems.
This template provides sample KPIs for measuring success (e.g. citizen satisfaction, budget utilisation, and financial savings). Councils should adapt these metrics to reflect local priorities and establish clear targets for success.
ISFs require a cultural shift among staff, citizens, and providers. Use the Stakeholder Engagement section as a foundation to plan effective communication, co-production workshops, and regular feedback sessions, ensuring each group is aligned with the vision and benefits of ISFs.
Read and download the free word document in your browser, link below.
The publisher is Self Directed Futures. ISF Business Case Template © Chris Watson 2024.
Individual Service Funds, social care, England, Paper
