Making Individual Service Funds Work

Authors: EQUALD Project

The EQUALD Project has released two toolkits designed to support the delivery and uptake of Individual Service Funds (ISFs) for adults with learning disabilities.These research-informed toolkits have been co-produced with people with learning disabilities, carers, social workers, commissioners, support providers, and researchers, to ensure that they are both practical and accessible. 

About the EQUALD project

EQUALD was led by Dr Liz Croot at the University of Sheffield and funded by the National Institute for Health Research. The project had two objectives:

• To understand what is needed to make Individual Service Funds (ISFs) successful at improving the quality of social care for adults with learning disabilities.
• To co-produce toolkits to support the implementation and delivery of successful ISFs. 


First, the research developed theories (explanations) about what makes an ISF work well for somebody. Building on the real-world experiences of people who develop, deliver, or use ISFs, these theories explain what needs to be in place within social care systems for ISFs to work well. This early work shaped the development of the toolkits, highlighting what is needed to make an ISF successful and identifying barriers to effective implementation.

Co-Production

Co-production was central to the development of these toolkits.The toolkits were co-produced with:

• People with learning disabilities from three self advocacy groups
• Staff from three local authorities actively developing their ISF offer
• Carers, social workers, commissioners, support providers and advocates who took part in three national co-production workshops

Co-production took place over four months (April – July 2024) and directed the content, format, and structure of the toolkits.
Three local authorities user-tested the toolkits and gave feedback which the EQUALD team used to further improve the tools, and make sure they are practical and relevant for everyone interested in developing or using ISFs.

The toolkits

Toolkit One: for local authorities and support provider organisations

This toolkit helps local authorities and support providers with the development, delivery and governance of ISFs:

• Evaluation Framework: A tool for assessing the success of ISF programmes, including suggested mechanisms for measuring outcomes and success.

• Progress Pathway: A quality monitoring tool that tracks the ISF journey for individuals, helping local authorities and providers document progress and ensure the proper allocation of funds.


Toolkit Two: for adults with a learning disability, carers and advocates

This toolkit supports adults with learning disabilities and their allies to understand and make decisions about ISFs. It includes 3 Easy Read documents and a video:

• ISF Video: The video (watch below) explains what an ISF is, how it is different from other personal budget options, the benefits of ISFs, and how to get one. It also includes what to do if an ISF isn’t working.
• ISF factsheets: Easy-to-understand handouts covering the same information as the video, providing individuals with printed information for reference.
• ISF I Statements: Clear and accessible statements outlining what individuals should expect if they have an ISF.
• 'Questions to Ask': A guide for individuals or their support networks to ask social workers or service providers about ISFs to help them make informed decisions.


A Glossary of Terms is also attached below.

The SDS Network and Citizen Network hosted a webinar with the EQUALD project team on 9th July to share their ground-breaking research and the resources. You can watch the recording here.

These resources were produced by the EQUALD team, led by Dr Liz Croot, with Dr Alice Dunning, Clare Tarling, and Jodie Bradley (Speakup Self Advocacy). The EQUALD project was hosted by the University of Sheffield, with co-applicants from the University of Birmingham, Manchester Metropolitan University, Speakup Self Advocacy, the Association for Real Change, Self Directed Futures, and the National Care Forum. 

Find out more about EQUALD here.

The EQUALD project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR151776). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.