“Your local authority has a poor record of implementing direct payments legislation. Following a review of services by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, social workers have been instructed by senior managers to promote direct payments actively. In your next supervision session, your manager wants to discuss your use of direct payments.”

“He tells you that, whilst he knows that you have been an enthusiastic champion of direct payments for learning disabled people, he is far less enthusiastic and would be inclined to ignore the instruction that has been issued by senior managers. He goes on to say that, as supervision records can be examined during inspection visits, the local authority should be seen to have considered whether to offer direct payments to the learning disabled people with whom you are working and so invites you to go through each of them in turn with him.”

Now you need to decide what to do in this situation, select from the options below:

  1. Do you take issue with your manager’s position on direct payments, arguing that learning disabled people should be empowered to manage their own affairs?
  2. Do you audit your cases against the criteria for consideration of direct payments outlined in government guidance?
  3. Do you argue that your manager’s position is out of step with the local authority’s approach which has been revised following the inspection?
  4. Do you review your assessment of each service user, considering how direct payments might be appropriate?

A. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward rights orientation

B. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward technical orientation

C. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward procedural orientation

D. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward needs orientation

Before you move on to the next situation, test your knowledge of key aspects of law that are relevant to this situation by answering the question below.

Local authorities must include the offer of direct payments in all community care assessments and reviews or re-assessments.

The Correct answer is True

Direct Payments Guidance: Community Care, Services for Carers and Children’s Services (Direct Payments) Regulations and Guidance 2003 – make it a duty to provide direct payments – direct payments must be made to all individuals who are eligible to receive them and who want them.