A space for honest conversation and shared learning

Direct payments remain a key part of delivering personalised care - but how they’re working in practice varies widely.

This first session in our Community Practice Network brings together our community of local authorities to explore what’s really happening on the ground. This will be a structured space to share challenges, compare approaches, and learn from each other.

We’ll focus on where the biggest challenges with direct payments are right now, whether that’s around uptake, administration, or something else entirely. We’ll also look at when and how direct payments are introduced in the care journey, and whether that approach is working in practice. Alongside this, we’ll discuss how indicative budgets and RAS are being used - as a starting point, a ceiling, or something in between.

What you’ll gain

You will leave the session with:

• A clearer view of how other councils are approaching direct payments today  

• Insight into common pressure points and emerging ways of working  

• Practical ideas and perspectives you can take back to your team  

• The opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges  

How the session works

This is a small, discussion-based session designed to encourage open and practical conversation.

• Introductions
  Meet fellow participants with the opportunity to share a quick snapshot of your current context  

• Quick-fire prompts
  Capture your initial thoughts on key topics using a shared digital whiteboard in small groups

• Small group discussions
  Explore challenges and approaches in small groups with space for honest exchange

• Whole group reflections
  We'll share key themes and insights across each of the groups  

• Close and next steps
  Shape future sessions and continue the conversation  

Facilitated by Imosphere with a light touch - keeping the focus on peer learning, not presentations.

Save your place

Spaces are limited to keep discussions small and valuable. Join other Imosphere local authority customers for a practical, open conversation on direct payments in practice.

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