Background

Background

Putting people first

Putting people first seeks to set out and support the Government’s commitment to independent living for all adults. It also outlines the shared aims and values, which will guide the transformation of adult social care.

It recognises that real change will only be achieved through the participation of users and carers at every stage including front line staff

We aim for residents to access to high quality support through having a community based support system focussed on the health and wellbeing of the local population.

• Improving Life Chances of Disabled People – Jan 2005
• Independence, Choice & Wellbeing – March 2005
• Our Health Our Care Our Say – Jan 2006
• Putting People First, A shared vision and commitment to the transformation of Adult Social Care, December 2007

The White Paper "Our health, our care, our say" (opens new window) requires authorities to adopt a new strategic commissioning role and to plan for the needs of the whole community, including those people who fund their own care. This will entail consultation and involvement with a larger group of stakeholders. Local authorities will need to develop new ways of hearing the voices of service users and the local community. Commissioners will need to become strategic bridge builders, as they drop the role of large scale purchasers of blocks of service.