Service users are the Care Employers of the future. With arrival of personal budgets, the service user becomes the commissioner of care and of other support services. Recipients of 'Direct Payments' under the new personalisation arrangements for social care have more choice and also face new challenges.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Care Brokerage have always assisted Care Organisations with the sourcing of suitable workforce development options for their employees. From 2010 onwards the Care Brokerage will increasingly be reaching out to people who have found themselves in the role of employers as a consequence of Self-Directed Support.

There is to be a workshop on the special NMDS-SC module for people who employ their own care or support staff. This will be on 25th March 2011, Bar Hill, 11.00 – 2.00 pm. This will be a workshop for Direct Employers (those receiving Direct Payments) and representatives from Local Authorities, User-Led and Direct Payment Support Organisations.

A new version of the NMDS-SC is now available to Direct Employers following consultation and piloting. As part of the implementation plan for the new module, Skills for Care are inviting you to attend a workshop to showcase the new module and also to ask your advice on how best to implement the new NMDS-SC questionnaire with people who employ their own care and support staff. It is hoped that real benefits for Direct Employers will be identified. Contact Jill Norfield on 01223 257923 or email EventEastern@skillsforcare.org.uk for further information or a booking form. If you would like to attend, but are concerned about travel to and from the venue, Cambridge and Peterborough Care Brokerage encourages you to get in touch; we may be able to help.

To find out more: http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/news/latest_news/NMDS-SC_register.aspx.