Individual Service Funds are an alternative way of contracting with the market that gives more choice and control to the person receiving the service. Rather than commission for a standard service such as home care or a day opportunity we would commission based on a set of outcomes, eligible needs with an agreed personal budget.

This allows the ISF holding organisation to look at a broad range of support to meet the needs and outcomes. They could deliver some and broker to other low-cost/no cost solutions or specialist provision. This is similar to managing and using a Direct Payment, but an organisation is responsible for the personal budget rather than the individual managing it themselves. This allows people who do not have the capacity to enter into contracts to benefit from more choice and control over their support.

We are working to develop local ISF markets in Essex to enable more individuals to consider and benefit from ISF arrangements.