The Self Directed Support Staff Reference Group had its first meeting on 23 April 2009 in Gedling. Prior to the meeting, all Adult Social Care Teams had been asked to nominate a Putting People First Champion in their team, and all Champions were automatically invited to the staff reference group.

There was an excellent turnout of 20 staff members, with good representation from a variety of teams. Discussions were lively and everyone contributed to this initial meeting.

The main outcomes of the meeting were:

• A DVD was viewed showing a service user with dementia using a Personal Budget, and a Social Worker talking about how her role had changed with increased personalisation.
• Group members were asked to draw up Terms of Reference for the group. A draft version will be published soon
• It was decided that all staff attending the Staff Reference Group will automatically be Putting People First Champions. They will promote Putting People First and Self Directed Support within their teams and take a lead on any testing, piloting, feedback etc. as required
• A discussion was had as to how Putting People First Champions would be identified. Badges and diary elastic bands were suggested – the Self Directed Support team are looking into these suggestions
• A brief discussion was held about future training needs, how this training should be delivered and any specific issues that may need to be considered
• The frequency and length of future meetings was discussed. It was decided the meeting will be held every two months and last for 2.5 hours.

If you would like to be part of the staff reference group and become a Putting People First Champion for your team, please contact Lynne Cutts on 977 3234 or lynne.cutts@nottscc.gov.uk. Please limit this to one Champion per team.

If you would like to comment on any of the items discussed or you feel that you have an idea for future discussion or consultation, please let us know.

Dates of future meetings

All meetings will take place from 9.30am to 12.00pm. Venues to be confirmed.

• 25 June 2009
• 27 August 2009
• 29 October 2009
• 28 January 2010