Media release: New chair takes the helm at leading Scottish social care charity

THE Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network (SPAEN) has appointed a new chair to strengthen the social care support provided by the leading Scottish charity.

The charity is based in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, and operates across Scotland. Last year, it combined with Aberdeen-based iConnect North East to further develop partnership working in that region.

Alan Fowler will take up the role on 28 February 2018, replacing Mrs Laura Forbes.

Mr Fowler, currently chair of Isochron Limited, brings with him a wide range of specialist knowledge and practical experience in driving cultural and system changes. He formerly worked for the Scottish Office and has carried out strategic work with several UK Government departments.

An experienced public speaker, his skills and experience encompass teaching, change management, structured analysis, programme management, procurement and policy. His insights into business have led to practical techniques to accelerate and achieve change.

Welcoming the new chair to the role, Colin Millar, SPAEN chief executive, said he was delighted by the appointment as Mr Fowler had been working with the charity in a consulting capacity for some time and his experience and passion for driving change in social care had been insightful and energising.

He added: “Both SPAEN and I are lucky to have someone of Alan’s experience and ability leading us at this important time in the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Self-Directed Support strategy and our work in relation to empowering individuals and families to exercise greater choice and control over how they become full, active citizens enabled by social care.”

Mr Fowler said he was very excited and enthused by the thinking and work underway at SPAEN.

He added: “Social care and its intrinsic role in reducing the pressure our NHS is under cannot be understated. Social care support will be an important part of the lives of the majority of people in Scotland at some stage and if I and my past experience can make that a positive and empowering experience, then I’ll be honoured to play a part.”

NOTE: Attached is picture of Alan Fowler.

Notes for editors:

About SPAEN

SPAEN aims to offer a range of supports and services to Self-Directed Support (SDS) users across Scotland, ranging from HR and employment related advice and guidance for PA employers to Managed Account Services and Support Planning for Option 2 recipients.

Option 1 of the SDS Act allows for the individual (or the person with Power of Attorney / Guardianship or parental responsibility for the person with assessed support needs) to secure the provision of their own support This is done through the individual using the money to employ their own Personal Assistant (PA); for “creative purchases” or purchasing support from an organisation or organisations of your choosing.

Option 2 of the SDS Act allows the local authority to identify an “individual budget” to meet your assessed needs and personal outcomes. These monies can be held and administered on your behalf by the local authority; a care provider agency or a third party and the monies should be used in accordance with your wishes. An Individual Service Fund or ISF means that you know how much money you have available to make arrangements to meet your assessed needs and personal outcomes and you should be fully involved in discussing both how your needs and outcomes are met and how the monies are used.

For further information or assistance contact David Sinclair, SPAEN communications manager, on 07803 970320or at davidsinclair65@sky.com

MEDIA RELEASE issued by SPAEN. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: David Sinclair
Phone: 07803970320
Email: davidsinclair65@sky.com
Website: http://www.spean.co.uk