Brokerage

Helping people and their carers take control of individual budgets.

Brokerage is about providing independent guidance and help to ensure that people with a learning disability and their carers are supported in the process of identifying, securing and managing the services that enable them to lead the life they want.

Mencap is piloting different models of brokerage as a key strategic move in line with the Government's ‘In Control' agenda to enable people to take charge of their own budgets and directly commission the services that are right for them. 

For Mencap, brokerage means much more than simply signposting users to services. The total support package for people with a learning disability is often complex. For example, an individual may need support to live independently as well as suitable housing, plus learning and employment services to develop the skills they need to lead a fulfilling life at home, at work and in their community.

Mencap is well-positioned for change

Mencap is well-positioned to work with the ‘In Control' agenda. We are the only specialist provider of housing and employment services for people with a learning disability and we already deliver a wide range of local and national services.

The move towards individual budgets represents a major change in the way that care services are commissioned and Mencap is exploring ways to integrate, more fully, the services we provide and offer a ‘menu' of options to our users.

At Mencap we believe that good brokerage is about working with integrity and transparency; enabling people to access the services that are right for them regardless of the service provider. We are uniquely placed in terms of knowledge of the wider ‘market place' and the needs of people with a learning disability.

Brokerage takes a variety of forms including:

• Funding brokerage to help people find their way through the complexity of sources and entitlements ranging from Disability Living Allowance to an individual local authority budget.
• Learning brokerage to help people to develop the life skills they need to live independently, prepare for work and achieve their ambitions.
• Community brokerage to help people get a job, join clubs and societies and take part in society as an equal.
• Development brokerage to design and develop services where there is no existing provision.

At Mencap we believe that people with a learning disability and their carers will welcome support every step of the way from stating an individual's unique needs, to commissioning the right services, regular review and help with management when required.

Contact us

For more information about Mencap brokerage services, please contact:

David Fiddament,
Regional project manager

Telephone: 077969 48729
Email: david.fiddament@mencap.org