The Award is a certified course that will help you learn more about Self-directed Support, the Community Brokerage approach, and apply this knowledge and learning to your practice.

Anyone who is interested in helping people access support to live full lives in their community is likely to find the course useful. It is open to staff from a variety of backgrounds, and previous students include those working at:

• Independent SDS Support Organisations
• Carers’ centres
• Advocacy services
• Local Authorities
• Care providers
• Housing associations
• Other third sector organisations.

You can find out more in our course frequently asked questions.

Online information sessions

If you’d like to find out more about the course, we’re holding a series of free, informal online information sessions throughout February and March 2025.

In the session you’ll learn:

• how the course is structured and course content
• what you’ll gain from completing the course
• the perspective from a student who’s completed the course – how they found the study and how it’s informed their practice
• the cost of the course and potential financial assistance available
• the application process and course start dates.

Check out the dates and book to attend on the Eventbrite page.

Applying to the course

Start your application by clicking the Apply now button below. You can save and come back to it at any time.

The closing date for applications is Friday 16th May 2025 and informal interviews will be held in June.

If you would like to discuss the course with us, or have any questions please get in touch.

Application is by a simple online form which asks for your details, and short person statement explaining why you are interested in the award.

The next delivery of the Community Brokerage Award begins in September 2024, and the course runs to June 2025.

Join course organiser Jenny, tutor Anne-Marie and current student Ed to hear more about:

• what the course covers
• how it can help you whether you work in Self Directed Support, or have personal experience of using SDS
• what to expect from the course sessions and assessments
• what support is available to help you complete the course
• how to apply.

If you have any questions about the course, please get in contact with us.

You’ll find out more about:

• what you’ll learn through taking the Award
• how the award is delivered
• the time commitment involved
• h ow to apply
• what support is available to help you complete the Award.

This is your chance to ask questions and explore if the Award is right for you.

The sessions are free and will take place online via Zoom on:

• Weds 8 May, 12.00 – 12.45pm
• Tues 14 May, 1.00 – 1.45pm

If you have any accessibility requirements for taking part in the information session, please let us know when you book your ticket.

You only need to attend one of the sessions – book your space on Eventbrite.

For any questions about the online session, please contact Jenny Reekie: jenny@communitybrokerage.scot

It was a special moment on 28 March when past and present students of the Community Brokerage Award were brought together in person at the SDS National Voice conference.

More than 30 students attended the event in Edinburgh, many of them meeting for the first time, since all teaching for the course is conducted online.

Among those students pictured include professionals working at Independent SDS Support organisations, local authorities, carers’ centres, and people with lived experience of SDS and unpaid carers.

After forging connections with fellow students throughout their studies, several commented how much they appreciated the chance to meet in person and feel part of the wider Brokerage community by being there together on the day.

Applications are now open for the next intake of students for the Community Brokerage Award – so now you can join this welcoming and supportive community too.

Find out more about the award and how to apply.

Anyone who works, volunteers, or is interested in working, in a social care role, is welcome to apply. The award is relevant to anyone who wants to provide community brokerage to build the capacity of people who need support to live full lives in their community. The course will help you learn more about SDS and the community brokerage approach, You may have professional or lived experience of social care. The unique opportunity for practice sharing between people with a range of experiences is particularly valued by participants.

You can find out more in our course frequently asked questions.

The first stage of the process is to complete a simple application form online (link below).

We’ll ask you to tell us what interests you about the award. We are also interested to know of anything that would support you to take part in the course. The closing date for applications is 31st May 2024 and informal interviews will be held in June.

If you would like to discuss the course with us, or have any questions please get in touch.

Join course organiser Jenny Reekie, tutor Dawn Ranson and current student Maddy to hear more about:

• what the course covers
• how it can help you whether you work in Self Directed Support or have personal experience of using SDS
• what to expect from the course sessions and assessments
• what support is available to help you complete the course
• how to apply.

If you have any questions about the course, please get in contact with us.

Join us for this short, informal online session to learn more about the Community Brokerage Award.

The sessions are free and are taking place on:

• Tuesday 2 May 2023, 4.00pm – 4.45pm
• Thursday 4 May 2023, 12.30pm – 1.15pm

At the session you’ll find out more about:

• what you’ll learn through taking the Award
• how the award is delivered
• the time commitment involved
• how to apply
• what support is available to help you complete the Award.

This is your chance to ask questions and explore if the Award is right for you.

The session will take place online via Zoom.

You can book a space at one of the sessions via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-brokerage-award-information-session-tickets-601556179727

If you have any accessibility requirements for taking part in the information session, please let us know when you book.

Here you can download the course timetable which details when teaching takes place and when assignments are due.

Teaching takes place on Thursdays and Fridays with the first unit beginning on 7 September 2023.

View and download the course timetable here:

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us.

Anyone with an interest in social care, who wants to learn more about SDS and the community brokerage approach, is welcome to apply. The award is relevant anyone who wants to support people to live a good life and meet their social care needs. You may have professional or lived experience of social care. The unique opportunity for practice sharing between people with a range of experiences is particularly valued by participants.

The first stage of the process is to complete a simple application form online (link below).

We’ll ask you to tell us what interests you about the award. We are also interested to know of anything that would support you to take part in the course. The closing date for applications is 31st May 2023 and informal interviews will be held in June.

If you would like to discuss the course with us, or have any questions please get in touch.