Personalisation of social care and health: a co-operative solution

Abstract

The research was undertaken by Manchester Metropolitan University as a placement with Co-operatives UK and Cobbetts, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council under a Business Engagement Opportunities project.The overall aim of the research was to explore and assess the opportunities for co-operatives and mutuals as service providers under personal budgets in social care and health. The research explored the experiences of co-operatives operating as social care providers and the implications for future policy and extension of the provider market within the context of personalisation. This research is based on in-depth interviews and field visits with two case studies, documentary research and a number of other relevant stakeholders. The interviews with Sunshine Care, Caring Support, and stakeholders took place between April and July 2010.