SDS National Voice 2025

SDS National Voice is Scotland’s only national conference dedicated to Self-Directed Support.

Following our successful return to an in-person conference in 2024, in 2025 we’ll be returning to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre for a day packed with presentations, discussion, workshops and networking opportunities.

The main presentations will be live-streamed to those who prefer to attend online, with a range of hybrid workshops to choose from throughout the day.

Tickets

The conference is aimed at people working in, or with an interest in, Self-directed Support from across the sector, and attracts people from Independent Support Organisations, Local Authorities, care and support providers, Scottish Government, and the third sector.

A range of ticket options are available, with a number of free places for supported people and unpaid carers.

Programme

The conference will be taking place at a time when the wider landscape around social care support grows ever more challenging. With the future direction of the proposed National Care Service unclear, and following the findings of the parliamentary Post-Legislative Scrutiny into the SDS Act, we’ll be taking stock of where we are and how we can work together across the sector to realise the original vision of Self-directed Support.

You can look forward to a packed programme of presentations, discussions and workshops across the day, as well as the chance to network with colleagues from across Scotland.

Information stands

We will have a dedicated marketplace area available throughout the conference, with opportunities to promote your service or project, and reach an audience of people from across Scotland working in the social care support sector.

If you are interested in hosting an information stand please leave your details on our contact form.

Workshops

We are keen to hear from practitioners across the sector who would like to host a workshop at the conference. Workshops are an opportunity for you to share a new piece of work, get feedback at the development stage of a project, or share good practice on an issue related to SDS. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at SDS National Voice 2025, or would like to chat through ideas with the team, please leave your please leave your details on our contact form.

Sponsorship

The SDS National Voice conference is an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals in the private, public and third sectors from across Scotland, with around 180 delegates expected in person and further online attendees.

We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available - if you'd like to find out more please leave your details on our contact form and we’ll be in touch.

Accessibility

We aim to make the event accessible for all those who wish to attend. You can find information about accessibility at the EICC venue on their website: https://www.eicc.co.uk/visiting/disability-access/

Please let us know when you place your order if you have any accessibility needs.

BSL interpretation – if you require BSL please let us know by 21 February 2025 to ensure we can book interpreters. Auto-generated captions will also be available for those attending online.

If you need support to register please contact us at [email protected] or 0131 475 2623.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the conference please get in touch: [email protected]

Host or Publisher Self Directed Support Scotland