We Host Launch Of Benefits Reform Review

Community Integrated Care was proud to welcome Edel Harris OBE, Chair of the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP), to one of our Inspire by Community Integrated Care services – as she launched a landmark report calling for a more compassionate, accessible, and person-centred social security system for disabled people in Scotland. 

The visit to Inspire by in Stonehaven formed a key part of the review’s engagement with people who have lived experience of disability and those who support them. Edel met with people supported by Inspire by Community Integrated Care and our team members, hearing directly how disability benefits can influence independence, confidence, and wellbeing. 

The service – which supports adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs – offered insight into how social care and welfare systems can work hand-in-hand to promote dignity and inclusion. 

The independent review, commissioned by the Scottish Government, sets out more than 50 recommendations to improve the Adult Disability Payment system. While recognising the progress already made – including the removal of DWP-style assessments and a more respectful tone from Social Security Scotland – it also identifies areas where people still face unnecessary complexity and stress when applying for support. 

Sara Murphy, our Managing Director for Scotland said: “It was a privilege to welcome Edel to our Inspire by Community Integrated Care service and show how initiatives like Adult Disability Payment can make a visible difference in people’s lives. As a care provider, we see every day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build confidence, develop skills, and live more independently. 

“We welcome the review’s call for a system that truly listens to disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.” 

The launch of the review was featured in a number of regional media publications including The National and The Highland Times, and covered by STV and BBC News. You can watch the BBC News coverage, featuring colleagues and people we support, below:

The full Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment is available here.