MICROBOARDS - PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PERSON AT THE CENTRE
In Northern Ireland the Personal Social Services (Direct Payments) (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 is the legislative framework
under which direct payments fall. Direct payments are seen as an alternative way of meeting assessed needs for personal
social services. The aim is to increase independence by offering choice and control in respect of services required. The
principles behind direct payments are to promote independence, to offer choice and to work in partnership. In Northern
Ireland people between the ages of 18 - 64 with a physical or intellectual disability, assessed as willing and able to
manage direct payments are eligible for them. In order to manage direct payments more effectively people in Northern Ireland
are forming micro boards.
Micro boards originated out of the person centered planning and the direct funding philosophy. They are currently
successfully functioning in British Columbia, which has legislation to support them. There is a non-profit society called
Vela who developed a pilot project to facilitate three micro boards in Vancouver in 1989. In the last 11 years the project
has expanded to include approximately 120 active micro boards. Vela helps support the setting up of micro boards and the
dissemination of information and best practice to all micro board members.
A minimum of five people, including the person with the disability, must be on the micro board to satisfy legal
requirements of the Provincial Society Act. Someone who is paid direct by the micro board cannot sit on the board, in
other words service providers cannot sit on micro boards.
A Micro board is formed when a small group of committed family and friends join together with a person with intellectual
disability, to create a non-profit society. Together this small group of people addresses the person's planning and
support needs in an empowering and customised fashion. A micro board is created for the sole support of one individual.
Who can sit on a micro board?
Family, friends and acquaintances that are committed to knowing the person and to having a reciprocal relationship with
them. Relationships are the most important component of a micro board. It is not necessary that micro board members have
expertise in a specific area of disability or support services. The most important gifts that micro board members bring to
their society are their relationship, knowledge of, and commitment to the person. The service skills can be learned or
purchased from others.
What do micro board members do?
In British Columbia, to maintain legal society status, there are official positions that need to be filled on the board. The
President decides the agenda, organises and chairs meetings. The vice-president carries out the duties of the president
during his/her absence. The Secretary conducts the correspondence of the society, records the minutes and keeps all records
and documents on behalf of the micro board. The Treasurer keeps the financial records of the micro board. If the micro board
hires their own staff directly, they may wish to create a board position of staff liaison. This position would act as the
communicator between the staff and the micro board.
Board members are a critical part of helping to plan with the person, create supports, and possibly deliver services. If the
micro board decides to provide direct services they hire staff, and become employers.
The role of the micro board is not to shower the person with a steady stream of social opportunities. Rather, the micro
board’s purpose is to ensure that the individual becomes a part of the fabric of their local community, thus safeguarding
that person's future.