At times of change and uncertainty, evidence becomes very important to build confidence about how to put policy into practice. Although some relevant evidence exists, as it becomes the mainstream mechanism for
delivering social care, self-directed support (SDS) will bring significant new challenges and evidence needs.
In this context, IRISS initiated a project to explore evidence on SDS and how gaps might be addressed through co-production. The focus was primarily on what evidence was needed rather than what was already
available, although literature reviews featured at a couple of points. The project was genuinely experimental. As a co-produced endeavour, exactly how it would be shaped and unfold could not be foreseen
by any one participant. It was impossible to say how – or even if – it would work. This necessitated a degree of comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty, and a proactive, constructive approach from all concerned.