PERSON-CENTRED PLANNING

A 6-Module Self-Paced Online Programme for the Disability Sector

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The NIIDS Person-Centred Planning (PCP) Programme is a self-paced online course
designed to help professionals in the disability sector develop the knowledge, skills and
confidence required to deliver authentic person-centred planning in practice.

The programme supports staff to move beyond paperwork and compliance toward planning
that genuinely reflects the person’s will, preferences, aspirations and life goals.

The course aligns with key national frameworks including:

• HIQA National Standards for Residential Services
• HSE Person-Centred Planning Framework (2016)
• Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended 2022)
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

Through six structured modules, learners develop the competence required to discover what
matters to the person, co-create meaningful plans, implement them in everyday practice, and
review outcomes collaboratively.

Who This Programme Is For:

This programme is designed for professionals working across disability and community
services, including:

• Social Care Workers
• Support Workers
• Nurses
• Persons in Charge (PICs)
• Team Leaders and Service Managers
• Allied Health Professionals
• Organisations seeking to strengthen person-centred practice

Programme Structure

The programme consists of six structured modules, reflecting the key stages of effective
person-centred planning.

PCP Module 1

Values, Rights & Foundations of Person-Centred Planning

This module establishes the ethical and rights-based foundations of person-centred practice.

Participants explore:

• Core values of person-centred planning including dignity, autonomy and inclusion
• Human rights frameworks underpinning person-centred practice
• The role of PCP in supporting quality of life outcomes

• National policy and regulatory context
• Moving from service-led to person-led planning

Module 1 - Buy Here

PCP Module 2

Stage 1 – Discovery and Preparation
This module focuses on understanding the person beyond formal records.

Participants learn how to:

• Discover what matters to the person in everyday life
• Understand strengths, preferences and aspirations
• Support accessible communication and consent
• Prepare for person-centred planning conversations
• Involve the right people in the planning process

Module 2 - Buy Here

PCP Module 3

Stage 2 – Co-creating the Person-Centred Plan
This module explores how to develop plans collaboratively with the person and their support
network.

Topics include:

• Facilitating person-centred planning meetings
• Capturing the voice of the person
• Identifying meaningful life outcomes
• Translating aspirations into achievable goals
• Creating clear, practical person-centred plans

Module 3 - Buy Here

PCP Module 4

Stage 3 – Implementation in Practice

This module focuses on ensuring that person-centred plans are lived in everyday practice.

Participants explore:

• Translating plans into daily support routines
• Aligning staff practice with person-centred goals
• Supporting participation, independence and choice
• Coordinating multidisciplinary supports
• Ensuring consistency across staff teams

PCP Module 5

Stages 4 & 5 – Review, Evaluation and Quality Action Planning

This module focuses on ensuring that person-centred plans remain meaningful and
responsive.

Participants learn how to:

• Monitor progress toward outcomes
• Evaluate the effectiveness of supports
• Identify barriers to achieving goals
• Conduct meaningful plan reviews
• Develop quality action plans for improvement

PCP Module 6

Partnering with Families in Forward Planning and Future Transitions

The final module focuses on collaborative planning for the future.

Participants explore:

• Working effectively with families and natural supports
• Supporting long-term life planning
• Preparing for key life transitions
• Strengthening partnership and shared decision-making
• Building sustainable support networks

Learning Outcomes

By completing this programme participants will be able to:

• Understand the values and rights underpinning person-centred planning
• Conduct meaningful discovery processes with individuals
• Co-create authentic person-centred plans
• Translate plans into everyday practice
• Review and evaluate outcomes collaboratively
• Strengthen partnerships with families and support networks

Programme Format

• 6 structured online modules
• Fully self-paced learning
• Practical guidance and real-world examples
• CPD certificate awarded on completion

About NIIDS

The National Institute of Intellectual Disability Studies (NIIDS) develops professional
education programmes that strengthen ethical, safe and person-centred practice across
disability services.

NIIDS programmes support organisations to align practice with national policy, regulatory
standards and quality-of-life outcomes for the people they support.