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Getting it right for everyone (GIRFEC)

Graphic of a representative figure in a circle of coloured segments, with the words Getting it right for everyone

Getting it right for everyone (GIRFE) is Scotland’s approach to designing and delivering public services that focus on people’s needs.  It makes sure services work well for everyone who uses them.

The approach was developed to improve how health and social care support is delivered for people in Scotland – from young adulthood to end of life. It has been co-designed by the Scottish Government, health and social care partnerships, and the people of Scotland.

Using the GIRFE approach:

  • makes it easier for people to get the help they need when they need it
  • puts the person at the centre of decision making
  • ensures everyone works together to provide consistent support, no matter what kind of help is needed at different times in a person’s life

Videos: An introduction to GIRFEC (parts 1 and 2)

All staff within Health & Social Care Moray will be following the GIRFEC principles in their work.

  • I have the information I need to make decisions about my life, in a way that works for me, and I am supported to understand what options are available to me, and trusted to know what is right for me
  • the people who support me take the time to listen and understand me as a person and we consider my whole life when making decisions about my life
  • I know that I can be clear about what matters to me, and I trust that my choices will be respected and understood by the people who support me
  • if I need to access services or support, I am treated with kindness, dignity and respect at all times.
  • the people I am involved with work together with me and each other to share information, in a way that is accessible to me and develop a clear understanding of how to support my wellbeing

For further information on GIRFE in Moray, please email: gram.girfemoray@nhs.scot

Putting the GIRFE principles into practice

Health & Social Care Moray applied the core principles of GIRFE to host a Community Appointment Day for over 200 people on the musculoskeletal waiting list. It provided an efficient and supportive way for individuals to access the care and support they needed.

Held in a sports centre in Elgin, the event ensured people:

  • had their needs identified – by being met on arrival by a professional who worked with them to create My Plan, outlining all the support they needed
  • actively participated in planning their care and benefited from collaborative input – by discussing needs directly with relevant professionals to determine the most appropriate support
  • accessed multiple services in one place – various professionals (physiotherapists, podiatrists, and others) were available under one roof
  • received proactive, preventative care – by addressing needs early and comprehensively, escalation was prevented and well-being promoted

GIRFE resources

The GIRFE Team Around The Person Toolkit helps practitioners provide holistic support. It includes 10 tools that can be used together or separately based on individual needs. These include:

  • the team around the person
  • the person’s coordinator
  • the person’s plan
  • meetings
  • accessible information
  • connecting people with their communities
  • community hubs
  • transitions between services
  • peer support training
  • leaving prison

The Scottish Government GIRFE factsheet, including link to the toolkit, is available at:

www.gov.scot/publications/getting-it-right-for-everyone-girfe