Meet Our Network

Chris Watson has spent more than 27 years working across social care, with experience spanning commissioning, provision, consultancy and direct work alongside people and families. His career has focused on creating more personalised approaches to care and support, particularly for people whose needs do not fit neatly within traditional s

Chris Watson has spent more than 27 years working across social care, with experience spanning commissioning, provision, consultancy and direct work alongside people and families. His career has focused on creating more personalised approaches to care and support, particularly for people whose needs do not fit neatly within traditional service models.

As Founder of Self Directed Futures and Chair of SDS Network England, Chris works nationally with people, families, professionals, commissioners and policymakers to develop self-directed support, innovative commissioning and community-based solutions. He has particular expertise in Individual Service Funds, personalised commissioning and helping systems translate the principles of choice and control into practical ways of working.

Chris previously worked as Joint Commissioning Manager for Learning Disabilities and Mental Health at Dorset Council, developing commissioning approaches for people with complex support needs. His wider consultancy work has included the Institute of Public Care, NDTi, Peopletoo, Colligo Labs and the Down’s Syndrome Association, supporting organisations to rethink strategy, commissioning and practice at both local and national level.

He is also co-founder of 360 Inclusive and has worked directly alongside individuals and families to help people design their own support and build lives around their aspirations rather than existing services.

 Chris is a published author and contributor to a range of work on Individual Service Funds, personalisation and the development of better support options.

Through our advisory, Chris brings a strong commissioning perspective to our work, helping organisations move beyond identifying what is not working and towards practical, personalised and sustainable alternatives.