• DGTL Care
  • Posts
  • NIHR Launches New Specialist Social Care Centre

NIHR Launches New Specialist Social Care Centre

In this newsletter, plans by the government to categorize and whitelist social care technologies to ensure quality and safety in the sector. The initiative aims to streamline the adoption of effective technologies, providing a minimum threshold quality check. Technology development is moving at a rapid pace, particularly with AI and it will be interesting to see whether it will really help funders/local authorities and providers with product selection.

John Harris highlights the ongoing neglect of working-age adults with disabilities in social care reform discussions. The article emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to ensure that this demographic receives adequate attention and resources.

NIHR Launches New Specialist Social Care Centre

The National Institute for Health Research has launched a new centre focused on advancing research in social care, aiming to improve practices and outcomes.

Key Points:

  • Research Focus: The centre will prioritize research that directly impacts social care practices.

  • Collaboration with Providers: Engaging with care providers will be essential for translating research into practice.

  • Long-term Goals: The initiative aims to foster a culture of evidence-based practice in social care.

Social Care Tech to Be Categorised and Whitelisted

The UK government plans to categorize and whitelist social care technologies to ensure quality and safety in the sector. This initiative aims to streamline the adoption of effective technologies.

Key Points:

  • Quality Assurance: Categorizing technologies will help ensure that only safe and effective solutions are used in social care.

  • Encouraging Innovation: The whitelist could encourage developers to create solutions that meet specific standards.

  • Impact on Providers: Care providers will have clearer guidance on which technologies to adopt.

Thoughts: How do you think a whitelist of technologies could help with or impact your organization’s technology choices?

Highlights from the LGAIUK Local Government AI Summit 2025

The Local Government AI Summit showcased innovative AI applications in social care, emphasizing the potential for improved service delivery and efficiency.

Key Points:

  • AI Innovations: Various AI solutions were presented that could enhance decision-making in social care.

  • Collaboration Opportunities: The summit highlighted the importance of collaboration between local governments and tech developers.

  • Future Prospects: AI has the potential to transform how care services are delivered and managed.

How Disabled Adults Are Sidelined by Social Care

John Harris highlights the ongoing neglect of working-age adults with disabilities in social care reform discussions. The article emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to ensure that this demographic receives adequate attention and resources.

Key Points:

  • Lack of Representation: The current discourse around social care reform often overlooks the needs of disabled adults, leading to inadequate support systems.

  • Call for Action: Advocates urge policymakers to prioritize the voices and needs of disabled individuals in future reforms.

  • Implications for Care Providers: Care organizations must recognize the diverse needs of all age groups and advocate for inclusive policies.

Panel Discussion: Digital in Supporting NHS Reform

A recent panel discussion focused on the role of digital technologies in supporting NHS reforms, particularly in shifting care from hospitals to community settings.

Key Points:

  • Proactive Care Models: Emphasis on using digital tools to facilitate proactive rather than reactive care.

  • Community Integration: Digital solutions can help integrate services within communities, improving access and efficiency.

  • NHS Transformation: The discussion highlighted the critical role of technology in the ongoing transformation of the NHS.

Thank you for reading this week's DGTL Care newsletter. We hope these insights inspire you to think critically about the role of technology in transforming social care. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these topics!

Reply

or to participate.