TSA Welcomes APPG’s Care to Connect Report - Highlighting the Importance of Safeguarding Vulnerable Residents Through Digital Switchover

2​5 March 2025

The TEC Services Association welcomes the findings of the Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)'s inaugural report, Care to Connect, which highlights the essential role of organisations like TSA in bridging the gap between policy and frontline delivery. TSA is credited in the report for its leadership in embedding standards, supporting telecare providers, and coordinating collaboration across a fragmented sector.

The report also notes a standout example of best practice: the Stockport Council trial in partnership with Virgin Media O2 and TSA, which it describes as “a particularly good example of collaborative working between different stakeholders in the interest of residents.” This initiative successfully supported telecare users during the Digital Voice switchover, demonstrating how a coordinated, multi-agency approach can ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.

T​he Stockport Digital Switchover trial was described as 'a particularly good example of collaborative working' in the report

The APPG warns that leaving the switchover in the hands of communications providers alone has created a fragmented and inconsistent landscape. We recognise increased engagement from central government including via the Telecare Action Board (TAB) and the recently released Telecare National Action Plan and we must ensure this level of collaboration continues.

TSA Chief Executive Alyson Scurfield, who was invited to give evidence to the APPG as an expert witness, shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities in navigating the digital switchover. Her contribution underscored the need for sector-wide coordination, a shared set of standards, and resident-first planning.

She said: “The digital switchover is more than just an infrastructure upgrade - it is a transformation that impacts lives, especially those who depend on telecare for their safety and independence.

Our work with partners like Stockport Council and Virgin Media O2 shows the power of collective action to mitigate risk and protect people.

TSA stands ready to work with government and all stakeholders to deliver a safer, more equitable digital transition for everyone.”

In the report, it also states: “All telecare service providers and suppliers, including private providers and suppliers, must be certified to TEC Quality’s Quality Standards Framework (QSF) to reach the highest standards on their digital switchover procedures". To find out more about becoming QSF certified, visit www.tecquality.org.uk.

TSA reiterates the importance of engaging the voluntary and community sectors, promoting person-centred communications, and adopting a coordinated, standards-led approach - all of which are core to our mission.

Read the Care To Connect report here.