Unlocking the Power of Proactive and Preventative Care Services: A Blueprint for Transforming Social Care - ADASS and TSA

4 December 2024

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the Technology Enabled Care Services Association (TSA) have joined forces to launch an ambitious new Commission aimed at revolutionising social care through proactive and preventative care services. This collaboration is set to create a comprehensive blueprint for Local Authorities to leverage the potential of digital technology, data, and innovation in transforming care delivery across England.

Building on insights from the June 2024 ADASS report, Time to Act: A Roadmap for Reforming Care and Support in England, the initiative addresses critical challenges within the social care system, such as improving care closer to home and maximising investment in digital solutions. It aligns with the Government’s vision, championed by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, to prioritise prevention and technology in health and social care reform.

Streeting has consistently emphasised the need for a “smart, tech-enabled approach” to deliver more effective and efficient social care services. His commitment reflects the growing recognition at the highest levels of government that preventative care not only enhances the quality of life for individuals but also alleviates pressure on stretched social care budgets.

Why This Commission Is Vital

The ADASS Spring Survey revealed that nearly three-quarters (72%) of Local Authorities are planning to increase their investment in Digital and Technology in 2024/25. Yet, many authorities face challenges in justifying the business case for adopting proactive, preventative care models. TSA and ADASS believe that sufficient examples of success already exist to build a compelling and practical framework that others can adopt.

Melanie Williams, ADASS president and corporate director for adult social care and public health at Nottinghamshire County Council, is co-chairing the Commission. She explained:
“Digital and technology will see the highest percentage of investment by adult social care leaders next year. We’re working jointly with TSA to develop a practical tool that helps directors of adult social services make the case for proactive care solutions at both a local and national level.”

A Vision for the Future of Social Care

At its core, the blueprint seeks to create a vision for the widespread adoption of proactive and preventative care services. This vision includes:

• Supporting the integration of proactive and preventative services across local care systems.
• Demonstrating how advanced digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, can transform care delivery.
• Showcasing real-life examples of how these technologies enable individuals, families, and carers to lead more independent lives and improve their overall care experiences.
• Building a robust business case for investment in these services by highlighting their cost-effectiveness and positive care outcomes.
• Identifying the critical conditions for success, including infrastructure, funding, workforce development, and strategy alignment.

This blueprint will remain vendor-neutral and offer a variety of practical resources, such as cost-benefit modelling tools, to support Directors of Adult Social Services (DASS), commissioners, and digital leads in making informed decisions.

Engaging Stakeholders and Gathering Evidence

To ensure the blueprint reflects the realities of social care delivery, the Commission will gather insights from a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Senior leaders from ADASS, the Local Government Association (LGA), and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
• Directors of Adult Social Services (DASS) and commissioners who are already implementing proactive care models.
• Families, carers, and individuals who have directly benefited from TEC services, sharing their lived experiences.

The Commission will collect case studies, key performance metrics, and benefits analyses through interviews, focus groups, and roundtable discussions. These findings will be used to build an evidence-based framework that Local Authorities can adopt to achieve meaningful change.

Building on Proven Success

This initiative builds on the strong foundation of previous collaborations between TSA and ADASS, including the TEC Action Alliance Challenge Paper and Action Paper, which demonstrated the transformative potential of technology-enabled care to improve outcomes, save costs, and enhance service delivery.

Sir David Pearson, chair of TEC Quality and co-chair of the Commission, expressed his excitement about the initiative’s potential to create impactful change:
“This work is all about helping older and disabled people access early and comprehensive support, closer to home. Prevention not only helps people live in the place they call home for longer but also enables hard-pressed social care budgets to stretch further. By integrating digital and AI into the care and health offer, we can transform services in this country.”

What’s Next?

The blueprint will be unveiled through a series of sessions in the coming months, with a final report expected in Spring 2025. Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of TSA, highlighted the significance of the project:
“This blueprint will empower Local Authorities to adopt innovative care models that deliver better outcomes for individuals while driving long-term cost efficiencies. It’s about making the case for change and demonstrating the power of technology to improve lives.”

The Broader Impact

By providing Local Authorities with a clear, evidence-based roadmap, this Commission aims to create a more sustainable, efficient, and person-centred social care system. It underscores the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of care, ensuring individuals receive the support they need to live well and independently.

For more information about the Commission, email admin@tsa-voice.org.uk

Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to better care, ADASS and TSA are unlocking the true potential of proactive and preventative care services for the benefit of individuals, families, and communities across England.