Local authorities across the UK are struggling to secure funding for preventative digital care services due to a lack of evidence and guidance, according to a new report from a commission led by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the TEC Services Association (TSA)
To address this, ADASS and TSA have developed a free, practical blueprint over the past eight months, offering a step-by-step guide for planning, implementing, and scaling digital preventative care services. The blueprint includes proven approaches, financial models, and examples of successful initiatives by UK councils.
The commission, which consulted over 50 social care leaders, found that councils are missing opportunities to enhance independence and wellbeing through technology enabled care. A key barrier is the tendency to focus solely on purchasing technology without addressing the broader requirements for service transformation.
“With increasing need and pressure on resources, councils need to innovate more than ever so people and families can draw on the right support that improves their lives,” said Sir David Pearson, chair of TEC Quality and co-chair of the commission.
“Only 25% of directors in our 2024 autumn survey reported a positive return on investment for assistive technology, indicating that councils need more support in evidencing the business case for digital and tech,” added Melanie Williams, ADASS president and co-chair of the commission.
Building investment cases
Over 100 stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience, social workers, occupational therapists, TEC commissioners, suppliers, and directors of adult social services, contributed to the blueprint’s design. It aims to help councils build robust investment cases for proactive care services that shift the focus from hospital based treatment to community-based prevention.
Pearson said: “This blueprint offers a practical roadmap to enable councils to realise these aspirations with the communities they serve.”
The blueprint aligns with the government’s vision of moving care from hospitals to communities, from treating illness to preventing it, and from analogue to digital services. It is available for download at the TSA website.
