A new commission says local authorities need more support to invest in proactive technology enabled care services.
Local councils across the UK risk missing key opportunities to prevent ill-health and promote independence because they lack the tools and evidence to make the investment case for preventative digital care, according to a new national Commission.
Jointly led by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the TEC Services Association (TSA), the Commission spoke with over 50 senior social care leaders from local authorities. The message was consistent: while councils are keen to adopt proactive approaches using technology-enabled care (TEC), they often lack the business case, financial models, and strategic guidance needed to scale these services.
Many authorities reported that while they can fund short-term pilots, they face major hurdles in expanding those initiatives into long-term, sustainable services.
A Blueprint for Change
In response, ADASS and TSA have launched a free, practical Blueprint to help councils plan, implement and scale digital preventative care services, titled, ‘Unlocking the Power of Proactive and Preventative Care Services’. The Blueprint captures best practice from across the UK and includes:
- A step-by-step planning and implementation guide
- A summary of proactive care service models
- Financial tools and return-on-investment guidance
- Case studies from councils already delivering successful services
The resource was co-designed with input from more than 100 people, including individuals with lived experience, social care professionals, TEC commissioners and suppliers. Careium sponsored the initiative alongside The Access Group, CGI and Legrand Care. As leading innovators in technology-enabled care, we understand the critical role of trust, evidence, and collaboration in driving sector-wide change.
Joe McLoughlin, Managing Director of Careium UK, said, “At Careium, we believe that proactive, preventative care is the future, not just for individuals, but for the sustainability of our health and social care systems. This Blueprint is a vital step forward in equipping councils with the evidence, strategies, and confidence they need to invest in technology that truly transforms lives. We’re proud to stand alongside ADASS, TSA, and our industry peers in making preventative care a reality for communities across the UK.”
Sir David Pearson, Chair of TEC Quality and Co-chair of the Commission, said:
“Proactive and preventative services are key to helping communities thrive and easing pressure on overstretched services. This Blueprint gives councils a practical roadmap to help them take action.”
Melanie Williams, ADASS President and Co-chair of the Commission, added:
“Only 25% of Directors in our latest survey said they had evidence of a positive return on investment for assistive technology. This shows how urgently councils need support to build the business case for digital care.”
How to Access the Blueprint
The complete blueprint is now available to download from the TSA Website.