Digital skills boost aims to transform adult social care

A new government-backed qualification aims to equip care leaders across England with digital skills to transform care delivery, improve patient outcomes, and ease pressure on frontline staff.

As part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has unveiled a new Level 5 Digital Leadership Qualification aimed at senior professionals in adult social care. The training will empower care managers to implement and lead digital innovation across care homes, supported living facilities, and community settings.

It will focus on proven technologies that support independent living and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. These include:

• Motion sensors to detect falls and alert staff in real-time
• Video telecare to enable virtual consultations with healthcare professionals
• Artificial intelligence (AI) to automate admin tasks and anticipate patient care needs

The initiative is part of the government’s commitment to transitioning adult social care from analogue to digital, improving both the quality of care and operational efficiency, while giving people the tools to remain independent for longer.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “We will harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to transform social care, helping people to live independently in their own homes and improving the quality of care.”

The Level 5 qualification will ensure that adult social care leaders have the confidence and knowledge to lead digital change. Awarding bodies can tailor the course to cover a wide range of technologies, including:

• Smart home and assistive technologies
• Wearable tech for staff and patients
• Digital social care records and diagnostic tools
• AI, robotics, and business software solutions