New framework to support digital transformation of social care

Social care employers will be better able to equip their staff with the skills required to benefit from new technologies, with the release of new guidance by the Department of Health and Social Care. 

The ‘What Good Looks Like’ framework sets out what good digital working looks like for care providers and local authorities. It provides a series of common goals for these organisations to work towards, in order to ensure that innovative technology is being put to the best possible use to enhance care. 

The framework is structured around the following seven success measures for digital working in adult social care services: leadership, ensuring smart foundations, safe practice, supporting the workforce, empowering people, improving care and healthy populations. 

To complement this, guidance for care providers and local authorities has also been issued, to set a standard for care and support settings when switching to using digital technology, such as virtual 24/7 monitoring centres.

As well as supporting digital transformation across the adult social care service, the new framework will enhance patient care and provide staff with career development opportunities.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said: "Technology embedded into care and support can be transformative both for people who need care and staff in the sector. Innovative technology in care settings improves care and can increase the time that care workers spend with the people they care for.

"The guidance and standards published today will give social care staff the support they need to improve their digital capabilities.

Sonia Patel, system chief information officer at NHS England, added: "This new guidance is a significant step in ensuring our digital ‘north star’ is clear in all health and care settings, helping reduce health inequalities in every community in England.

"We’ve worked closely with social care colleagues to provide the 'What Good Looks Like' guidance for adult social care, building on the framework we’ve already published for integrated care systems and providers which we’ll be updating later this year."

The new guidance was developed with support from the Local Government Authority (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).