GenAI Tools in Local Government

Generative AI in local government must be more than innovation for innovation’s sake—it should drive real, measurable improvements to frontline practice and citizen outcomes.

Agilisys Transform has spent the past year working in partnership with Wigan Council to deploy a Generative AI-powered EHCP and Needs Assessment tool. This tool is reshaping how frontline teams engage with children, families, and adults—enhancing the quality and consistency of key interactions.

Hear from Tom, a Service Manager at Wigan Council, as he shares his experience of co-developing the tool with Agilisys, and what other councils should consider when choosing the right GenAI partner.​

👉Learn more about the impact at Wigan Council here: Transforming Wigan Council’s ASC team with Generative AI – Agilisys Transform

👉To request a free trial of the GenAI platform Note Taker, visit: Note Taker – Agilisys Transform

WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

Workforce Recruitment Challenges Plague Adult Social Care Sector Amid Pay Concerns

A recent survey by the National Care Forum reveals that 71% of care providers in the UK find recruitment challenging, with workforce pressures remaining one of the sector’s biggest issues. Despite improvements in vacancy rates, concerns persist around staff retention, the complexity of immigration policies, and the need for long-term investment in social care. The findings highlight the urgent requirement for sustainable workforce planning and better support for care providers across the country.

SOCIAL CARE REFORM

Digital Training Empowers Social Care for Improved Independent Living

The initiative to integrate cutting-edge technology into social care aims to revolutionise patient care, ease staff workloads, and prolong independent living. This training programme for care leaders seeks to transition social care from analogue to digital, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, emphasises equipping care leaders with the skills necessary to implement technology swiftly, enhancing care quality and reducing NHS pressures. Such advancements align with the Government's 10-Year Health Plan to future-proof health and social care services.

Further initiatives address recruitment and retention, aiming to professionalise the sector with improved career prospects, better pay, and recognition for the workforce. These measures are complemented by legislative progress for the Fair Pay Agreement and an independent commission by Baroness Louise Casey to optimise workforce recruitment and retention strategies. This strategic approach acknowledges the invaluable contributions of a 1.59 million-strong workforce, aiming for a sustainable and efficient care system.

CARE QUALITY CONCERNS

CQC Places Aylesbury Care Home in Special Measures for Inadequate Care

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT FUND

12.5m Fund Tackles Exploitation in Adult Social Care Recruitment

SOCIAL CARE TRAINING

Digital Qualification Launched Amid Concerns Over Insufficient Training Funding

The government's introduction of a digital leadership qualification for social care leaders aims to better integrate technology within the sector to improve care quality. However, this initiative faces scrutiny as it highlights the discrepancy between training costs and funding provided. Providers are expected to cover substantial expenses themselves, despite the Learning and Development Support Scheme offering only limited financial support. The financial disconnect is exacerbated by prior cuts to planned learning investments, significantly affecting the feasibility of training implementation.

In tandem with the digital qualification, the government has expanded career pathways within adult social care, adding new roles. While these initiatives signal progress, the underlying financial constraints pose a serious challenge to their successful deployment, raising concerns about the sector's ability to adapt to technological advancements amidst limited resources. The urgent need for increased funding remains a central issue, threatening to undermine well-intentioned efforts to modernise and enhance the social care workforce.

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