Adult Social Care Newsletter | Volume 58

Plus: 🏥 CQC endorses NHS 10-year plan — but what about ASC?

Author

Rafe Houston
July 10, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Adult Social Care

Welcome to Adult Social Care, your weekly newsletter offering the latest insights, strategies, and innovations empowering leaders to navigate challenges and drive excellence in the UK’s adult care sector. We're committed to keeping you informed and inspired with fresh ideas to tackle the year ahead.

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This Week in Social Care

Last week, UKGovTech alongside Agilisys were proud to attend Social Care Institute for Excellence’s National Co-production Week Conference: Innovation through co-production​

Hosted by SCIE, the event brought together public sector leaders, people with lived experience, and innovators across health and social care to spotlight the power of co-production in transforming services.​

We spoke to a leading Gen AI provider in the ASC space at the event and they are proud to be working with 5+ councils on bringing their leading Agilisys Platform to ASC which includes functions such as drafting Needs Assessments, Case Auditing and Social Care meeting minutes!​

If you are wanting to learn more about how to bring Gen AI to your ASC team, check out the website: Agilisys Needs Assessments | Agilisys ​

Thanks to SCIE and all those who shared their stories, insights, and energy last week!

Mission-Led Innovation

At #LGA25, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council shared how it is driving transformation through five missions focused on community resilience, digital innovation, regeneration, transformation and smarter partnerships.

A standout: their use of sensor tech to support reablement and independent living — saving £750k and improving citizen confidence (100% felt safer, 75% wouldn’t want to lose the tech).

This is local government rethinking care delivery — bold, people-first, and purpose-driven.

Quick Reads📖

SOCIAL CARE REFORM

The report emphasises the urgent need for reform in England's adult social care system, highlighting significant funding increases and policy adjustments aimed at improving independence and productivity. Key issues include unmet care needs, care quality, and workforce pay. Baroness Casey's independent commission will address these challenges, aiming for sustainable solutions by 2029.

SOCIAL CARE REFORM

SCIE's recent report emphasises the urgent need for leadership and investment in adult social care, particularly focusing on innovation to support unpaid carers. Over 70% of funded projects address unpaid carers' unmet needs, demanding immediate reform and policy integration. SCIE advocates embedding innovation in the National Care Service framework.

HEALTHCARE STRATEGY

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) supports England's 10-Year Health Plan, aiming to enhance NHS service delivery and patient care. The plan's focus includes reducing inequalities and improving inspection efficiency, critical areas needing immediate attention. This initiative is crucial for healthcare professionals and stakeholders committed to a stronger, more equitable health service.

SOCIAL CARE CHALLENGES

The social care sector remains unprepared for future pandemics, as highlighted by UNISON leader Christina McAnea during a Covid inquiry. Inadequate PPE, insufficient guidance, and a lack of sick pay present ongoing challenges, with care workers facing risk due to these failures. A national care service akin to the NHS is advocated to ensure proper training and support.