Live Event

The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges

The UK’s public sector is under increasing pressure to modernise and deliver better societal outcomes.

In this exclusive session, an expert panel hosted in partnership with Agilisys, will explore how AI can address deep-rooted challenges and redefine the future of public service delivery. Agilisys, a leader in digital transformation for the UK public sector, brings together decades of experience in driving technological innovation to help organisations adapt and thrive.

The session will feature insights from:

• Andrew Mindenhall, CEO of Agilisys

• Mark Thompson, Professor in Digital Economy at the University of Exeter

• Darius Toomer, Head of Agilisys Transform

• Kenneth Corrêa, Author of Cognitive Organisations

Save the date:
🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM BST
👉 Register here

Public Finance Concerns

Councils Face Financial Crisis, Risk Becoming Care-Only Authorities

Local councils in England face a potential £54bn funding shortfall over the next five years, primarily due to rising costs in adult social care, children's services, and home-to-school transport. Without government intervention, councils may be reduced to providing only care services, risking financial insolvency. The County Councils Network (CCN) highlights that even with a 3% annual council tax increase, the deficit would only reduce to £38bn.

The CCN's report, supported by PwC and Pixel Financial Management, stresses the need for urgent government reforms to address escalating costs. Without additional funding and statutory changes, many councils could face bankruptcy by 2028. The report calls for a substantive resource injection and fundamental service reforms within 18 months to prevent undermining local government functions and public service reform efforts.

Social Care

AI Guidelines Released for Ethical Use in Social Care

The Care Workers Charity, in partnership with the University of Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI and Digital Care Hub, has released guidelines for the ethical use of AI in adult social care. This document, informed by care workers from England, Wales, and Scotland, aims to ensure AI enhances care without replacing human interaction. Key elements include ethical integration guidelines for employers and developers, policy recommendations for regulators, and practical advice for care workers.

The statement, a milestone in AI's role in social care, will be further discussed during Professional Care Workers Week 2024. 

Social Care

Delayed Social Care Funding Threatens Essential Projects, Warns Charity

The Carers Trust has raised concerns over a delayed £22.6m government payment for adult social care projects in England, initially due in August. This funding, crucial for 122 projects aimed at improving carer support and training, remains unpaid, with no confirmation from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on its release. The delay threatens the continuation of these initiatives, especially as winter approaches, increasing pressure on social care services.

The Labour government, addressing a £22bn financial deficit, has already made significant cuts to adult social care funding, including cancelling reforms and reducing training budgets. The Carers Trust urges the government to fulfil its funding commitments by the upcoming Budget on 30 October, warning that failure to do so could lead to the cancellation of essential projects.

Social Policy

For-profit Social Care Growth Raises Quality Concerns in England

A University of Oxford report highlights the rise of for-profit social care providers in England, now dominating over 80% of adult and children's residential care services. Despite this growth, these providers underperform compared to public and third-sector services, raising concerns about quality and access. The report calls for a national strategy to address profiteering and improve care standards.

Key findings include a dramatic increase in outsourcing, with 96% of adult care services now privately run. Geographical disparities exist, with for-profit homes often located in affluent areas, limiting access for disadvantaged communities. The report urges data-driven reforms to ensure quality care and scrutinise the impact of outsourcing on vulnerable populations.

Social Work Policy

Councils Receive Funding for Adult Social Work Apprenticeships Amid Cuts

The Department of Health and Social Care allocated £7.7 million to 74 out of 153 local authorities in March 2024 to recruit adult social work apprentices. This funding aimed to address a 10.5% vacancy rate in adult services roles as of September 2023. However, a planned additional £4 million for 2024-25 was cancelled by the incoming Labour government to save public funds.

Councils could use up to £30,000 per apprentice for costs like supervision and programme management, but not for salaries or training. Payments ranged from £30,000 to £300,000, with county councils receiving the most. Councils must ensure apprentices are employed for the duration of their degree and report on fund usage to the DHSC.