Making the case for TEC to the new government
The vital role TEC can play in fulfilling pledges around health, social care and housing
Boosting skills and confidence in adult social care
Setting standards for digital telecare migration
July 2024
The voice of Technology Enabled Care
Alyson Scurfield TSA Chief Executive
So much has happened since our last TEC Voice in May. I wanted to begin by giving a warm welcome to the new government and particularly ministers at the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
TSA is looking forward to working with secretary of state Wes Streeting, care minister Stephen Kinnock, public health and prevention minister, Andrew Gwynne and housing minister Matthew Pennycook, demonstrating how TEC can support as they transform health, care and housing.
I’m already working with government officials preparing briefings for new ministers, outlining the preventative role TEC can play in keeping people out of hospital so they can access early support, in their community.
I’ve also been flying the flag for TEC standards, looking at ways we can work with new ministers to ensure the safety of innovation. One of our central asks of the government is to endorse TSA’s quality standards framework by embedding standards within service requirements and raising public awareness through a UKAS-accredited scheme. I’ll keep you updated on progress.
As I speak with government officials, my central message will be supporting people to lead ‘technology enabled lives’. This is about putting lived experience and co-production at the heart of TEC, so our sector is not seen merely for its devices and services, but the lives it empowers.
With that in mind, turn to page 12 for an inspirational piece from Debra Edwards, someone who draws on TEC to live the life she wants. Debra maps out her ambitions for the new government.
It was great to see TEC Quality board director, Anna Severwright made an OBE for her work for older and disabled people. Anna draws on social care herself and her ideas and lived experience are invaluable to TSA, TEC Quality and our whole sector. Follow Anna here: @AnnaSeverwright
In other news, two of TSA’s new governance committees, the Strategic Futures Advisory Committee (SFAC) and the Sector Risk and Innovation Group (SRIG) met in July to set their priorities and programme of work. I’m so excited by the fresh thinking I’ve witnessed - read more on pages 4-5.
We have also been busy supporting our members to safely navigate the digital transition. In Greater Manchester, we’re working with Stockport Homes, Virgin Media O2 and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, evidencing new methods for safe digital migration.
Keeping you in the loop...
Stay up to date with what’s happening in the TEC sector with all the latest news from our valued members, including all of the latest developments and views from Access, Person Centred Software, Appello, Painchek, Adaptive Care, Carium and many more.
Visit our Member News page here for mor e, and remember to bookmark the page!
And on a national level, we’re working with telecoms providers and national bodies such as the Local Government Association (LGA) on a UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of what the digital switchover means for people already using telecare. See pages 8-9 for more information.
Earlier this month I was involved in the launch of the Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy. Led by Skills for Care, and co-chaired by TEC Quality’s Sir David Pearson, this is an incredibly important piece of work for our sector. I’ve shaped the strategy as a member of the expert working group on Science, Technology, AI and Pharmaceuticals and TSA will be involved in its delivery and implementation. It will also inform our own workforce strategy for the TEC sector. Read more on page 10.
As ever, if you want further information on any of the initiatives I have mentioned, then please get in touch at: admin@tsa-voice.org.uk or on 01625 520 320.
I hope you enjoy July’s jam-packed issue.
New governance at TSA:
In 2021, TSA reviewed its governance structure and this has been evolving since then. The next phase has been to consider the Quality Improvement Programme Board (QIPB) and associated infrastructure.
A key objective of the changes is to enable the Boards of TSA and TEC Quality to have a better understanding of strategic sector risks and opportunities to inform TSA’s strategy and delivery plans, whilst also ensuring operational risks are managed.
On 1 July 2024, TSA refreshed its Governance to be split into the following: Strategic Futures Advisory Committee (SFAC)
• Sector Risk and Innovation Group (SRIG)
Sector Risk and Innovation Group (SRIG)
A group replacing the Quality Improvement Programme Board, made up of internal and external members, to act in response to operational risks and opportunities by commissioning and overseeing delivery of projects to address (Innovation and Challenge Groups and Fact Checking Projects)
•
• Innovation and Challenge Panel
Strategic Futures Advisory Commitee (SFAC)
A new committee reporting to the Boards of TSA CIC and TEC Quality, made up of internal and external members to support the Boards in horizon scanning and identifying and responding to strategic sector risks and opportunities, informing TSA’s strategic direction.
Simon Arnold Chair, SFAC & NonExecutive Director, TSA
Steve Gates
Managing Director, Taking Care & Non-Executive Director, TSA
Alyson Scurfield Chief Executive, TSA
Lynne Corner Director, VOICE and Deputy Director, UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing
Dr Lynne Douglas CEO, Bield Housing and Care & Non-Executive Director, TSA
Caoilionn Hurley Managing Director, Life Services, Co-op Prof. Roy Sandbach OBE Non-Executive Director, TSA
Lesley Ann Smart
Former Director, Clinical Strategy, Workflow & Partnerships, GE Healthcare
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE Assistant Director of Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) Board
Karin Schifter-Maor Global CEO, Essence SmartCare
Tim Straughan Director of Delivery (Primary Care and Community Services), NHS England
TSA
Head of Digital and TEC, Hampshire County Council & Non-Executive Director, TSA
Director, Careium
Helen Loveday Head of Quality and Improvement, TEC Quality
Paul Shead Managing Director, Enovation
and Consultancy Services, TSA
Innovation and Challenge Panel (ICP)
A group for time-bound projects with clear deliverables, with project group members resourced from a pool of internal and external skilled panellists.
Recruitment to the ICP will be on an ongoing basis, to download a copy of the ICP recruitment pack please click here
Alyson Scurfield Chief Executive,
Mark Allen
Rich Amos Lived Experience Advisor
Paul Berney Independent Committee Member
Lisa Brumwell Operations Director, Astraline
Gary Clark Technical
Nathan Downing Director of Membership
Stuart Ellis Head of IT, Taking Care
David Hammond Chief Executive Officer, Chiptech
Stuart Parsons Director Consulting Services, CGI
Steve Sadler Technology Strategist, TSA
Making the case for TEC to the new Government
During the general election campaign and the new government’s first few weeks, our chief executive Alyson Scurfield has been busy making the argument for technology enabled care.
TSA believes TEC has a vital role in helping Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to deliver on their pledges around health, social care and housing.
Alyson has been working with government officials to brief new ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care on the shape and value of the TEC sector, particularly how our members can support the government’s shift from treating sickness in hospitals to preventing it in the community. This is our seven-point summary:
How TEC can support Government
TEC empowers older and disabled people to lead ‘technology enabled lives’, boosting independence and wellbeing and helping them to access early support, closer to home.
TEC gives peace of mind to unpaid carers
Families can access technologies and services that provide reassurance, reduce burn-out and support them to remain in work.
TEC keeps people out of hospital
85% of people who’ve fallen, remain at home if their call is handled by a TEC falls team. A&E conveyances drop by 68% when proactive TEC is used.
TEC gets people home from hospital quicker
TEC services reduce hospital discharge by an average of five days, helping people to feel safe and supported in their own home.
TEC cuts pressure on statutory services, monitoring people’s health needs so they can access early support, closer to home, before problems become emergencies.
TEC supports the workforce, increasing efficiency and productivity, quality of work, job satisfaction and retention. TEC helps staff to join up data so people at risk are prioritised.
TEC is shaping our AI digital world
It is at the core of many preventative TEC products and services, for example, predicting behaviour so early support can be provided.
We’ve also been outlining how TSA, as the national advisory body for TEC, can support the new government.
How TSA can support Government
By convening over 350 TEC organisations:
Drawing together expertise and data from tech suppliers, service providers and commissioners to build evidence and develop ideas.
By being a positive voice in the sector:
We see real hope in social care and believe TEC can play a key role, supporting people to live good lives, in the places they call home.
By fostering innovation in social care:
TSA’s work with technology suppliers and sector experts allows it to horizon scan and nurture technological innovation, including AI-led TEC.
By ensuring the safety of innovation:
TEC Quality runs TSA’s Quality Standards Framework (QSF), the only independent, UKAS-accredited quality assurance system for TEC in the UK.
By upskilling the workforce:
TSA has solid experience of growing the tech confidence of over 5,000 care workers through its immersive Virtual House and TEC training programmes.
By protecting vulnerable telecare customers
through co-ordinated work with telecoms providers as landline services change from analogue to digital.
And we’ve been communicating our priorities to government:
Our Ambitions of Government Our Asks of Government
Promote the potential of the TEC sector to drive economic growth alongside reducing the burden on statutory services. In the UK, the average total wealth of people in their early 60s is almost nine times as high as those in their early 30s. If this older third of the population was more aware of the possibilities of TEC, they may well invest in it.
Develop a digital and AI strategy for adult social care:
including national guidance for the inclusion of TEC in social care and health in England.
Endorse TSA’s Quality Standards Framework
by embedding standards within service requirements and raising public awareness through a national UKAS-accredited scheme.
Champion TSA’s blueprint for safe digital migration of vulnerable telecare customers, right across government, so guidance, training and standards can be rolled out nationally to TEC providers, TEC suppliers and telecoms providers.
We’ll keep you updated on the results of this strategic engagement work with the new government. Do get in touch if you have any queries.
Stockport’s dual upgrades: Setting standards for digital telecare migration
By Charlotte Findlay
Earlier this month, on a sunny day in Stockport, I met with the brilliant teams at Stockport Homes, 24-hour telemonitoring and response service, Carecall and Virgin Media O2.
TSA is partnering with Stockport’s largest landlord (they manage over 12,000 properties for Stockport Council and private landlords), and their Carecall team, which provides a pioneering emergency response service, to address the risks around the digital landline migration for telecare customers.
Working closely with telecoms provider, Virgin Media O2, we’re creating a blueprint in Stockport for safe, smooth, speedy digital migration that can be replicated and rolled out nationally.
This is important work. TSA is committed to supporting our members to safely navigate the digital landline migration at scale and at pace. That’s why we’re testing and evidencing new, co-ordinated transition processes and we’ll be sharing the results as we go.
This is important work. TSA is committed to supporting our members to safely navigate the digital landline migration at scale and at pace.
So,
what exactly is happening in Stockport?
Dual upgrades
Well, later this month, Rebecca Butterworth, an independent living officer at Stockport Homes will be contacting tenants who draw on telecare, to arrange upgrade visits.
But these are no ordinary appointments, they are dual upgrades. And Rebecca has been preparing for them with Sam White, project delivery manager at Virgin Media O2. Sam has provided invaluable training and guidance to Rebecca and her Stockport Homes and Carecall colleagues, so they feel informed and comfortable to begin this collaborative community outreach around the digital transition.
At each visit, Rebecca and the team will update tenants on what’s happening and why. Virgin Media O2 engineers will then perform the landline upgrade at the same time as housing and care colleagues upgrade and test telecare equipment. All equipment will be fully tested before the teams leave the customer’s home so no one will be left without a working landline.
We’re creating guidance that will support housing and care colleagues to identify levels of risk around their transition from analogue to digital.
During the visit, Stockport Homes and Carecall staff will reassure tenants and answer their queries and they will be checking back at later dates to make sure everything is ok.
Risk-profiling
But this isn’t where it ends. TSA is also working with Stockport Homes to risk-profile every single customer who uses telecare services. The goal is to prioritise the most resilient TEC solutions for people with the highest needs.
We’re creating guidance that will support housing and care colleagues to identify levels of risk around their transition from analogue to digital. For example, who is in most need of new digital devices and dual upgrade visits.
Digital over digital resilience
We’ll also be working with the design authority at Carecall (the person responsible for all parts of the
TEC service delivery chain), so they can ensure the resilience of all digital devices running on digital networks.
To address recent digital over digital failures across the UK, TEC design authorities must make sure that standards for the reliability of digital TEC systems are applied consistently, right across their alarm receiving centres and beyond.
These standards are live in TSA guidance and QSF audits and we’ll be working with Carecall to see how we can support their compliance over coming months.
Sharing the learnings
The three elements of this work programme will allow us to combine risk profiling and co-ordinated digital migration processes at scale and then review and share the results.
Lessons learnt will inform the guidance, training and standards TSA is developing. Our aim is to encourage and support TEC service providers and telecoms companies to collaborate and adopt effective new methods as they migrate people to digital.
If you’d like to get involved with this A2D work or you want to know more, then contact me at: Charlotte.Findlay@tsa-voice.org.uk
TSA’s head of membership services
Above, L-R: Rebecca Butterworth, independent living officer, Stockport Homes; Sam White, project delivery manager, Virgin Media O2; Eva Holt, head of independent living, Stockport Homes, Julie Wilson, senior business analyst, Virgin Media O2
Above, L-R: Rebecca Butterworth, independent living officer, Stockport Homes; Sam White, project delivery manager, Virgin Media O2
The Launch of a Transformative Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England
We were delighted to announce the launch of a new Workforce Strategy for adult social care in England, led by Skills for Care, earlier this month.
This comprehensive Strategy aims to significantly improve the quality of roles within adult social care, ensuring that the sector can attract and retain enough people with the right skills and values to provide the highest standard of care and support for those who depend on it.
In the development of the strategy, we are exceptionally proud of the contributions made by Sir David Pearson MBE, Chair of TEC Quality, who Co-Chaired the Skills for Care Workforce Strategy Steering Group. His leadership and expertise have been invaluable. Anna Severwright, a dedicated member of the TEC Quality Board, also played a crucial role as a valued member of this group. Additionally, Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of TSA, was a pivotal member of the Science, Technology, AI and Pharmaceuticals Expert Working Group, where she provided expert insights that have significantly shaped the strategy.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, a key contributor as part of the Steering Group and a member of TSA’s Strategic Futures & Advisory Committee, also contributed to the strategy. His input was been instrumental in ensuring the strategy addresses the diverse needs of the social care sector.
The Workforce Strategy is designed to elevate roles within adult social care, ensuring the sector can attract and retain individuals with the right skills and values essential for delivering outstanding care. This ambitious vision aims for a future where our workforce is both valued and empowered. To meet the growing demand, the strategy highlights the need for 540,000 additional social care posts by 2040, with a significant increase of 430,000 extra posts required by 2035. This clearly underscores the urgent need for comprehensive workforce planning and development.
Sir David Pearson emphasised the significance of this initiative:
“The Workforce Strategy is the most important initiative in social care at the current time. It covers the essential things we need to do, so that we have a confident, capable and motivated workforce for the future. The people of this country need all the organisations to work together to deliver it, including the government, local government, regulators and employers.”
“It’s been a remarkable process of development and I’ve been honoured to co-chair, seeing first-hand the commitment and passion from people and organisations with a stake in the future of the sector coming together.”
“The launch is just the first step and I feel excited about the implementation of the Strategy and the benefits for social care services in this country.”
The sector contributes nearly £60 billion annually to the economy, and this strategy is designed to complement the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, focusing on attraction and retention, training, and transformation. This ensures a cohesive approach to workforce planning across both social care and healthcare sectors.
This moment represents a crucial turning point for social care in England. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact on our sector and the communities we serve. Let’s embrace this strategy and work collectively to transform the future of social care, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all. For more details, visit: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Workforce-Strategy/ home.aspx
Boosting digital skills and confidence in adult social care: a critical need for the future
By Alyson Scurfield CEO of the TEC Services Association (TSA)
For several years, my lovely dad accessed social care and support. The home carers, social workers and occupational therapists were amazing. They listened as we explained dad’s needs, they were supportive and kind. But I have one overriding memory of their visits: the paperwork.
At almost every appointment, mountains of forms were filled in. We’d have to say the same things again and again, there was limited information sharing and care integration and a reluctance to use the data we gathered.
Care workers’ knowledge of technology enabled care (TEC), from high street products to specialist solutions was limited and they lacked confidence in using digital systems or recommending devices that might support dad to live the life he wanted.
So, the results of the latest survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) come as no surprise.
When asked how to upscale and mainstream digital technology, Directors ranked one initiative higher than all others: ensuring staff have the skills and confidence they need to maximise use of digital tools.
Interestingly, the initiative ranked second also relates to skills and confidence but in relation to people who draw on care and support, carers and their families - supporting them to understand what’s available and feel confident about the use of digital tools.
This is something I have also seen firsthand. When we were caring for dad, I was conscious of how technology could have benefitted mum too. As his primary unpaid carer, she was constantly worrying about him, his wellbeing and safety and I remember her saying there were so many appointments, she felt really confused. Technology could have given her peace of mind and reduced her stress.
I hope the new government hear these messages from the latest ADASS survey because the current situation is unsustainable.
74% of Directors reported increases in the size of care packages, and there was a 7.4% rise in homecare needing more than one member of staff.
In part, this is due to the push to discharge people from hospital more rapidly. But with councils providing more complex care, individuals needing lower-level, early support at home could miss out.
We’re already seeing budget pressures threatening prevention with the proportion of councils taking a positive investment strategy for preventative social care now 29%significantly down from 44% last year.
On the other hand, technology is the area with the highest percentage of investment planned for 24/25. However, using digital to prevent ill health and promote wellbeing just won’t happen if staff understanding and confidence isn’t there.
I’ve recently been working with Skills for Care on the Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy, as a member of the expert working group on Science, Technology, AI and Pharmaceuticals. My hope is that this strategy begins to address the digital skills gap in social care.
But we need the will and prioritisation from government, local authorities and other care providers to deliver on this strategy. Only then can we truly realise Wes Streeting’s vision of a shift from services focused on treating sickness to a government focused on preventing illness in the first place.
Alyson Scurfield’s father, Albert
Include me in decisions about my health, housing and care
By Debra Edwards, Co-production Champion, Technology For Our Ageing Population (TAPPI)
I’m a single mum of five children and grandmother to eight grandchildren. For nearly ten years I worked as a midwife, but in 2012, I became ill with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and had my spine rebuilt. I now use a wheelchair.
You don’t go through something like that without it affecting you mentally. I had a nervous breakdown and was admitted to a mental health facility.
So, I’ve experienced health and social care from both sides – and I can tell you, as someone who draws on care and support, I’ve never known things as bad as they are now.
Older and disabled people tell me they feel like a burden: disempowered and unvalued. No-one asks what they think, quality of care is often poor, prescriptive, and they feel like a fraud – having to convince ‘professionals’ of their disability to access support.
My hope is that the new government takes a completely fresh look at social care because we can’t just have more of the same, with a few tweaks. There has to be wholehearted change.
For me, that must start with perception, both of social care and also the people who draw on it.
I’ve lost count of the articles I read about social care with photos of older people’s hands, held by someone ‘looking after them’. This is such a negative and narrow depiction.
The next government must recognise that social care is so much more than keeping people safe, getting them dressed and emptying their commode.
After my breakdown, care workers helped me rebuild my confidence and identity and begin a new life, volunteering as a co-production champion.
I became a member of Haringey Council’s ‘Resident Voice Board’ (RVB) and I volunteer at the biggest food bank in Haringey.
Simple devices such as the fob lock on my door, voicecontrolled curtains and my personal alarm all sit in the background, helping me get on with my day.
Home adaptations like my rise and fall kitchen worktops mean I can still cook for family at home.
And apps like YouTube help me follow my passions. I taught myself to sew by watching videos and I love making clothes from African prints.
This is the social care story the new government has to make possible for people who aren’t as lucky as me. It’s the story where people feel optimistic, where they flourish and feel valued.
But there are some cornerstones to making this a reality.
Technology enabled care is one. I’m a big digital user and it’s frustrating to see gym sessions prescribed by GPs but not voice-assistants or fall detectors. Why can’t devices be integrated into health and care pathways?
TEC boosts independence and it helps people to access support in their community. It keeps people out of hospital and if they are admitted, it gets them home quicker – something I know from experience. And it gives peace of mind and reassurance to families.
Co-production is another ambition. I want to be included in all the decisions concerning my health, housing and care. I want to be valued for my opinions and thoughts. I want to be given choices and personalised support that isn’t just the norm.
Take it from me, when meaningful co-production happens, when older and disabled people are listened to, then lives improve, and money is saved.
So, my main message to the government is one of potential and hope. With the right focus and the right investment, social care can support people to live fulfilling lives, in the places they call home, with the people and things they love.
Debra Edwards is a former midwife and skilled sewer. She has five children, seven granddaughters and one grandson and lives in a supported housing scheme in North London, managed by Haringey Council. Debra was a co-production champion for a project called Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation’ (TAPPI). She volunteers for a number of organisations including her local church, where she helps out at the food bank.
Reflecting on a Transformative Day: TSA’s Digitisation of Social
Care Event
Earlier this month, we hosted a transformative event at Notts County Football Club, focusing on the Digitisation of Social Care in the East Midlands. This TSA event, in partnership with East Midlands ADASS, was nothing short of inspiring and enlightening. We had the privilege of hearing from industry thought leaders, individuals with lived experiences, and dedicated professionals striving to improve lives through digital technology and innovation.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our speakers, exhibitors, and delegates—your invaluable contributions and enthusiastic participation were the driving force behind the event’s success. We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without you.
A special thanks to our unwavering sponsors, Appello UK and 2iC-Care, whose support was instrumental in making this event possible.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our next event.
First published in Care Talk on 8 July 2024
