What I’ve learned from the National Care Forum’s Care Technologist training

As part of the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England, the National Care Forum (NCF) piloted the first Care Technologist Training Programme. Michaela Green, Care Manager, Specialist Care Services shares her experience of the programme.

I’m the Registered Manager of a domiciliary care agency in Northwest London, a role which I’ve proudly held since 2003. My journey in the sector began in residential care management, and throughout my career, I’ve remained driven by the same core passion: using my position to facilitate meaningful, life-changing improvements for those we support.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and digital advancements dominate the headlines, I make it a priority to stay informed about the latest innovations in our industry. When I discovered the NCF pilot program for care technologists, I applied immediately. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology—when used correctly—can serve as a powerful catalyst for independence, choice, privacy, and dignity.

A care technologist acts as a vital bridge between traditional social care and modern innovation. Rather than focusing on IT maintenance, this role is about leveraging digital tools to enhance quality of life, foster social connections, and bolster independence for the elderly and those living with disabilities.

The training program was structured over four weeks, consisting of one full day of online training each week. This was followed by a final project in the subsequent month, which offered the flexibility of either a written submission or a professional discussion with the tutors to demonstrate our learning.

Because the NCF provided plenty of advance notice regarding the schedule, I was able to plan my diary effectively. Dedicating one day a week for a month was a manageable commitment that allowed me to focus fully on the course without disrupting the agency's daily operations.

The highlight of the programme was the diversity of care backgrounds among the participants. Our tutors, Heather Taylor and Lynne Horton from the NCF, were a truly inspirational and knowledgeable duo. They didn't just provide technical clarity; they gave us the confidence to lead. The course also allowed us to build a supportive network of leaders to share knowledge and peer support.

The most profound takeaway from the training is the shift from "fixing computers" to enhancing lives through person-centered technology. The training moves beyond hardware setup to focus on life-led assessments—matching a person’s specific goals, like reducing isolation, with the right digital tools. We explored the ethics of digital privacy, the importance of co-designing solutions with users, and the "dignity of risk." Ultimately, it ensures technology serves the person, not the other way around.

At our service, we’ve integrated technology into our very first point of contact. During all initial assessments, we now actively evaluate which digital solutions could support a service user’s desired outcomes. While we’re in the early stages, we’re committed to making this "tech first" approach the standard norm for our care delivery going forward.

We have also successfully implemented an AI-powered speech analytics and quality management layer. This technology automatically captures, transcribes, and summarizes customer interactions, transforming everyday dialogue into "actionable intelligence." This empowers our team to make data-driven decisions and liberates staff from heavy administrative burdens.

By automating these routine tasks, we’re shifting our service model from reactive fixes to a more consistent, proactive care strategy.

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Find out more about the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England.

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