Why digital skills matter more than ever in adult social care

Jo Barton, Programme Lead – Upskilling, Skills for Care, discusses the importance of digital skills for people working in adult social care.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of chairing the Technology and Innovation Theatre on day two of the Care Show. Throughout the day, I heard from organisations developing and implementing technology to support adult social care.

There was a huge range of innovation on display, but what struck me most was not the technology itself. It was the impact it was having on people's lives.

Behind every innovation was a story about someone living more independently, feeling safer in their own home, staying connected to their community or receiving more personalised support. The most powerful examples were not about technology for technology's sake. They were about achieving better outcomes for people.

It also reinforced something that is becoming increasingly clear across our sector: technology alone does not transform services. The real difference comes when people have the skills, confidence and support to use it effectively. That is why digital skills matter more than ever in adult social care.

Technology should enable more human connection, not replace it

When conversations turn to technology, there can sometimes be concerns that digital solutions will reduce personal contact or replace the relationships that sit at the heart of good care.

In reality, the opposite should be true.

Adult social care is built on people. It is built on relationships, trust and understanding what matters most to each individual. No piece of technology can replace that.

What technology can do is remove some of the barriers that prevent people from spending time where it matters most. It can reduce duplication, improve access to information, support communication and streamline everyday processes.

Whether it is digital social care records, electronic medication systems or technology-enabled care, the aim should always be the same: giving people more time to focus on supporting others.

There are already many high quality digital social care record systems available to providers, and if you’re thinking of incorporating a digital care record system I’d always recommend providers start by looking at the These systems are helping organisations improve record keeping, access information more easily and support safer, more coordinated care.

Most importantly, technology should create more opportunities for meaningful conversations, stronger relationships and more person centred support. It should never replace people. It should help us spend more time with them.

Supporting prevention and more joined up care

Technology also has an important role to play in supporting a more preventative approach to care and support.

Across health and social care, there is growing recognition that we need to focus more on helping people stay well, maintain their independence and access support earlier. Technology can be a powerful part of that solution.

From falls prevention technology and remote monitoring through to tools that help identify changes in somebody's needs at an earlier stage, technology can help people receive support before situations reach crisis point. Many of the examples I heard at the Care Show demonstrated this perfectly. The focus was not simply on responding when something goes wrong, but on helping people remain independent, stay connected and continue living the lives they want to live for longer.

Technology can also support more joined up care. As neighbourhood health approaches continue to develop, digital systems can help improve communication and collaboration between organisations, supporting a more connected experience for the people who draw on care and support.

However, these benefits are only realised when the workforce has the digital skills and confidence to use technology effectively in day to day practice.

The Care Technologist role category:

One of the developments I am most excited about is the introduction of the Care Technologist role category within the Care Workforce Pathway.

This is an important recognition of the growing role technology is playing across adult social care and the need for people with the right knowledge and skills to support its use.

Care technologists can help bridge the gap between care and technology. They can support individuals, families and organisations to identify solutions that promote independence, improve wellbeing and enhance quality of life. They can also help organisations introduce technology in a way that works for the people who will use it, drawing on their firsthand experience of delivering care and support.

What I particularly welcome is the recognition that successful digital transformation is not simply about introducing new systems or equipment. It is about understanding people's needs, building confidence and ensuring that technology genuinely adds value.

The new Care Technologist role category represents an exciting career opportunity and demonstrates how the sector continues to evolve to meet changing needs.

For anyone thinking about a role as a Care Technologist, keep an eye out for our case studies from those currently in the role which will be a part of this digital campaign! I’d also recommend looking at the available learning via the Learning and Development Support Scheme, in particular the Digital Leadership Programme. For anyone interested in the role of the Care technologist, including care providers or systems leaders interested in the new Care Technologist role you can learn more here: the Care Technologist role category.

Together, these developments recognise that digital skills are no longer a specialist interest. They are becoming an increasingly important part of delivering high quality care and support.

Listening to the sector

Want to influence the future of digital skills in adult social care?

Complete Skills for Care's digital skills survey and tell us about your experiences, challenges and support needs. The insights you share will help shape future support for the workforce and ensure it reflects the realities of working in social care.

Help shape the future of digital skills and technology across the sector.

Looking ahead

Technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in adult social care, but its success will always depend on people.

By investing in digital skills, supporting digital leadership and developing new roles such as the Care Technologist, we can build a workforce that is confident in using technology to improve outcomes and enhance people's lives.

The exciting innovations I saw at the Care Show demonstrated what is possible. The challenge now is ensuring that the workforce has the skills, confidence and support needed to make the most of those opportunities.

That is why I would encourage everyone working in adult social care to complete our digital skills survey. Your experiences, insights and ideas will help us understand what support is needed and ensure we continue to develop resources, opportunities and programmes that meet the sector's needs.

Together, we can help shape a future where technology supports better care, stronger communities and improved outcomes for the people at the heart of everything we do.

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