Adult Social Care Information Sharing Call
Liberal Democrat Conference
It looks like from those on the call this morning, I was the only one at the Lib Dem conference. Much of the news cycle coming out of the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth has focused on the party’s attempts to position itself as the only party that can challenge Reform and reclaim patriotism for the centre of British politics, alongside the usual stunts Ed Davey is fond of. However, I did see care and caring woven throughout speeches and various fringes and conversations I was part of. Clearly still very much at top of their priority list. There was also a lot of speculation and concern about local government reorganisations, neighbourhood health services and the ICB mergers and budget cuts - there was a general sense these changes are being done too rapidly, without proper scrutiny or involvement of local people/LAs.
Labour Conference
A lot more of the people on the call are planning to be at Labour conference, even if just attending. Do send round any events or stands you are running to wider group/WhatsApp.
As part of the conversation, it was raised that Ben Coleman had been asking interesting questions about social care/LAs and a few would like to engage him at part conference.
NCF Stand at Labour
Adult Social Care Testbed Exhibition Stand
At the Labour Party Conference we are co-hosting a stand with the University of Liverpool’s Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL) who we are partnering with to deliver an Adult Social Care Testbed. On our stand (F4, Hall B) we look forward to sharing how this innovative, data-driven work brings together not-for-profit care and support providers who collectively deliver services to thousands of people locally, including those living with disability, experiencing mental ill-health, or older people including those living with dementia. Support is delivered in people’s own homes, in supported living and extra care housing, as well as residential care settings.
Through the testbed collaboration we are catalysing the use of provider data, co-designing and testing new tech-enabled care solutions, and upskilling the workforce. This is setting a new benchmark for innovation in social care and helping to shape the future of provision. This interdisciplinary research centre brings together experts from care and support, academia, the public sector and industry to tackle global health challenges through the responsible use of civic data, AI and technology.
On our stand you’ll hear about new possibilities for the future of technology enabled care and support and understand what local providers see as the priorities. We’ll share how the testbed will join up social care and support insights with technical expertise to identify the AI-enabled technologies of the future. We’ll explain how the testbed is building digital skills across the care workforce and helping care providers make better use of data and more broadly deliver the positive change needed.
Additionally, as this project is funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority it talks to the importance of governance over matters that greatly affect the fabric of local communities now being in the hands of those closest to the issues on the ground.
Providers Unite
Providers’ Unite is also running a rally on Monday at 11:30am - information and how to sign up can be found on their website: https://www.providersunite.co.uk/
Fair Pay Agreement
Still not much heard on this - we understand the publication of a consultation was delayed after the reshuffle earlier this month. Some speculation on call that we may hear something Labour Conference or w/c 29th September.
Casey Commission
Baroness Casey has been reaching out to different organisations and individuals for direct conversations over recent weeks. These includes Ewan King, on behalf of the Care Provider Alliance. Ewan found Casey encouraging - she was really interested in the work across the CPA but made it clear that she isn’t just relying on one set of stakeholders. Some things that were highlighted in that conversation:
HMT will challenge her ideas for costs and savings without data and evidence to back them up.
A formal process of engagement will begin soon. If interesting implementable ideas arise, she will seek action rather than waiting.
She was particularly interested in how we respond to trends re ageing /Learning disabilities/mental health - how do we shift money and resources into prevention.
Blunt that she is constrained by spending review envelope.
Her team has met over 200 individuals and organisations so far.
Blunt re umbrella orgs. She's worked with umbrella agreements and organisations in the past and says they can bring incredibly helpful stuff but recognises there will be disagreements re money and detail when we get to it.
Wider conversation on call centred on a few things:
Some conversation about the extent to which Casey’s approach is about a step-change in how we think and imagine adult social care, and the big societal issues we’re grappling with versus short-term goals.
Part of that is connected to phase 1 and phase 2 of Casey, but if phase 2 is to be radical some of thinking needs to start now.
Welfare Reform
A few of us have picked up that Pat McFadden, in his new post as DWP SoS, has been talking more about reforming welfare and PIP, even ahead of Timms’ Review: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg3jl0ylkyo.
A few on the call expressed some of the concern arising from the engaging with Timms’ review:
Some participants being asked to sign NDAs
Worried that there isn’t enough protection around those taking part
There are a series of different collaboration committees (if that’s the right word) being led by DWP and organisations and individuals looking at various things like Access to work and right to try. It was mentioned on the call that DWP doesn’t really know how to do coproduction but they keep using the term to describe what they are doing. A learning curve for them.
ADASS asked: We've got a meeting with some involved from DWP at the start of October to focus on the links between this agenda and ASC, any briefing points folks would want us to raise please do let me know.
AOB
Note that there will be no ADASS autumn survey ahead of that this year.
A plug for NCASC as well, tickets on sale - NCASC Conference – NCASC Conference
Mental Health Bill report stage - middle of October.