This statement of purpose has been put together within the context of local and national policies including our Corporate Plan 2023-2028.

Key pledges:

• putting people and families at the heart of everything we do
• tackling inequalities so people have a fair chance
• supporting our communities to support themselves and each other
• investing in our economy to provide sustainable opportunities for employment, innovation and growth
• working together and fighting for a better future for Gateshead

All underpinned by:

• good customer service
• sound financial planning
• inclusivity
• good governance
• continuous improvement
• culture

It also aligns closely with the vision set out in the Integrated Adults and Social Care Services - Living thriving lives strategy: 'To work with our communities to enable residents to live thriving lives, be independent and individual, support themselves and each other, and access personalised quality support when they need it.' 

Also linking to Our vision for Children and young people in Gateshead for them to 'enjoy their childhood and have the opportunity to thrive and be their best selves.'

We recognise that people living in their own home and feeling safe is linked to overall wellbeing and improved mental health.  Our Gateshead residents have a range of needs and priorities, and we want to support them to live as independently as possible and ensure there is a choice of appropriate Technology Enabled Care (TEC) available to help people achieve this.

Our ambition in Gateshead in respect of Technology Enabled Care is to empower individuals to live healthier and more independent lives, whilst also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery. We want to connect TEC into the heart of our services; we want to see a role for TEC whenever we design and develop services.  Our strategic intention is to use the benefits of modern technology to create an experience for people which is flexible, enabling, responsive and reassuring. 

This involves integrating technology into care pathways to support remote monitoring, personalised care plans and preventative measures.  Ultimately out goal is to enable people to manage their own health, reduce reliance on traditional services and improve quality of life.  To this end, TEC must be co-produced, inclusive and fully integrated into our Gateshead approach.

This statement promotes the use of enabling technology to support people of all ages to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities for longer by reducing or managing risks. (The word 'people' will be used throughout this statement, in this context it refers to children, young people and adults).

Gateshead aims to foster a strong, resilient and thriving community where residents can connect with each other, access the support they need and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the borough, reducing inequalities. (Building blocks of health).

To deliver on our vision and inform the work that we will do and the decisions that we will make, we will seek to deliver on four key ambitions:

• Ambition 1 - Develop a TEC First Culture
  We will upskill and empower our workforce to use Technology Enabled Care (TEC) to prevent crises, support informed decisions, and embed TEC into assessments, planning, and reviews. This ensures care is cost-effective, personalised, and promotes independence—while offering reassurance to families and carers through positive outcomes and safe risk-taking.
• Ambition 2 - Improve care co-ordination through stronger partnerships
  We will adopt a fully collaborative approach, working closely with Health, Housing, Social Care Providers, and people who draw on care and support—along with their carers and families. This proactive and preventative model will enable us to share knowledge, learn from each other, and enhance the quality and consistency of the support we provide.
• Ambition 3 - Deliver an adaptive and empowering TEC offer
  We will develop a more innovative, person-centred TEC offer that enables strengths-based solutions tailored to individual needs. This will promote self-care, support independence, and help people stay safe, healthy, and at home for longer.
• Ambition 4 - Use TEC to reduce health inequalities and promote equity
  We will ensure TEC solutions are inclusive and accessible to all, improving access to information and resources, enhancing engagement, and enabling more personalised care and support. Our focus will be on using TEC to address disparities and promote fairer health outcomes across Gateshead.

To achieve these ambitions and ensure delivery of sustainable, measurable benefits to the health and social care system the following supporting systems and structures must be in place:

• Clear Vision and Leadership - Position TEC as a strategic enabler across all council activity - supporting those receiving care, promoting self-service, and helping people find solutions that meet their needs. This aligns with prevention and early intervention goals in the Integrated Adults and Social Care Strategy 2023, and supports strong, visible leadership across Adults and Children's Services.
• Awareness of Technology Enabled Care across the whole council, including as a mandatory element within all induction training for all social care staff (aligning to the five pillars of the Workforce Strategy 2022-25).
• Implementation of a benefits realisation approach, with measurement and monitoring owned by the service, with support provided by Finance and Performance - helping to demonstrate quantitative and qualitative benefits at individual, service and system level (supporting the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)).
• Outcomes focused TEC referral embedded into the Mosaic system, based on outcomes, risks and impact - empowering the workforce to think TEC first, understand how it can support people and align TEC to a strengths-based approach.
• Implement the Digital transition roadmap across devices and delivering a fully digital alarm receiving centre to ensure all people can be supported by digital TEC ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
• Seek to position Gateshead Council at the forefront of TEC development and delivery across the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) and the North-East ADASS region - delivering a more proactive approach, driven by data insights and exploring the opportunities for AI and innovation in a 'test and learn' environment.
• Continue to push the boundaries of what TEC can achieve in Gateshead via the development and funding of TEC Test & Learn pilots in innovative and ground-breaking ways.
• Ensure that Digital Inclusion is considered when thinking about TEC solutions for Gateshead residents including digital poverty and supporting care experienced young people. Work together with partners to address barriers including connectivity, access to devices and digital skills.

Technology is a huge part of modern-day life which continues to develop and grow daily. Increasing and improving the application of TEC in Gateshead will allow for improved outcomes for people, while also alleviating some of the pressures on Gateshead's health, housing and social care systems and resources. TEC must be embedded within the delivery of care and support as an all-age approach to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the population of Gateshead.

The successful adoption of this TEC Statement of Purpose, and implementation of the Commitments and Delivery Plan, which sits alongside this statement, will aid in enhancing the quality and efficiency of care provision in Gateshead, enable the promotion of independence and the reduction in admissions to hospital and 24-hour care settings. It will enhance the offer of person-centred support by ensuring that TEC is accessible, user-friendly, and appropriately tailored to the needs of the people using it.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC), often referred to as Assistive Technology, is an approach to supporting people to continue to live at home for as long as possible. It encompasses a range of tools and systems designed to help people to manage their health and wellbeing and to access support when they need it, by using assistive technology devices, remote monitoring and even Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support people in a person-centred way to live more independently. 

Technology Enabled Care has the potential to transform the way people engage in and control their own care and support needs, empowering them to manage their care and their families in a way that is right for them. It enables time and efficient remote support and offers choice and personalisation, reducing, delaying and in some cases preventing dependency on services and high-cost care packages. 

Some examples of TEC include, but not limited to:

• telecare, including personal alarms, fall detectors, medication reminders and other devices that can be activated in case of an emergency or to prompt users with reminders
• skype and videoconferencing for real time communication to provide guidance, support and instruction from a distance
• telehealth, including the technology to monitor vital signs, manage chronic conditions and provide remote consultations with health care professionals

Used effectively TEC can:

• promote independence
• improve confidence
• help manage risks around the home and in the community
• support a person to remain living at home
• help with memory and recall
• support a person to carry out key tasks such as making a cup of tea
• provide reassurance to carers and family members

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) priority 'Best start in life' recognises digital poverty and the challenges for those who lack access to digital devices and connectivity to thrive. The Projecting Older People Population Information (POPPI) data predicts that the number of people aged 65+ with selected conditions/needs which may impact on their physical and mental wellbeing both now and in the future will increase significantly by 2040:

For Technology Enabled Care (TEC) to meet the demands of a growing population, we will seek to increase our utilisation and coverage to reflect the needs of all elements of the population to ensure no particular need, client group or level of deprivation are left out.

The ADASS report - A Time to Act - identifies the need to harness the potential of digital technology:

'We want to move from a system where digital technology is an add-on and digital innovation processes too often exclude people who draw on care and support, to one in which appropriate and affordable digital tools enhance the experience of providing and drawing on care and support. We want to ensure that there is appropriate and affordable technology to support the delivery of care and support systems, and this supports integrated working.'

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was published in November 2024 and, sets out plans in "Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families thrive policy to transform Children's Social Care. Social Care reforms (Stable homes built on love) is an ambitious programme of transformation for children social care and our partners, which outlines the vision for the future of Children's Social Care system and core legislative proposal focused on Family help; family networks; improving care for children in care and, workforce. A whole-system approach to reforming services which will include considering the end-to-end system of support from universal services through to care", harnessing the potential of digital innovation will be key to transform children's social care.

This shift in focus will be achieved in Gateshead through:

• using a wider range of technology solutions and applications
• making better use of data and insights in a timely manner
• creating a more proactive TEC approach to support independence and prevent, reduce or delay the need for care
• embedding a TEC first mindset across Integrated Adults Social Care Services (IASCS) and Children's Services

We have a long-establish Care Call service in place supporting over 7,300 people within individual dwellings and specialist housing schemes. It delivers a Quality Standards Framework (QSF) certified service 24/7/365, providing effective emergency response that benefits not only the individuals supported as well as their families and carers, but also positively impacts the health, social care and housing system, as well as reducing the demand on emergency services.

"Social care is not all about treating or preventing ill health. It's about promoting dignity, independence, quality of life..." - Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, April 2025

Up to now, the service has predominantly focused on responding to emergency situations at times of crisis and, as of the end of 2024, utilised analogue solutions for most of its customers, connected to an analogue call monitoring platform. With the move to a digital telephony infrastructure across the UK, the council and the Care Call service are seizing the opportunity to develop a robust roadmap to move to a fully end-to-end digital Technology Enabled Care service which will see enhanced outcomes for the people of Gateshead.

With the ever-expanding range of new technologies available and the growth of AI tools, there is increasing opportunity to deliver care and support enabled by smart data at both individual and population level, and future potential for predictive data - while ensuring all information and data are stored safely and consideration to ethics and consent remaining paramount.

TEC must be embedded within the delivery of care and support as an all-age approach to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the population of Gateshead.

There is a clear role for technology in supporting the delivery of health, social care and housing outcomes, both for people across Gateshead and for the population as a whole to continue to support prevention and self-care, and to realise tangible cost and efficiency benefits at an individual level, a service level and a system level. We will seek to greatly enhance the TEC offer and work to embed a technology first culture at every point of contact within Gateshead across all customer groups and care settings, including the ability to support within Children's Services and Education.

Technology and its impact on supporting people in their own homes and communities is strongly referenced in both regional and council strategy documents and the opportunity for enabling technology and supporting services should be considered within all strategy and policy documents within the council:

• Integrated Adults and Social Care Services - Living Thriving Lives Plan (2023-28)
  • 'A strengths-based approach is embedded across the whole service, at the forefront of our practice and seamlessly links with our work around enablement and the use of technology.'
  • People value the strengths-based approach to assessment, and we can continue to improve their experience through learning from people and train our workforce in line with this.
  • 'The services we provide and commission support a strengths-based approach to care delivery.'
• Northeast and North Cumbria Health and Care Partnership Digital, Data and Technology Strategy (2023-26)
  • 'Working with colleagues from across our region and national partners, to create a workforce that have the skills and confidence to use new technologies and to digitally enable patients on supported self-management tools.'
  • 'By using digital technologies where appropriate, we will empower people to be partners in their own health and care needs.'
  • 'Citizens will feel more involved in their care and will have a range of digital options to help manage their own conditions care needs, ultimately helping citizens with life-style decision support, and enabling illness prevention.'
• The Gateshead Standard for Ageing Well (2024)
  • The Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well is intended to be used by commissioners, designers, planners, and developers as a tool when considering providing housing for people as they age across all tenure types. It is intended to be used as a best practice guide for: New build housing that is designed from the outset for ageing well and, Adaptations and changes to existing housing so that it can support people to age well and live better.
  • The standard focuses on seven key components: safety and security, remaining independent, affordability, good quality and energy-efficient homes, designing for ageing well, location, and inclusivity. The standard is targeted towards improving the quality of life for older adults by ensuring their housing is well-suited to their needs and promotes ageing in place. 
• Gateshead Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2020)
  • 'We know our health and care services are changing, and demand is increasing as our population gets older and technology advances. We must ensure that our services support everyone's needs. We will involve local communities and the voluntary and community sector in the planning of services to reflect local priorities and needs. We will integrate our health and care services whilst ensuring they are placed based and bespoke to the needs of individuals.'
  • 'Our health and care system will measure success in terms of improved wellbeing, independence and social connections. We will try to move existing resources away from expensive acute care provision, so we can reinvest in prevention and early intervention measures. We will keep people who need complex support, living at, or near, home, to have the support of their family and community.'
• Children's Social Care Data and Digital Strategy (2023)
  • 'Stable homes, built on love is the government's plan for how we re balance the children's social care system away from costly crisis intervention towards meaningful and effective help for families to deliver better outcomes for children'.
  • 'To raise the capabilities of digital systems used in children's social care in order to overcome current shortcomings in data sharing'.
  • Children, young people and families will be better able to share their stories through improved technology, which can capture their voice'. 
• Co-Production Framework "Working Together for Change" (2025)
  • Making co-production part of the way we work in Integrated Adults and Social Care Services.
  • This means working together, listening to what people need to co-produce better services and support.
  • Shows a commitment to working with people from start to end.

We are committed to improving the quality of life for our residents including using Technology Enabled Care (TEC). The identified priority areas reflect a comprehensive understanding of local needs and opportunities; they highlight Gateshead's commitment to using technology to support people to have better health and more independence.

• Embedding prevention and early intervention in everything that we do, promoting wellbeing and making best use of everyday solutions: ensuring people can access clear information and advice about how everyday devices in their pockets and technology in their homes can enable them to maintain and grow their independence. From learning more about activities and services in the community to using health and wellbeing apps on their smart phones and tablets, as well as where to find support to learn how to use such solutions - providing greater confidence and an element of self-help ahead of coming to the council for advice and guidance.
• Expanding our TEC provision over the next 3 years to give greater choice to people and increase independent living: helping people maintain their independence and live in their own homes for longer, TEC providing support with daily activities, such as medication management, reminders for appointments and tasks and wellbeing calls delivered virtually; the introduction of a community-based support model will provide the ability to have earlier conversations about the support digital solutions can provide. People will be supported using technology either alongside or instead of more traditional levels of support, using a strengths-based, person-centred approach.
• Developing the use of remote monitoring and support: TEC allowing care providers, both in-house services and those commissioned by the council, to remotely monitor the wellbeing of people in their care. Through intelligence and insights gathered by sensors that are placed in the home to detect falls, changes in movement patterns, monitoring of activities of daily living, the connected care / lifestyle monitoring systems can deliver insights to enable proactive interventions. From simple prompts, notifying families and updating care staff through to connecting a person with community outreach and delivering wellbeing call through video, in turn reducing the risk of decline/ escalation.
• Building strong collaborative partnership approaches and improved care coordination and communication: TEC can facilitate effective communication and coordination between health and care professionals in Gateshead, people receiving care, and their families or caregivers. Digital platforms, mobile applications and online portals could be used to share information, update care plans, and ensure consistent communication among all parties involved. Significant collaboration across multiple agencies can increasingly be delivered through best use of the Great North Care Record (GNCR) / Health Information Exchange (HIE).
• Ensuring safety and security: TEC can enhance the safety and security of people receiving social care services in Gateshead. Smart home systems, wearable GPS devices, and remote monitoring technologies help detect emergencies, ensure proper medication management, and provide alerts in case of potential risks or dangers, with digital solutions providing better information in real time.
• Better use of data and analytics: digital TEC can generate data that can be analysed to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas for improvement, supporting evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and the development of even more person-centred care plans.
• Increasing digital inclusion: working together with partners to address inequalities and ensuring everyone can benefit from the opportunities that technologies offer. By prioritising digital inclusion, we can empower individuals to connect with technology enabled care (TEC) solutions, enhancing their independence, wellbeing and access to support. It also aligns with Gateshead's broader goals of creating a fairer, more inclusive community, tackling the digital divide and enabling residents to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

It is proven and tested that technology is an enabler for maintaining independence and supporting people to remain in their own homes and communities for longer, however TEC cannot be deployed in isolation. It is key that any development programme for TEC must equally address culture and workforce pressures, current processes for assessment and commissioning of care, ensuring that all processes are robust, embedded and followed by all.

Investing in TEC data to enable smarter, faster decisions is a priority over the next three years. We are committed to improving and expanding the use of TEC, so it becomes an integral part of our social care offer and is embedded within Integrated Adults and Social Care Services, Children's Social Care Services and partners through the application of the following:

• support people to remain safe, healthy, and independent in their own homes and communities through the use of Technology Enabled Care (TEC)
• use TEC at an earlier stage in people's lives to reduce, delay, or prevent the need for ongoing care
• clearly position Technology Enabled Care (TEC) as a key component in delivering our prevention and early intervention agenda
• use TEC as an enabler within a proactive and positive risk assessment for individuals
• promote and provide opportunities for people to access TEC products and services through guided information and advice
• work collaboratively with partners across health, housing, public sector agencies, the third sector, and the independent sector within Gateshead and the wider ICS footprint to develop a joined-up approach to TEC awareness and delivery
• promote a culture of self-care within the local population

Through this statement of purpose and accompanying commitment and delivery plan, as a council we will:

• empower first contact teams within Gateshead Council to provide clear information, advice, and guidance to individuals considering TEC solutions, supporting informed decision-making and early intervention
• scale up deployment of simple TEC solutions (for example mobile alarms, GPS devices) to support timely hospital discharge and reablement, improving service impact and reducing delays in care transitions
• integrate smart sensors and analytics platforms into reablement and long-term support to monitor changes in movement, hydration, and nutrition - enabling early intervention and preventing crisis through data-informed decision-making
• support service users, informal carers, and families through remote monitoring, medication management, and respite tools - enhancing user outcomes by providing peace of mind and practical assistance
• enhance specialist housing environments (for example Supported Living Schemes) with TEC solutions such as activity sensors and linked fire/smoke detection to improve safety and wellbeing
• strengthen partnerships across health and housing, combining TEC data from social care with environmental monitoring and remote health tools (for example virtual wards) to create a joined-up approach to care delivery
• promote digital inclusion by ensuring equitable access to TEC tools, skills training, and support - empowering individuals to confidently use technology to improve their quality of life and independence

Embedding a co-production approach in Gateshead's TEC First approach

To successfully embed a Technology Enabled Care (TEC)-first approach across Gateshead, co-production must be central to how services are designed, delivered, and evaluated. As highlighted in the ADASS/TSA Blueprint, proactive and preventative care services should be shaped by the people, families, and unpaid carers who use them, alongside the professionals who deliver them.

The Co-production Toolkit plays a vital role in embedding co-production into everyday practice. It offers practical resources such as templates, role descriptors, evaluation frameworks, and top tips to support meaningful collaboration. It encourages a "start small and build up" approach, where people—not professionals—lead the way. As the toolkit reminds us, "Co-production must start as an idea that blossoms, with everyone involved having an equal voice."

We recognise that services co-produced with people who have lived experience are more likely to succeed. We are committed to ensuring that individuals are not only heard but are actively involved in shaping the future of Technology Enabled Care (TEC).

As one lived experience adviser powerfully stated: 

'Co-production must be the driving force that transforms the delivery of care in a way that involves and respects the autonomy, choice, and dignity of every person'

This approach directly supports our broader strategic goals of:

• promoting independence and wellbeing
• delivering personalised care
• improving service impact through more relevant, responsive support
• enhancing user outcomes by ensuring services reflect real needs and aspirations

Using the 'Working Together for Change' Framework and Toolkit, co-production will be embedded across all stages of service development—from initial engagement and assessment, through to implementation, monitoring, and review. This ensures that TEC-first care is not only effective, but also inclusive, empowering, and sustainable.

By aligning our TEC-first approach with Gateshead's co-production ethos, we will deliver services that are not only innovative and technology-driven, but also inclusive, empowering, and genuinely person-centred.

Proactive and preventative care services combine data-driven insights from Technology Enabled Care (TEC) solutions with human support from call handlers, responders, care workers, social care staff, and community groups. This collaborative model places individuals, families, and unpaid carers at the centre of care, ensuring they feel in control, connected, safe, and supported. The data gathered through TEC solutions informs decision-making based on each person's priorities and aspirations, enabling early intervention and tailored support. The approach focuses on building a network of relationships, resources, and technologies that offer timely help - empowering people to live the lives they choose. A step-by-step guide to launching proactive and preventative care services, based on common practice, is outlined below:^₁

Phase one - Strategy assessment and initial planning

Vision and purpose

The importance of starting with clear vision for new services

Governance

The need for strong project and programme management

Review of current services

Assessing and understanding existing services

Financial visibility

Completing a strong business case

Phase two - Preparation and planning

Service design

Developing operating models, including lived experience. Working with care providers

Workforce readiness

Managing workforce development and cultural changes

Technology assessment and selection

Identifying the right resources

Building the benefits case

Creating a case for investment and support

Evaluation

Measuring, monitoring and assessing performance and impact

Phase three - Implementation

Running a pilot

Managing a controlled version to test, validate, and refine

The standard operating model (beyond the pilot)

Creating a detailed overview for service delivery

Risk management

Completing a comprehensive risk assessment

Reporting

Establishing mechanisms for communication of progress

Phase four - Scale and optimise

Commissioning strategy

Ensuring rollout is based on outcomes not just technology buys

Service rollout

Phased expansion of services across broader geographical areas

Scale and optimise

Systematically identifying opportunities for enhancement

Continuing technology development

Taking advantage of the rapid development of new technology and solutions

Financial reporting

Mechanisms for communication of project's financial progress

Managing quality and standards

Maintaining rigorous benchmarks and performance criteria

¹ Unlocking the Power of Proactive and Preventative Care Services, A practical blueprint for planning, implementing and scaling up (ADASS/ TSA)

To drive progress and embed Technology Enabled Care (TEC) across all age groups, a growth target is proposed to focus activity within the council. The aim is to increase the proportion of community-based care packages that include TEC from the current level to 60% by the end of the 2027/28 financial year.

As of October 2024:

• over 7,300 people are supported by the Care Call service
• 2,547 adults in Gateshead receive a social care package while living at home.
• of these, 803 (or 31.5%) have TEC integrated into their care

Assuming a 2% annual increase in demand, it is projected that by 2027/28:

• 2,757 adults will be receiving a social care package.
• to meet the 70% TEC integration target, 1,930 of these packages would need to include TEC
• this represents a net increase of 1,127 TEC-enabled care packages—an achievable goal over the next 3.5 years

The tables below outline the projected growth trajectory for TEC integration across financial years, with scenarios ranging from 50% to 70% uptake.

A clear result of a TEC first approach and delivering sustainable independence is the ability to deliver financial benefits around cost avoidance and cost reduction. A robust benefits realisation approach is one of the key enablers required to deliver TEC and personalised outcomes at scale, as highlighted within the illustration below from the TEC Services Association (TSA).

Given the positioning of TEC around discharge, reablement and long-term care it is expected that the vast majority of realisable savings will come in the form of cost avoidance - ensuring a slowing down of progression of need, reducing the likelihood of escalation in care and support; within the support of people with Learning Disabilities there is a clear opportunity to realise greater independence and to also deliver the right level of support during nights hours and reduce where possible the use of waking and sleep-in nights - in doing so this would result in cost reductions within the care packages.

Benefits realisation approach

To support the growth targets outlined above, TSA has recommended the following parameters to guide the calculation of benefits, based on best practice examples from other local authorities:

• Average cost avoidance:
  Estimated at 1.5 hours per week per care package, based on savings analyses from Hampshire Council and the Department of Health's Care Services Efficiency Delivery (CSED) programme, which reviewed over 3,300 care packages across 39 local authorities (2010-2015).
• Duration of benefit:
  Assumed to be 12 months, aligning with annual care package reviews. While TEC will increasingly be introduced earlier in a person's care journey, this timeframe ensures savings are not overstated.
• Hourly cost:
  Calculated at £19.12, based on the average hourly rate for 2023/24.
• Annual saving per care package:
  1.5 hours/week × 52 weeks × £19.12 = £1,49
  11.5 hours/week × 52 weeks × £19.12 = £1,491
  This figure represents the potential cost avoidance per TEC-enabled care package, valid for a 12-month period due to changing individual circumstances.

In line with the options for growth trajectories per financial year above, if modelled against the benefits calculations above, the following tables show the potential cost avoidance for social care:

A strong benefits case not only outlines potential financial benefits, but also highlights the impact on individuals, families and unpaid carers, along with care providers, local authorities, and the NHS.

Benefits for the person drawing on care and support:

• support to live the life they want to lead, so they can thrive and flourish
• improved wellbeing and quality of life
• choice and control around their own care and support needs
• independence in their own homes and communities for longer
• early intervention and prevention of crises or significant changes in care needs
• greater reassurance and peace of mind that they are being supported
• increased confidence in managing their own health conditions
• faster access to support when needed
• increased confidence in the reliability of their support systems

Benefits for family members and unpaid carers:

• reassurance and peace of mind for family members and unpaid carers 24/7
• support to make better informed care decisions
• they are better informed about their loved-one's wellbeing
• support in caring role while maintaining independence
• better work-life balance through remote monitoring support
• freeing up time for quality conversations and meaningful interactions with loved ones

Benefits for care workers:

• more efficient use of time and resources - providing care when and where it is needed
• provides data and insight that can support making better informed care decisions
• improved job satisfaction through provision of preventative interventions and time being freed up for more meaningful interactions
• higher job satisfaction from improvement in wellbeing of person being supported
• reduced physical strain through technology assistance
• improved quality of work
• enhanced communication and collaboration/ integration with others involved in care of the individual

Benefits for care providers:

• more efficient use of time and resources - providing care when and where it is needed
• provides data and insight that can support making better informed care decisions
• improved staff job satisfaction through provision of preventative interventions and time being freed up for more meaningful interactions
• reduced physical strain through technology assistance
• improved quality of work
• enhanced communication and collaboration/ integration with others involved in care of the individual
• higher job satisfaction from improvement in wellbeing of person being supported.

Investing in TEC data to enable smarter, faster decision-making is a strategic priority.

Across Gateshead's Integrated Adults and Social Care Services and Children's Social Care Services, several initiatives are already underway to introduce enabling technologies and supporting solutions. This Statement of Purpose aims to build on that momentum by establishing a robust framework to support further growth.

These initiatives are demonstrating real impact - moving from pilot to scale - and are helping to improve digital skills and confidence across the workforce. A key focus is on harnessing data, machine learning, and AI to enhance decision-making and deliver better outcomes.