Integrated Adults and Social Care Services and Children's Social Care Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Statement of Purpose 2025 - 2028

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.