Integrated Adults and Social Care Services and Children's Social Care Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Statement of Purpose 2025 - 2028
Appendix 3 - Progressing TEC and digital initiatives
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.
| Supporting prevention | Early intervention | Long-term support |
|---|---|---|
| Continually refreshing and updating information, advice and guidance around our TEC Enabled Care Offer | Reablement includes using assistive technology that people can continue to use at home to prevent re-admission to hospital/ residential care. | Remain living with as much independence as possible through the use of TEC - at home, extra care, Supported Living Service (SLS) and Residential/ Nursing Care. |
| Place AskSARA Self-Assessment Tool in prominent position on Council Website - to provide advice and support to help with daily living. | Smart Room will be used to show clients and family/ carers what TEC is available and how they can be used to promote independence. | Working with the Achieving Change Together (ACT) Team to look at alternatives to traditional packages of care (POC) including trialling new tech/ using smart tech in new ways. |
| Focus on Community Led Support in IASCS. First point of contact staff knowledgeable and confident around TEC. | Pilots and Trials of Assistive Tech and Digital Solutions such as the PainChek app. | Implementation of Children Social Care reforms transformation harnessing the potential of digital innovation. |
| Development of a Smart Room to demo and showcase Assistive Technology and smart devices. | E-learning - including in-house Assistive Tech training and the NE ADASS / NENC ICB funded course Building Your TEC Know How and Virtual Home. | Exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline processes within social care services. By identifying and evaluating AI-driven solutions, the aim is to reduce administrative burdens, enhance efficiency and improve service delivery for social care professionals and the council. |
| 'Our Gateshead' website with information about where and how residents can access things in Gateshead including free digital skills courses at libraries. | Lifestyle monitoring / insight reporting systems used as part of the assessment process. | |
| Working together with Connected Voice and the Gateshead Digital Inclusion Lead. | Access Community Gateway - "Streamlining form submissions, connecting citizens and authorities in one seamless flow. |