In April 2024, Scottish Care and IMPACT co-hosted an online discussion from across IMPACT’s ‘Assemblies’.
There are five groups of people who draw on care and support, carers, front-line practitioners, providers, commissioners, researchers and national bodies, across each nation of the UK: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, South and East England, North and West England.
We used techniques from the European School of Innovation and Design at Glasgow School of Art to help open conversations about the future of adult social care. More details are provided in the full report at the end of this summary.
This is the first time that Scottish Care has transferred such an innovative way of working online, and the first time they have run a discussion like this with such a diverse group of people from all four nations of the UK. This was also the first time IMPACT brought together all five assemblies, for one discussion.
Why These Discussions Matter
- Connecting Across Borders: This dialogue connected individuals from all corners of the UK, fostering an exchange of insights and experiences that transcends geographic boundaries.
- Challenging the Status Quo: We were encouraged to look beyond current services and imagine a future filled with possibilities.
- Guiding Future Work: The insights gained will help shape the focus of IMPACT and Scottish Care’s future initiatives.
- Inspiring Change: Together, we explored ways we can all contribute to making a real difference.
From these discussions, six key themes emerged. Each theme not only reflects our collective thoughts but also sets the stage for the transformative work ahead.
- Participation, recognition and equal voice
- Personalisation, choice and control
- Systems and connections
- Equity and rights
- Changing work roles
- Technology and people
While none of these themes are entirely new, considering them in the context of the future allows us to reflect on where these trends might lead us. It challenges us to think about how we can work together to shape a better future for adult social care.
With the right support and conversations, all of us can be part of these debates – through our different communities, networks and relationships. Ultimately, we can either be a ‘policy victim’ (waiting for stuff to happen to us) or a ‘policy entrepreneur’ (helping to shape things in a positive and exciting direction).
There might also be particular implications for organisations like Scottish Care, who have to work with social care as it is in the here and now, whilst also helping to shape what it might be like in the future.
We’re really grateful to everyone who is part of IMPACT’s Assemblies. Scottish Care and IMPACT are committed to this ongoing work. Stay connected with us as we continue to explore these vital issues and work towards a future where adult social care is more just, equitable, and empowering for all.
This was a brand-new experience for all of us. While Scottish Care has done lots of work on these issues already, this was the first time the exercise had been moved online rather than running face-to-face. It was also the first time we’d worked with such a diverse group of people from all four nations of the UK.
IMPACT and Scottish Care will be both be doing further thinking to take forward the key themes from the Assembly – but this briefing provides a summary of the main initial topics and discussions. Read the full report here.