Digital transformation has the potential to reshape social care over the coming years, but providers must ensure that new technologies improve outcomes for the people they support rather than simply deliver greater operational efficiency. That’s the message from Peter Kinsey, Chair of Iris Care Group and a member of our Care Forum Advisory Board, who believes the sector is entering a pivotal period for the adoption of digital solutions.
As a member of our Care Advisory Board, Peter brings an operator’s perspective to the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
The Board brings together senior care leaders to help inform the development of the Care Forum and Care Briefing, sharing insight into the issues facing providers and helping ensure the event, its content and wider community reflect the priorities of those working across care.
In the third of our Care Advisory Board Q&A series (read our Q&As with Fitzroy’s Angela Murphy here and Bira’s Neil Chatsworth here), Peter discusses why workforce shortages remain one of the sector’s biggest challenges, the importance of ethical technology adoption, and the leadership skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex care environment. He also makes the case for stronger partnerships between commissioners and providers to deliver better outcomes for the people who depend on their services…
What do you see as the biggest operational challenge facing care providers right now – and what needs to change to address it?
I would say workforce. As a sector we could be more proactive in recruiting NEETs and graduates and I am leading two national initiatives to try and address that. However, the Government needs to take more action to support the sector. Changes to immigration rules are putting pressure on the sector and the £500 million being investigated in the Fair Pay Agreement is completely inadequate.
Where do you think care providers have the greatest opportunity to improve outcomes for residents and service users over the next few years?
Through digital solutions. I’m chairing a national working group which is producing the first ever Digital Excellence in Care report which will signpost the future direction for the use of digital in care. It launches at the Birmingham Care Show on the 8th October.
How do you think technology and AI should be used to improve care – and where should the sector be cautious?
In addition to the above, we also need to have an ethical framework for digital care to make sure that decisions aren’t taken to improve efficiency that have a negative impact on people we support or our staff.
What does good leadership look like in care today, and how can organisations develop the next generation of care leaders?
Good leadership includes strong values, an in-depth knowledge of the sector, good judgement, excellent communication skills, visibility, an ability to balance quality and finance and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. It also requires excellent emotional intelligence. We need more structured training for the next generation of leaders including recognised leadership qualifications that are sector specific, learning sets and coaching.
If you could change one thing about the way the care sector currently operates, what would it be – and why?
I would break down the barriers between commissioners and providers and promote a partnership model that reflects our shared values.
Looking ahead three years, what change or development do you think will have the biggest impact on care providers?
Undoubtedly digital.
Join the Conversation at the Care Forum
The Care Forum brings together senior care-sector professionals and relevant solution providers for focused one-to-one meetings, peer discussion and insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping care provision.
The Care Advisory Board helps ensure those conversations remain grounded in the realities facing providers, from workforce and leadership to technology, regulation and changing care needs. Click here if you would like to become part of the Care Advisory Board.
For care leaders looking to share experiences with peers, explore new approaches and meet suppliers supporting the sector, the Care Forum provides a focused environment in which to continue those conversations.
