July 2nd 2026
Digital Care Hub is putting co-production in the spotlight this July, with a month-long focus on how people can shape the future of digital care.
We are exploring co-production, data and digital technology – and why the voices of people drawing on care and support, unpaid carers, families and care workers must be at the heart of digital change.
Digital transformation can sometimes sound like it is all about systems, suppliers, strategy and scale. But in social care, it should always start with people. Who gets a say in what is designed? Who helps decide what works? Who is listened to when technology changes the way care is delivered?
That is where co-production matters. Done well, it goes far beyond asking for feedback at the end of a project. It brings people in from the beginning, so their knowledge, experience and ideas can shape priorities, decisions and outcomes.
Why co-production matters
Katie Thorn, Director of Innovation at Digital Care Hub, said:
“If digital change is going to work for social care, it has to start with people. Co-production helps us understand real needs, build trust and design approaches that are practical, ethical and grounded in everyday care. This is not just the right thing to do; it is essential if technology and data are going to support better outcomes.”
Sharing learning throughout July
Across July, we will share articles, case studies and practical insight showing what meaningful involvement can look like in real life. We will look at how co-production can support better conversations about data sharing, digital care records, AI, technology-enabled care, online services and the digital foundations that support care.
We will also share learning from the AI in Care Alliance, which is bringing together people drawing on care, care workers, providers, researchers, technology suppliers and policymakers to explore what responsible AI should mean for social care. Their work shows how co-production can turn big ethical questions into practical guidance, shared principles and action that makes sense on the ground.
Tell us what co-production looks like in practice
We want July to be a conversation, not a broadcast. That is why we are asking people and organisations across adult social care to share what co-production looks like in practice.
Have you involved people in a digital, technology or data project? What worked well? What was difficult? Where did people drawing on care, carers or care workers have real influence — and where do we still need to do better?
Join the webinar on 9 July
We are launching our focus during SCIE’s annual coproduction week – and we are delighted that they are taking part in our webinar on 9 July: Co-production in Digital Care: Putting People in Control.
The webinar will bring together speakers and representatives from the National Co-production Advisory Group, Think Local Act Personal, the Social Care Institute for Excellence, The Care Workers’ Charity and Royal British Legion. Together, they will explore how organisations are involving people in decisions about digital services, data use and innovation — and what needs to change so more people can have a meaningful say.
If you work in adult social care, support digital or data projects, commission services, represent people with lived experience, or draw on care and support yourself or support someone who does, this webinar is for you. Join us to hear practical examples, ask questions and be part of a conversation about putting people in control of digital change.
Share your views
Throughout July, we would love to hear your views, questions and experiences. Your insight can help build a more inclusive conversation about digital transformation in social care – one that starts with people, not technology.
Find out more about July’s Digital Care in Focus: Coproduction
Register for our webinar on 9 July webinar
Join in the discussion on social media #DigitalCareinFocus #Coproduction
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