April 1st 2026
Last week’s AI and Social Care Summit in Oxford, brought together people from across social care, technology, research and policy. The full write-up and recording from the Summit, which was hosted by Digital Care Hub, the Institute for Ethics in AI, and Casson Consulting, will be available shortly.
In the meantime, the discussions have prompted an important reflection. Technology in care is not neutral. It can empower people, strengthen relationships and improve outcomes. But it can also, if poorly designed or implemented, risk disempowering those it is meant to support.
Global perspectives on AI and care
One of the most thought-provoking contributions came from Geshe Lobsang Monlam, who shared his work developing a “Dalai Lama AI” to preserve and share the teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama.
We also heard from the National Domestic Workers Alliance in the United States. Their AI chatbot, Ask Aya, is already helping domestic workers understand their rights, improve their working conditions and increase their pay. It is a powerful example of AI being used to shift power towards the workforce.
These examples highlight a growing international focus on using AI to improve outcomes and amplify people’s voices. They also underline the importance of being intentional about how AI is designed and used in care.
From discussion to action
The Summit marked a clear commitment to practical next steps through the emerging AI in Social Care Alliance. More details about the Alliance will be announced shortly.
There was recognition throughout the event that AI is already here and is here to stay. Care providers are already encountering AI in tools such as rostering systems, care planning software and monitoring technologies, often without clear guidance on safe and ethical use.
There was a strong call to move beyond consultation towards genuine partnership with people drawing on care and frontline staff. The co-production approach throughout our work to date has been a valuable insight to what is possible when we engage in meaningful collaboration.
Promoting training and capacity building
Many people in the sector do not yet feel confident engaging with AI. Addressing this will require practical, accessible training for the workforce, alongside resources for people drawing on care and unpaid carers so they can play an active role in decisions about AI.
Supporting organisations to build their own capability will also be key, enabling them to evaluate and govern AI tools in line with care values.
Convening and connecting the sector
The Summit demonstrated the value of bringing diverse voices together. We will build on this through a third AI and Social Care Summit, regular working groups and a more open network for sharing learning and experience across the sector.
A shared responsibility
There is real optimism about the role of AI in improving outcomes in social care. At the same time, the pace of change can feel challenging.
We encourage providers, commissioners and technology suppliers to engage with our work on responsible AI:
- Read and sign our collaborative call to action
- Explore and support the Tech Suppliers Pledge
More information will follow soon on next steps for the AI in Social Care Alliance.
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