August 3rd 2026
As health and social care continues its shift towards more connected, preventative and digitally enabled support, the way we commission services must evolve too.
That’s why our Digital Care in Focus theme for August is commissioning. We will be exploring how to embed digital innovation, technology enabled care and cyber resilience into commissioning approaches that support better, more person-centred care.
Commissioning has always been about understanding local need and securing the right services to meet it. But the opportunities available today are very different from those of even a few years ago. Digital tools, technology enabled care (TEC), and the data they generate are creating new ways to understand demand, identify risk earlier, and design services that are more proactive, personalised and preventative.
As the NHS and local government progress the Neighbourhood Health agenda, these opportunities become even more important. Delivering care closer to home, supporting people to live independently for longer, and intervening before needs escalate all depend on better collaboration across social care, health, and community services.
Using data to plan better care
Rather than commissioning services based solely on historical activity, commissioners increasingly have the opportunity to use data generated through digital systems and TEC to understand changing patterns of need, evaluate outcomes, and continuously improve service design. As organisations become more digitally mature, sharing appropriate data across partners also opens up new opportunities to support integrated neighbourhood teams and improve coordination of care.
Building in cyber resilience from the start
Of course, greater connectivity and increased data sharing also bring greater responsibility. As more information flows between organisations and more services rely on digital infrastructure, cyber security and data protection must remain central to every commissioning conversation.
Digital innovation and cyber resilience should not be treated as separate add-ons to commissioning. They need to be built into commissioning approaches from the start: from understanding local needs and setting service specifications, to procurement, contract management, quality assurance and outcome measurement. This means asking how digital tools can support better care, but also how services will protect data, manage cyber risks and maintain continuity if systems are disrupted.
Sharing learning throughout August
Throughout August we’ll be sharing practical resources, examples of good practice and expert insights to help commissioners navigate this changing environment, while also helping care providers understand what these changes could mean for them. Commissioners will have the opportunity to learn from peers, discover innovative approaches and explore how others are embedding digital and TEC into commissioning strategies. Care providers, meanwhile, can gain a clearer understanding of the direction of travel, enabling them to prepare for future commissioning expectations and demonstrate how digital approaches can support better outcomes for the people they care for.
Join our August webinar
As part of the month’s theme, we’re hosting a webinar on 13 August exploring how commissioning can help embed digital innovation, digital maturity and cyber resilience in ways that support better outcomes for people drawing on care and support.
The session will bring together experts and practitioners to share:
- examples of effective digital and Technology Enabled Care commissioning
- how cyber resilience can be embedded into commissioning approaches
- insights from the TSA and ADASS Technology First Commissioning Blueprint
- practical lessons from organisations already leading the way.
We look forward to welcoming you as we explore how commissioning can help create a more connected, preventative and resilient care system.
Share your views and experiences
Throughout August, we would love to hear your views, questions and experiences. Your insights can help build a more informed conversation about the future of commissioning in social care.
Find out more
Visit Digital Care in Focus: Commissioning
Book our webinar: Commissioning for digital maturity and cyber resilience in social care – 13 August, 1pm
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