Local authorities and NHS commissioners play a pivotal role in shaping how adult social care providers use technology, share information, and keep data safe.
Commissioning decisions influence not only what systems are in place, but how confidently care providers can adopt digital tools to improve care, coordinate with partners, and respond to people’s needs.
As expectations grow around interoperability, real-time data sharing, and digital records, commissioners need to balance innovation with clear safeguards. This means understanding the practical realities of care settings, including workforce confidence, infrastructure constraints, and the diversity of providers, while setting consistent expectations around data protection and cyber security.
Throughout August, the Digital Care Hub will be inviting people drawing on care, care providers, commissioners and technology suppliers to share their experiences and perspectives on these issues, helping to inform a more joined-up and grounded approach.
Articles
An overview of our theme – Digital Care in Focus: Commissioning
Webinar
Commissioning for digital maturity and cyber resilience in social care – 13 August 2026
This webinar explored how commissioners can support social care providers to build digital maturity, strengthen cyber resilience and make better use of technology. View a recording, and access slides and a written summary.
Case Studies
Commissioning TEC for choice, prevention and better outcomes – Digital Care Hub
As part of Digital Care in Focus: Commissioning Month, we spoke to Deb Gent, Policy, Information and Commissioning Senior Manager (Live Well) at Lancashire County Council, about her approach to commissioning Technology Enabled Care (TEC), why flexibility matters, and how she sees the future of TEC moving from reactive support to preventative care.
