Innovation in digital technology and data is about deliberately trying new or different ways of using technology or information to improve outcomes, particularly where existing approaches are no longer enough. It involves testing ideas, learning from experience and being willing to take proportionate, informed risks.
Throughout January 2026, we shared insights and ideas on innovation.
Have a look, and please share your thoughts on social media, or contact us.
#DigitalCareInFocus
Articles
What is innovation in digital tech and data?
In adult social care, innovation is often confused with simply using digital tools well. But innovation is not the same as business as usual.
Digital innovations: what works?
We explore some recent research and evaluation on digital technology and data use in adult social care.
Digital innovation: policy developments
A growing set of national policies — across adult social care, the NHS and wider government — is now shaping expectations about how data, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) should support care.
Case studies
Simplifying Outstanding CQC Compliance with IMPAQT for Care
IMPAQT for Care is built to mirror CQC’s quality statements, guiding managers through self-assessment audits, evidence collation and action planning. If a gap is identified, it creates a plan and tracks progress. If standards are being met, evidence is uploaded into a central file, ready to be shared with CQC.
Making life more colourful: How Borough Care is using data to prevent falls and improve lives
Borough Care introduced a new falls dashboard, developed internally with the support of a data analyst. Using Power BI, the team began turning raw data from Radar (their audit and compliance tool) and PCS (their care planning system) into clear, actionable insights.
From care provider to tech innovator: the story behind Qwikify
Lessons from a care provider that developed their own care planning software.
Briefings
This briefing presents a rapid, narrative review of selected evidence published between 2023 and 2025 on the use of digital technology and data in adult social care. It is not a comprehensive review of all available literature.
This briefing sets out the current national policy landscape in England that supports, shapes or affects digital innovation in adult social care. It brings together live legislation, active government and NHS programmes, and Bills currently progressing through Parliament.
Webinar
Care-led innovation: Celebrating home-grown technology in social care – 28 January 2026
The session brought together care providers, technologists and cyber security specialists to share what innovation looks like in practice, what is helping, and what still makes people pause.
Read the write-up from the webinar, and view a recording.
Our theme for February 2026 is Interoperability
