June 9th 2026
Social care providers should keep a close eye on the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as it develops new guidance on the safe procurement and use of artificial intelligence (AI).
In a recent article, social care leader Mark Topps considered why the ICO’s work on AI procurement matters for adult social care. His key point is that, although the forthcoming guidance is aimed primarily at councils and other public bodies, its impact is likely to be felt by providers through commissioning, tendering, contract management and assurance processes. We’ve summarised his points below, and encourage you to read his full article.
Why this matters to providers
AI is already starting to appear in systems used across care services, including rostering, recruitment, care planning, incident analysis, medication prompts, monitoring, reporting and workflow automation. Even where a provider is not actively developing AI, they may be using software that includes AI-enabled features.
As councils strengthen their own approach to buying and governing AI, providers may increasingly be asked to show that they understand what tools they use, what data those tools process, how risks are assessed and who is accountable for decisions. This could include questions about transparency, data protection impact assessments, bias, accuracy, human oversight, staff training and supplier assurance.
For providers, this is not just a compliance issue. People receiving care, families, commissioners and staff all need confidence that technology is being used safely and fairly. AI may support better services, but it must not weaken professional judgement, undermine privacy or create decisions that people cannot understand or challenge.
What providers can do now
Social care organisations do not need to wait for new guidance before taking action. A useful first step is to create a simple record of where AI may already be in use across the organisation. This should include obvious tools, such as generative AI services, as well as AI features embedded in everyday care management, workforce or administrative systems.
Providers should also review supplier contracts, privacy information and data protection impact assessments. Where a system is used to support decisions about people, organisations should be clear about how the decision is made, what role staff play, what information is used and how errors or concerns can be raised.
It is also worth starting conversations with commissioners and technology suppliers. Providers may want to ask suppliers how AI features are tested, how accuracy is monitored, what personal data is processed, whether data is used to train models, and what safeguards are in place to reduce risks such as bias or over-reliance on automated outputs.
A useful example from the ICO
The ICO has also published its own internal AI use policy for staff. This is useful reading for social care providers because it shows how an organisation can set clear expectations for responsible AI use in day-to-day work.
The policy explains how AI should and should not be used, how internal use should be managed and governed, and how risks should be minimised or mitigated. It also underlines the importance of ethical, transparent and accountable use of AI. For providers thinking about their own policies, it offers a practical model for setting boundaries, supporting staff confidence and making sure AI use aligns with organisational values and legal responsibilities.
Preparing for what comes next
AI has significant potential to support social care, from reducing administrative burden to helping staff make better use of information. But the sector must be able to demonstrate that innovation is being introduced safely, lawfully and with the people who draw on care and support at the centre.
Guidance aimed at public bodies can quickly shape expectations across the wider care system. For providers, now is the time to understand where AI is being used, put proportionate governance in place and be ready to evidence safe, transparent and responsible practice.
Digital Care Hub will continue to monitor developments and share practical guidance to help adult social care providers use data and technology with confidence.
Related links
ICO response to government on safe AI-powered innovation
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