January 2nd 2026
What’s your new year’s resolution for digital care?
As we look ahead to 2026, the question for adult social care is no longer whether digital technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) will shape the sector. The more important question is: what will each of us do this year to use them better?
Across social care, digital tools, data, and emerging uses of AI are increasingly part of everyday practice. From care planning systems and data sharing to workforce tools and early experiments with AI, the pace of change is accelerating. The challenge for 2026 is to ensure this change is purposeful, ethical, and focused on improving real experiences and outcomes.
At the Digital Care Hub, we believe this is a year to be deliberate. To move beyond reacting to new technology, and instead actively shape how digital, data, and AI are used in ways that are safe, inclusive, and grounded in care practice.
Digital Care Hub resolutions for 2026
Our resolutions for 2026 focus on helping the sector innovate safely and confidently, including in the use of AI.
First, we will continue to provide free, practical support that works for real care settings. This includes clear guidance on cyber security, data protection, data sharing, and the safe and ethical use of AI. All of our resources will remain written in plain English and designed for busy care managers and frontline teams. Inclusion matters. Not every provider has access to digital specialists or large budgets, and no organisation should be excluded from digital progress because of size or capacity.
Second, we will strengthen our support for safe innovation. Fear of getting digital, data, or AI use wrong can stop good ideas from being tested at all. In 2026, we will continue to develop learning resources, scenarios, and practical tools that help providers explore new approaches while protecting people, services, and data.
Third, we will keep championing digital inclusion across the whole sector. Smaller providers, community based services, and those supporting people with complex needs must be able to engage with new technology, including AI, in ways that are appropriate and proportionate. Shared learning, peer support, and accessible guidance will be essential.
Michelle Corrigan, Chief Executive of the Digital Care Hub, says:
“In 2026, our focus is on confidence as much as capability. Digital technology, data, and AI can offer real benefits, but only if people feel supported to use them safely and ethically. Our role is to provide practical help, honest conversations about risk, and a clear focus on people who draw on care and support, and the workforce.”
Resolutions and hopes from across the sector
Our partners and stakeholders are clear that technology must serve a clear purpose.
Nadra Ahmed, Chair of the National Care Association, highlights the importance of strong foundations:
“The year ahead holds the key to creating a more sustainable sector as the need for social care continues to increase. We must be mindful that if the foundations do not keep a person at the heart of every decision, we may see a crumbling offer which will impact all other services and potentially put strategic health plans at risk. My hope for 2026 and beyond is that we recognise the contributions of social care and our dedicated workforce and create a world class offer for those who draw on care and support.”
For Clenton Farquharson CBE, Associate Director of Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), the test of digital and AI driven change is simple:
“My resolution for 2026 is to keep asking, in every boardroom, meeting or review I am part of, is this digital change making life better for people?”
He adds:
“I will keep pushing for clear, plain language communication so people understand how their data is used and how they can exercise their rights. I will keep insisting that every digital or AI project shows a visible line between the technology and improved outcomes or experiences. And I will keep championing the free, practical cyber resources that already exist, so even the smallest care providers can protect the people they support.”
Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish Care, emphasises ethics and rights:
“My resolution for 2026 is to advocate for ethical data use built on a strong international human rights foundation.”
Looking beyond social care is also critical. Daniel Casson of Casson Consulting, reflects:
“My New Year’s resolution is to look beyond our social care bubble for potential inspiration, whether that is from other sectors or from overseas.”
A shared challenge for the year ahead
None of these ambitions can be delivered by one organisation alone. Making the most of digital technology, data, and AI in social care requires collaboration between care providers, people who draw on care and support, the workforce, technology suppliers, regulators, and policymakers.
As 2026 begins, the challenge for all of us is to ask not just what technology we are using, but why, how, and for whom. With practical support, shared learning, and a continued focus on people, 2026 can be a year where digital, data, and AI genuinely work for social care.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
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