September 25th 2025
The UK social care sector has taken a decisive step toward shaping the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), launching the first co-produced framework designed to protect care values while enabling innovation.
The initiative, developed by the Digital Care Hub, Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University, and Casson Consulting, brought together a cross-section of the sector, from people with lived experience and frontline staff to providers, policymakers, and technology suppliers.
It responds to a growing recognition that while AI tools, such as generative systems and large language models, are already being used in care settings, there has been little guidance tailored specifically to social care. Risks identified include data privacy breaches, misinformation from “hallucinating” systems, and bias, particularly around ageism and discrimination , which could undermine trust in new technologies.
Co-production at the core
Central to the project was a year long process of co-production. Separate working groups engaged care workers, providers, families, and tech developers to capture their perspectives. These groups fed into a sector wide summit in Oxford, which set out a shared definition of responsible AI in social care: ensuring that technologies support and do not undermine dignity, human rights, independence, equality, and wellbeing.
The framework includes practical “I and we” statements that can be adopted by organisations and individuals to guide AI use. It also sets out domains of concern, from safeguarding and transparency to ethical procurement, providing a foundation for care providers to develop AI policies and governance processes.
The Tech Pledge
Alongside the framework, a Tech Pledge was launched, with early signatories from technology suppliers committing to transparency, ethical development, and collaboration with care stakeholders. While not a formal accreditation, the pledge aims to provide assurance to providers that systems are being developed with social care’s unique needs in mind.
Calls for government action
The summit’s calls to action urge UK governments and regulators to establish clear accountability structures and regulatory oversight for AI in social care, aligning with ongoing standards work by the Department of Health and Social Care. Organisers also announced plans for an AI in Social Care Alliance, which will create a shared hub for evidence, best practice, and lived experience of AI use, including both benefits and risks.
An international model
The work has already gained international attention, with project leaders invited to present in Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and the US. They argue that the UK’s co-production approach could serve as a model for other countries seeking to balance technological innovation with safeguarding care values.
This is about ensuring AI enhances care rather than eroding it,” organisers said. “By putting the voices of people who draw on care and those who provide it at the centre, we can shape technology that genuinely supports the sector.
The framework and supporting resources, including guidance for providers and care workers, are available via the Digital Care Hub.
Key Takeaways for Social Care Leaders
- New framework launched: Co-produced AI guidance for social care, centring dignity, human rights, independence, equality, and wellbeing.
- Practical tools: Includes “I and we” statements to help providers and workers shape internal AI policies.
- Tech Pledge: Voluntary commitment for technology suppliers to develop AI ethically and transparently in partnership with the sector.
- Government urged to act: Call for regulators and DHSC to establish clear accountability and standards for AI in social care.
- Alliance forming: A new AI and Social Care Alliance will collect evidence of AI’s impact — both benefits and risks — and share best practice.
- International relevance: The UK initiative is being recognised abroad as a potential model for responsible AI adoption in care.
The recording for this webiar can be found here.
This is a webinar in a series and you can join the next 3 webinars below:
Care Meets Code Defining Responsible AI in Care, Thursday 25th September, 1pm- 2pm
Pledge or Perish: Why Tech Must Get AI Right – Digital Care Hub, Tuesday 30th September, 12pm-1pm
Green Code, Clean Conscience: Tackling AI’s Environmental Impact – Digital Care Hub, Thursday 23rd October, 12pm-1pm,
Picture from Unsplash by Nigel Hoare
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