Interoperability in social care: from national policy to better care explored what interoperability really means for adult social care — and what it will take to move from national policy ambition to practical improvements in care.
The webinar combined national strategy, regional shared care record experience and a practical care technology case study, highlighting that interoperability is as much about culture and relationships as it is about systems and standards.
Date of webinar: 24 February 2026. Part of Digital Care in Focus: Interoperability.
Chaired by Fiona Florey, Digital Care Hub. Speakers included:
- Tommy Henderson-Reay, Implementation Programme Manager, Digitising Social Care Programme
- Dan Heller, NHS England (London Region), London Care Record
- Alex Gavriilidis, Digital Lead, Dorset Integrated Care System
See the webinar slides here: Digital Care Hub_Interoperability Presentation.pdf
View a recording and read a write-up from the session.
Definition of interoperability
NHS England defines interoperability as systems working together across organisational boundaries with minimal human intervention.
But the discussion quickly moved to a simpler framing: interoperability is about “joining the dots”. It means reducing duplication, closing information gaps and ensuring professionals work from a shared understanding.
Most importantly, it is about improving care experiences. As Tommy Henderson-Reay emphasised:
“Interoperability begins with people.”
— Tommy Henderson-Reay
Technology enables connection, but real progress depends on collaboration, trust and shared purpose across health and care.
The digital foundation: progress and standards
According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), more than 80% of care providers are now using some form of digital social care record (DSCR). While systems vary and are not always fully integrated, this marks a significant shift away from paper-based processes.
The Assured Supplier framework, introduced through the Digitising Social Care programme, provides a common baseline for suppliers across areas such as:
- System functionality and performance
- Connectivity (including GP Connect capability)
- Contract and procurement standards
The full list of assured systems is available via the Assured Solutions List on the Digitising Social Care website.
Shared standards create the foundation for interoperability. Without them, consistent data exchange at scale is not possible.
Being “fully digitised” now means more than having a system in place. It includes:
- Using an assured solution
- Meeting Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) requirements
Interoperability and cyber security are closely linked. Safe, trusted data sharing depends on strong governance.
The reality: fragmentation and complexity
Despite progress, significant challenges remain.
Data is still recorded differently across regions and providers. This inconsistency makes it difficult to create a coherent national picture and complicates transitions between systems.
Providers continue to experience:
- Limited visibility of GP or acute care information
- Duplication of data entry
- Operational disruption when switching suppliers
There are currently 42 shared care records across England. While designed to improve joined-up care, this creates a complex landscape.
There are also commercial barriers. Connecting systems to national infrastructure such as the Health and Social Care Network can cost suppliers around £10,000 per year — a material consideration that affects integration decisions.
National direction: exploring a Social Care Interoperability Platform
Tommy Henderson-Reay outlined early discovery work around a potential Social Care Interoperability Platform (SCIP).
He was clear that this would not replace existing systems:
“We are not talking about something that will replace shared care records… and we are not talking about something that will replace your current electronic care planning.”
— Tommy Henderson-Reay
The discovery phase is exploring whether a national consolidation layer could reduce the interoperability burden and strengthen security without duplicating existing systems.
Interoperability in action: London Care Record
Dan Heller shared London’s experience of connecting care homes to the London Care Record.
Around 300 care homes are now connected, with many actively using the system. Integration is delivered via in-context links within existing DSCR platforms.
Improved access to information strengthens professional conversations. As Dan explained:
“When you do pick up the phone, you’re armed with better information, and they know you’re armed with better information.”
— Dan Heller
This can improve discharge processes, enhance collaboration with GPs and ambulance services, and build confidence across the system.
Barriers remain — including funding constraints and digital capacity gaps — but sustained local engagement has driven progress.
Interoperability beyond care planning: Dorset’s acoustic monitoring project
Alex Gavriilidis presented a Dorset Integrated Care System project integrating acoustic monitoring technology with DSCR systems.
The project reported significant reductions in falls and ambulance call-outs. However, it also revealed important lessons.
Even where systems successfully exchanged data, staff experienced:
- Uncertainty about where to find the definitive “source of truth”
- Cognitive overload from managing multiple systems
- Cultural resistance to changing established routines
As Alex highlighted:
“Technical integration and cultural integration are different things.”
— Alex Gavriilidis
Infrastructure, digital skills and leadership all proved critical. Interoperability must work operationally as well as technically.
Q&A highlights
The discussion with attendees surfaced practical concerns:
- Engaging suppliers: Collaboration between suppliers can be challenging, particularly where commercial sensitivities exist. Ongoing relationship management is essential.
- Barriers to uptake: Large providers face head office complexity across regions. Smaller providers may lack capacity or digital confidence. Peer-to-peer learning and local support are effective enablers.
- Preparing for the next phase: Providers were encouraged to focus on consistent data capture, DSPT compliance and assured solutions to position themselves for future integration.
- Transitioning systems: Avoid reactive purchasing. Engage with peers, clarify data export arrangements and invest in internal digital leadership.
Messages for care providers
Several clear messages emerged from the discussion:
- Interoperability is directly linked to quality, safety and efficiency.
- Using assured systems and meeting DSPT standards is essential for future readiness.
- High-quality, consistent data recording will become increasingly important, particularly as delegated healthcare tasks expand.
- Relationships across health, social care and voluntary sectors remain fundamental.
- Interoperability is a two-way street. Providers must demonstrate strong governance and digital maturity to participate fully.
Looking ahead
The sector is moving beyond digitisation as an end goal. Interoperability is the next frontier.
Achieving it will require aligned standards, secure systems and sustained collaboration across health and care. But as the speakers made clear, success will depend just as much on people, leadership and culture as on technology.
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