DHSC Hopes New Qualification Can Bolster Adult Social Care Workforce
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has announced a new qualification for leaders in adult social care, designed to equip them with the skills required to deploy and utilize technology in care homes and other settings.
The level 5 digital leadership qualification is aimed at ensuring senior officials and managers have the expertise to adopt digital innovations and emerging technologies.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has released a specification detailing accreditation and assessment requirements, along with minimum learning outcomes and criteria for the qualification.
Awarding organisations will have flexibility in choosing the technologies to focus on, which could include smart home systems, assistive devices, wearable technologies for staff, telecare, diagnostic tools, digital social care records, business software, AI, and robotics. DHSC stated this initiative is part of the ongoing transition from analogue to digital in adult social care.
Level 5 Qualification to ‘Future-proof’ Adult Social Care
Speaking at Unison’s 2025 National Health Care Conference, Streeting announced, “We will leverage the full capabilities of cutting-edge technology to revolutionize social care, enabling individuals to live independently in their homes while enhancing the quality of care provided.
By allocating funds for skills training, establishing fair pay agreements, and fostering career progression opportunities, we aim to retain the exceptional professionals essential to the sector.”
Further Funding to Support Additional Qualifications
Additionally, DHSC is investing £12 million through the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme, supporting courses and qualifications for carers, including training for the level 5 digital leadership qualification.
The department has also introduced new job roles within the sector and updated care certificate standards to align with the adult social care certificate qualification launched in June of last year.
The announcement was met positively by the Local Government Association, though it emphasized the need for additional funding to realize the full potential of digital technology in adult social care.
Funding Should Offer Scalability Warns Cllr
Cllr David Fothergill, chair of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, expressed that investment in the latest technology for social care could transform the sector by improving system efficiency, enabling data analytics for prevention, and enhancing customer service.
He welcomed the Government’s commitment to staff training but highlighted the necessity of adequate funding for scalability, standards, and safeguards to build confidence in technology adoption across the sector.
Fothergill stressed that while technology plays an essential role, it cannot replace human interaction. He urged the Spending Review to address urgent challenges, lay the groundwork for the Casey Commission’s recommendations, and bolster the care workforce, particularly in implementing the fair pay agreement.
Without immediate government action, he warned, care services risk being compromised, leading to severe consequences for individuals and families who rely on them.
