Last week I attended the National Social Care Conference Cymru as a Sales Development Representative for CareLineLive a platform dedicated to improving home care through technology.
My goal? To strengthen relationships with local authorities and better understand the challenges they face so we can support them with digital solutions that truly make a difference.
This conference marked a powerful moment of reflection, innovation and collective ambition for the future of social care in Wales. With voices from across the sector from frontline practitioners to national leaders the message was clear: we are at a tipping point and the time to act is now.
Claire Marchant, Chair of ADSS Cymru: A sector on the brink of transformation
Claire Marchand opened with a hopeful yet urgent tone. She highlighted a significant achievement: waiting times for assessments and domiciliary care have reduced, with delays cut by 20,000 days over the past year. But she warned that the current model is unsustainable. Social care is consuming a large portion of local authority budgets, straining the very preventative services that uphold wellbeing.
As we mark the 11th anniversary of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 Claire reminded us that wellbeing must begin long before crisis. Technology and human connection offer significant opportunities but technology must empower and not replace people. The strength of our sector lies in relationships and digital tools should enhance not erode those bonds.
Her call to action was clear:
- Fair pay and career progression
- Real Living Wage progress
- Sustainable funding that recognises social care as a core function
- Investment in community networks and preventative care
- A national register for home educated children
Albert Heaney, Chief Social Care Officer for Wales: Leading with courage and connection
Albert Heaney’s message was one of unity and innovation. He asked: How do we harness technology without losing the human touch? His answer: through connection and courageous leadership.
He celebrated the sparks of innovation across Wales and emphasised that lasting change doesn’t happen in silos.
Stephen Vickers: Councils as the frontline of health
Stephen Vickers, Joint Chief Executive of Torfaen & Blaenau Gwent, painted a stark picture: since 2010 councils have lost a fifth of their funding while demand has soared.
He introduced the bold move to become Wales’ first federal council enabling investment in prevention rather than reaction. His message: “The NHS doesn’t create good health communities do.” Strong councils mean thriving communities. Let’s stop firefighting and start fighting for the future.
Lyndsey Phillips and DiSC Cymru: Building a digital future together
Lyndsey Phillips, Chief Digital Officer, officially launched the Digital in Social Care (DiSC) Cymru framework. She shared real world frustrations like hospital staff struggling with double data entry across disconnected systems and emphasised that DiSC is not a procurement framework but a national partnership. It is built around four strategic pillars.
Projects under DiSC include:
- Technology comparisons
- Driving national sector reform and health integration, influencing policy and streamlining funding
- Ambient voice note-taking
- Exploring tools like Copilot and Script
The goal? To formalise what “good” looks like in digital social care and build a future where technology supports policy, inclusion and impact.
Final Thoughts: The Welsh Way Forward
From Shelley Davies to Cllr Jane Gebbie, the conference was filled with passionate voices. The message was consistent: shared borders mean shared ideas and shared ideas mean better outcomes.
The future of social care in Wales is being shaped by those who live it, lead it and believe in it. The journey ahead is not easy but it is ours to take together.
