The Casey Commission announced by the UK government in January 2025 is an independent body set up by the UK government to propose long-term reforms for the adult social care sector in England. Under the leadership of Baroness Louise Casey the Commission seeks to tackle systemic challenges including chronic underfunding, staffing shortages and increasing demand and thereafter to establish the foundation for a National Care Service that is built on cross-party agreement. A national consensus must be built to address these issues ensuring that solutions are both effective and widely supported.
Key priorities include examining critical aspects of adult social care and formulating recommendations for sustainable funding mechanisms and improved service delivery. Integration with the NHS must be enhanced to create a seamless care experience for individuals. A clear vision for the future of social care should be established, supported by a detailed roadmap outlining phased, pragmatic solutions that lay the foundation for a National Care Service.
This approach must address both immediate concerns and structural deficiencies to ensure the system is resilient and fit for the future. Additionally, a well-defined model of care is needed to support the aging population, with services organised efficiently to meet these demands. Ultimately, the goal is to create a fair and affordable adult social care system that is accessible to all.
Implications for local authority commissioners
The Casey Commission has several implications for local authority commissioners in adult social care including:
- Long-term planning: Commissioners will need to prepare for potential systemic changes recommended by the Commission which may reshape how social care is organised and delivered at the local level
- Integration with health: The Commission’s emphasis on establishing a National Care Service indicates a move towards greater integration of social care with the NHS. As a result, commissioners may need to revise their strategies to effectively align with this integrated model
- Digital transformation: As a shared digital platform for health and social care is developed, commissioners will likely need to manage the implementation of new technologies while ensuring effective data sharing capabilities
- Standardisation: The creation of national standards for technology use in social care may require commissioners to adjust their procurement and implementation processes
- Workforce development: Commissioners may need to facilitate the upskilling of social care staff to enable them to undertake delegated healthcare tasks. This shift could significantly alter the methods by which services are commissioned and delivered
- Funding changes: The Commission’s recommendations may lead to new funding formulas or mechanisms which could impact how commissioners allocate resources
- Short-term challenges: As the Commission continues its important work, it is crucial for commissioners to address pressing challenges within the sector, including workforce shortages and financial constraints
- Collaboration: Commissioners should actively engage with the Commission by sharing insights on local challenges and proposing potential solutions. This collaboration is essential for shaping a more effective national strategy
- Preparation for reform: Local authorities should start preparing for potential reforms, including changes to commissioning practices, service delivery models and integration with health services
- Focus on outcomes: The Commission’s work may lead to a greater emphasis on outcomes-based commissioning, requiring local authorities to adapt their approaches accordingly
While the Casey Commission offers potential for long-term transformation, local authority commissioners must balance preparing for future changes with addressing current challenges in the social care sector.
CareLineLive’s e-brokerage helping local authority commissioners
CareLineLive’s e-brokerage system can significantly help local authority commissioners adapt to the changes proposed by the Casey Commission in several ways:
CareLineLive offers a comprehensive cloud-based platform that supports the Commission’s digital transformation goals. The platform integrates various functionalities, including rostering, client and carer management, capacity planning, invoicing, payroll and real-time call monitoring. Our all-in-one system is designed to assist commissioners in establishing the necessary digital infrastructure for improved integration between health and social care
The platform offers standardised features across its management platform, carer companion app and Care Circle Portal. This standardisation can help commissioners meet potential national standards for technology use in social care as recommended by the Commission
CareLineLive’s system allows for integration with third-party software which can facilitate better integration between social care and NHS systems, a key focus of the Commission
The carer companion app provides carers with tools and real-time information needed to work efficiently and provide person-centred care. This can support the upskilling of social care staff to perform delegated healthcare tasks as anticipated by the Commission’s recommendations
CareLineLive’s capacity planning feature helps managers quickly assess whether new care packages can be accommodated based on carer availability, location and skills. This feature can aid commissioners in addressing short-term challenges while preparing for long-term reforms
The system’s comprehensive reporting capabilities including a variety of reports relating to various aspects of care delivery can support a shift towards outcomes-based commissioning, aligning with the Commission’s potential emphasis on this approach
The Care Circle Portal allows family members and emergency services to access relevant care information facilitating better collaboration between stakeholder, which is crucial for implementing the Commission’s recommendations
By automating many administrative tasks and improving efficiency CareLineLive can help commissioners manage resources more effectively, addressing the financial pressures highlighted by the Commission
CareLineLive’s e-brokerage system offers a comprehensive solution that aligns well with the anticipated changes from the Casey Commission, helping local authority commissioners adapt to new requirements while addressing current challenges in the social care sector. To find out how CareLineLive can transform your commissioning requirements, click below to book a demo.
