An overview of our progress against this outcome in 2024 to 2025
Using new ideas, good research and reliable data is important in social care because it helps us make decisions based on what works, keeps services up-to-date with new challenges, and makes services more efficient, cost-effective and fair. National reports show us there’s more work to be done to join up the data that’s currently available, while recognising new technologies that can support and complement the work of the social care sector.
“Sharing and analysing data, which is likely to be held by different bodies, is necessary to improve services and understand demand. Our work on urgent and emergency care found that available data does not go far enough in looking across the whole health and social care system to support strategic decision making. Better and more joined-up data could help promote preventative and collaborative responses to longstanding challenges.” “Artificial intelligence and digital technology are transforming health and social care, offering opportunities to improve service delivery, enhance integration, strengthen outbreak preparedness, accelerate research, and improve health outcomes.” |
Here are some examples of our work in 2024 to 2025 to support this:
Helping people leading, developing and providing social care feel confident, supported and inspired using evidence and innovation (Ymlaen strategy)
We launched the Ymlaen strategy with strong engagement from stakeholders and Welsh Government. The strategy aims to create a culture where evidence plays a central role in the provision of social care, and where people feel supported and inspired to try new things. We’ve developed a joint implementation plan with partners and have published our own plan. The strategy’s been well received and is now guiding our approach to research, innovation and improvement. We'll share the impact of this new approach over the next five years.
Maintaining an effective data portal
We manage the National social care data portal for Wales to help the sector make better use of data to bring about the best possible outcomes for those who receive care and support. This year, we relaunched the portal with improved functionality and visualisation tools. We also introduced new data summaries to offer contextual insights, alongside updated workforce data.
Building skills and mobilising knowledge to improve practice
The DEEP programme, based at Swansea University and Bangor University, was developed through a project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Health and Care Research Wales. We’ve been funding DEEP since 2023 and we’ve been working with DEEP to develop use of the Most Significant Change model. This year, we’ve held 10 sessions with 330 people to better reach frontline staff. We’ve also developed our knowledge mobilisation offer to help the sector access, understand and embed research into practice.
Increasing knowledge, understanding and skills by generating and supporting social care research
We launched our Insight Collective website at the start of the year. It aims to make a positive difference in social care by focusing on three areas: research and data, sharing and learning, and coaching and advice. It provides access to the latest research, data and training opportunities, and encourages those who provide and access care to collaborate. So far, the site has had:
- 11,773 unique users
- 40,773 page visits
We also published:
- 9 evidence summaries that present research findings in ways that are easy to understand. People have told us the summaries are “clear and concise”, “easy to understand” and the lack of “jargon” makes them useful for people working in social care
- 2 workforce insight series that summarise and highlight key information about the social care workforce in Wales. The briefings can help policy makers, employers and partners plan for the future and make informed decisions around attraction, recruitment and retention in social care.
- the 2025 workforce survey, which received 5,707 responses – an increase on the 5,024 responses we had in 2024
We’ve received 35 new research support requests and supported many funded projects. We successfully carried out a research priority-setting exercise on transitions between children’s and adults’ care services, which will inform future evidence summary topics.
Over the past year, our ‘demystifying evaluation work’ with local authorities has significantly influenced practice, learning, and decision-making across the sector. We received positive feedback from people who attended these sessions, including one attendee who said:
"I have already planned to overhaul our quality process, but this session has given me the confidence and direction needed."
Leading the strategic approach to social care data in Wales
We continued to lead the strategic approach to social care data in Wales with a number of key partners such as Digital Health and Care Wales, Welsh Government and the National Office for Care and Support. We published a report that sets out how to support local authorities in Wales to improve their social care data maturity. ‘Data maturity’ is how ready an organisation is to make the best use of the data it holds. This work has helped local authorities understand their data maturity and the steps needed to improve the exchange of data. We used the recommendations to discuss the priorities and next steps, and plan the next phase of this work with the National Data Resource.
Designing, developing and supporting the implementation of new digital literacy and innovation tools, approaches and resources
We launched a digital potential tool to assess digital literacy and maturity across social care. We worked with local authorities and other social care providers to help develop and share the tool. Through this work, people have gained a picture of their digital skills and confidence, and have found areas for development and resources to support their continuous professional development. Leaders have gained a picture of the digital maturity of their service, as well as their own skills and confidence. The national report will be used to show areas for investment, based on the assessment’s evidence.