The Digitising Social Care programme (DiSC) supported adult social care providers to adopt digital technology and improve the quality and safety of care delivery across Cheshire and Merseyside.
NECS was approached following the successful delivery of the programme in the North East. By promoting Department of Health and Social Care funding and supporting implementation of digital social care records and development of digital skills, the initiative helped improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen interoperability with NHS systems nationwide.
The challenge
Many adult social care providers across Cheshire and Merseyside continued to rely on paper-based care records, creating inefficiencies and limiting the ability to share information safely and consistently. This made it harder for staff to access up-to-date care information, increased administrative workload, and reduced time available for direct care. Digital maturity varied widely across the sector, and many providers were unsure how to begin adopting digital solutions or access available funding.
Nationally, NHS England set an ambition for 80 per cent of Care Quality Commission registered providers and 80 per cent of individuals in social care settings to have a Digital Social Care Record in place by March 2025. Local authorities needed additional capacity and structured support to engage providers, explain eligibility requirements, and guide them through the funding application process. Addressing these challenges was essential to improve care quality, safety, and integration with wider health systems.
The solution
The NECS Digitising Social Care Delivery Team worked in partnership with Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board and Local Authority leads from Liverpool City Council, Sefton Council, and St Helens Borough Council. Using a digital baseline list supplied by local authorities, the team contacted Care Quality Commission registered care providers by phone and email to raise awareness of Digital Social Care Record funding and explain the benefits of digital care planning.
Support included:
- Collating application packs
- Securely sharing documentation with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) project team
- Clarifying eligibility requirements, including Data Security and Protection Toolkit standards and NHS-accredited email use.
Delivery was managed remotely, with progress tracked via a Master Supplier Tracker and reviewed monthly with local authorities. At project completion, all documentation and data were returned to local authorities to support ongoing oversight and sustainability.
The results
The programme contributed to increased adoption of Digital Social Care Records across Liverpool, Sefton, and St Helens, supporting improved efficiency and information sharing across the adult social care sector. A total of 26 care providers across Cheshire and Merseyside were supported to submit successful funding applications and went on to receive funding to implement digital care planning systems.
Providers that had already implemented Digital Social Care Records reported a wide range of benefits. hese included time savings, reduced administrative burden, and significant reductions in the use of paper records. Improved access to digital care information supported better collaboration with colleagues and relatives, enabling more coordinated and responsive care. Providers also reported increased confidence in managing and analysing care data.
Early evidence showed improved integration with NHS systems, supporting safer information sharing and better continuity of care. By reducing time spent on paperwork, staff were able to focus more on people receiving care. Ongoing work continues to strengthen interoperability and digital skills, with long-term benefits expected for efficiency, safety, and quality across adult social care.
“The trainer was lovely and a valuable asset to your company, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, no question feels a ‘silly’ one. She has patience and spends time with everyone who needs her whilst explaining how to do something on SystmOne. Thank you.”
“Reassurance that we were doing things correctly and clarification that I understand the system. Brilliant support.”