Professor Yvonne Birks is Director of the NIHR School for Social Care Research (SSCR), a partnership of leading social care research centres across England. Here she highlights how evidence-based research ensures effective, sustainable, person-centred care.
The social care sector in the UK is constantly evolving and, with the Casey Commission imminent, we are all aware that there are broader changes on the horizon. Changes in demographics, funding pressures, advances in technology, and shifting expectations from those who draw on support mean that social care must be increasingly adaptable and personalised. However it also needs to be evidence informed and cost-effective. The sector constantly needs to balance flexibility, innovation, and collaboration while staying true to its core values of dignity and compassion.
No single organisation can tackle the challenges in social care alone. A strong partnership between researchers and the multiple sector stakeholders is essential for driving informed change. By working closely with policymakers and people delivering and supported by social care, researchers can and want to support the development of evidence-based but practical solutions tailored to real-world challenges. At the School for Social Care Research (funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research), this collaborative approach ensures that our research directly informs and supports evidence-based change. Through continued investment in robust data collection, applied research and evaluations, the School will continue to add to its extensive evidence library and help generate insights that can shape policies and improve service delivery that meets the complexity of support individuals need.
We believe, to ensure meaningful improvements, social care decision-making must be firmly grounded in evidence. Evidence-based approaches help identify what works best, ensuring that changes and new practices are effective and make best use of resources. Research provides insights into the experiences of people using support, working services and the real impact of policy changes, workforce strategies, and emerging technologies. The significant emphasis on integrated health and social care services also means the sector needs to focus on being proactive rather than reactive to ensure we raise the visibility and understanding of the sector. This means encouraging a culture of curiosity and innovation, using data effectively, and embracing robust, well-evidenced digital technologies.
New technologies such as artificial intelligence systems have the potential to improve efficiency and responsiveness in the sector – and there is public support for this – but it should always be used to complement, not replace, the personal connections that make care meaningful. A key part of this is involving people who use and work in services in shaping how support is delivered and technologies implemented, making sure their voices are heard and their needs met. There is still much to learn as technology starts to take an increasing role in social care delivery. Whether it’s AI-powered scheduling and assessment support, robotics, or data analytics, any new technology must work in a way that strengthens, rather than weakens, person-centred support.
Looking ahead, social care in the UK faces the potential for significant change in relation to the care workforce, digital transformation, integration with health services. Ongoing research will be vital in assessing the success of these initiatives, providing valuable feedback to refine strategies and ensure long-term sustainability. An evidence-led approach to workforce planning, service delivery, and policy development will help the sector navigate future challenges with confidence. Change isn’t easy, and the scale of the obvious problems social care faces daily can feel overwhelming. Engaging with research can feel like another thing people are being asked to do in the face of the significant challenges the sector continues to wrestle with. However cross-sector collaboration, including with researchers, is essential to ensure that innovations are evaluated and sustainable as well as providing evidence that is needed to make the economic case for investment at national and local levels. Investing our combined efforts systematically in examining initiatives backed by government support and investment must be a priority.
By staying flexible, tackling barriers head-on, and making sure innovation enhances rather than detracts from personal care, the sector can evolve in a way that truly benefits those who rely on it. Strong leadership, collaboration, and a focus on both people and technology will be key to ensuring that social care in the UK remains compassionate, effective, and fit for the future. With a deeper commitment to research-driven improvements, the sector can build a stronger foundation for sustainable, high-quality care.
