On 1st July 2022 the first integrated care systems came into existence. If you’re like me, you were excited to see where the new system would take us as a sector. We really understood the Cambridge definition of integration – “the action or process of successfully joining or mixing with a different group of people”.  Working in a sector that intersects with multiple other organisations, but not always feeling heard we hoped this would be the working definition for the make up of the boards. Social care intersects with Local authorities, social services, housing organisations, NHS, charities and local communities, this was a perfect opportunity for integration.

Wouldn’t it be great if all of those organisations were sitting around the same table having intelligent discussions. However, it didn’t work out like that in most areas. The name changed, areas amalgamated, but in most places the same people were at the table under a new title. In many eyes, that put paid to any hope of meaningful integration and influence from the social care sector. Thankfully there are some small pockets of work being done across some of the boards, but not enough in my opinion to believe we have true integration or collaboration.

So is there any collaboration?

In many ways, yes there has always been collaboration across the sectors, the community nor business would function unless we worked with each other in some way. But just how much collaboration do we see? I would venture to say there is actually little collaboration between providers. This is understandable as ultimately providers provide similar services and would say they are competing for business. However, I don’t believe this has to be the case. I believe there is room for all of us within the space.

Imagine for a moment if care providers did start to work collaboratively. Here are a few things I think we could gain.

Improved Outcomes. If we coordinated efforts, we could identify the exact service to meet the care needs of an individual. As they receive more targeted and effective services, both the admitting service’s reputation is enhanced, as well as the referring service. By collaborating and sharing information the likelihood of placement breakdown is lower and therefore associated distress and costs are lower, win win for all.

Resource Efficiency: If providers worked together, the servicing and availability of equipment could be maximised. How many stand aids or bath seats are lying around one facility as people pass on, and no other resident needs the same equipment. Having a collaborative list of resources available could help ease the burden of storing and financing equipment,

Peer support. We already have some great manager networks in the skills for care arena. They also offer great resources. But how many providers are not in these supportive networks? If there was more collaboration, we would know each other more and be able to support each other better.

Communication and increased Knowledge Sharing. Once we start truly collaborating, professionals will learn from each other, stay updated on best practices, and improve their skills. Sharing of training venues, training resources and where to get best information will enhance the care journey for our clients and improve the perception of care companies in the community.

Most of all I really believe it gives empowerment: When providers are not working in silos, and are actually collaborating, it means other agencies cannot divide and conquer. By sticking together and insisting on fair and equitable treatment for social care, we should soon gain parity with NHS services.

Overall, I believe good social care collaboration  would enhance the quality of care and the well-being of those receiving services, it reduces stress on staff and gives NHS and local authorities confidence they are placing people in the best service for the person. With the amount of care beds having fallen for the first time in decades, and the aging population increasing, there has never been a better time to serve our community with collaboration amongst providers.