This paper examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can be responsibly harnessed to enhance productivity in England’s adult social care (ASC) sector, which is grappling with increasing demand, workforce shortages, and persistent concerns about financial sustainability. The paper begins by addressing the challenge of measuring the sector’s performance where outcomes are inherently complex and centred around individual needs. It is concluded that irrespective of which measure is being considered, productivity in the sector has declined for a decade or more.
Using a delivery chain framework, the paper identifies pathways for productivity gains through both improved task performance and more effective case mix management. We introduce a new framework highlighting the potential of AI to support these gains by automating administrative tasks, enhancing care planning and scheduling, and strengthening decision-making.
Despite these opportunities, the paper finds that AI adoption remains limited due to ethical concerns, workforce readiness, governance constraints, and financial instability. Realising AI’s full potential will require aligned organisational and governance reforms, including investment in digital skills, staff wellbeing, and the development of ethical AI practices.
It also calls for regulatory frameworks that strike a balance between innovation and accountability, and procurement models that support long-term partnerships. Integrated Care Systems are identified as a key mechanism for enabling cross-sector collaboration between health and social care.
Overall, ‘responsibility’ is a critical feature for ensuring that new AI opportunities contribute to a more sustainable, effective, and person-centred care system.
Authors Joel Hoskins, Bart van Ark