In response, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and The Access Group have announced a collaborative programme of policy roundtables designed to build a framework for these standards. The initiative will convene stakeholders from across the sector to agree how national standards can improve consistency, equity and quality without stifling local innovation.
The four roundtables, running through October and November, will address key themes:
- Purpose and personalisation
- Data and technology
- Integration across health and housing
- Accountability
Findings will be published in a report in January 2026 and submitted to the Casey Commission as part of Phase One of its work.
Kathryn Marsden OBE (formerly Kathryn Smith OBE), Chief Executive of SCIE, said:
“Good social care supports people of all ages to live with dignity, independence, and confidence but its availability is determined by a postcode lottery that leaves too many behind. National standards can act as a levelling force, clarifying expectations without undermining local innovation.
“Through these roundtables, we are building the framework in which national standards can be developed turning ambition into practical, actionable proposals grounded in lived experience and frontline practice.”
Anisa Byrne, Managing Director at Access Care, added:
“National standards of care represent a pivotal opportunity to transform how social care operates across England. Technology and data are fundamental to making these standards work in practice from real-time monitoring of quality to ensuring transparency and accountability.
“This isn’t about imposing bureaucracy. It’s about creating a framework where technology drives improvement and every person receiving care benefits from collective sector learning.”
