Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has unveiled a new qualification that will equip care leaders with the skills to use and rapidly deploy technology across care homes and other settings.

The training will focus on tools which have been shown to improve the quality of care and reduce pressure on staff. This includes motion sensors that can detect and alert staff when a patient has had a fall; video telecare to allow remote appointments with doctors and carers to reduce the need to travel; and artificial intelligence which can automate routine tasks like note taking or predict when a patient might need additional care.

Care technologies like these will help people to receive the best possible care in the community and prevent avoidable trips to the hospital, reducing pressure on the NHS.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘We will harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to transform social care, helping people to live independently in their own homes and improving the quality of care.

‘By investing in skills training for care workers, introducing a Fair Pay Agreement, and providing more opportunities for career progression, we will help retain the incredible professionals we need.

‘Our Plan for Change will make sure we have the people and the skills needed to build a National Care Service.'

Speaking at Unison's 2025 National Health Care Conference, the Health and Social Care Secretary also outlined a series of wider measures to boost the recruitment and retention of care staff. The plans will professionalise the adult social care workforce and help staff progress in their careers, leading to better pay and recognition.

In response, Unison general secretary Christina McAnea, said: ‘Improved learning, training and development opportunities and a clear career path for care workers are good moves for the government to make.

‘For too long, the social care system has operated without the shared standards or funding to allow proper investment in skills and qualifications. That's left many working in care frustrated that their NHS colleagues don't always recognise their expertise. But these new opportunities still rely on a fragmented, profit-driven sector. For reforms to make the biggest difference, workers need a fair pay agreement and better still, the national care service that's been promised.'