Tell us what is working
Last year, we shared our digital social care self-evaluation toolkit.
Many services told us they were interested in using it to support reflection and improvement. As technology and AI become more visible in care, understanding how tools like this support improvement is increasingly important.
We would like to understand what has happened since the toolkit was shared, including:
- whether you have used it
- how helpful it has been
- what would make it easier to use.
We have created a short survey that should take one minute to complete. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where we can improve the support we offer.
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AI in social care: helpful resources and learning
Artificial intelligence, often called AI, is becoming a bigger part of everyday life and work. Its use in public services, including health and social care is growing everyday.
The Scottish Government has set out a clear ambition to use AI in ways that are responsible, inclusive and for the benefit of everyone in Scotland. For those working in care and support, this brings both opportunities and important questions.
AI may help with tasks such as summarising information, supporting decisions and reducing administrative work. At the same time, we need to make sure it is used safely, fairly and in a way that keeps people who experience care at the centre and respects human rights.
We have brought together some useful links and learning below to support reflection and discussion for you and your service.
Scotland’s approach to AI
The Scottish Government published its AI strategy for 2026 to 2031 in March and sets out a five-year plan for how AI will be developed and used across Scotland.
The strategy focuses on improving public services, supporting innovation and building skills across the workforce. It also recognises risks such as fairness, transparency and the impact of AI on jobs.
Using AI responsibly in social care
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As AI becomes more common, it is important that we use it in ways that are safe and respectful.
The Scottish Social Services Council is developing guidance and training to support the safe use of AI in social care. While this work is ongoing, they have outlined five key principles to help guide practice:
- put people first
- work safely and securely
- be open and get consent
- challenge bias
- take accountability.
These principles highlight that AI should support care, not replace it. They also remind us that responsibility for decisions always stays with people, not the technology.
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Building your knowledge and confidence
There is a growing range of learning to support people working in health and social care to understand AI and wider digital change.
NHS Education for Scotland is now part of Public Services Delivery Scotland, a new national organisation that brings together education, digital and workforce expertise to support services across Scotland.
Public Services Delivery Scotland offers a range of learning resources, including a structured AI learning pathway. This pathway is intended to develop knowledge of AI in health and social care and includes four levels: Explore, Embed, Drive and Shape. The Explore level is for everyone working in health and social care, whatever their role. The pathway introduces what AI is, how it is used and some of the key language around it.
There are also useful webinars aimed at people in leadership or improvement roles. These focus on developing a digital mindset and understanding how technology is changing how services are designed and delivered. It highlights that digital is not just about tools. It is about how we work with people and use technology to improve outcomes.
Reflecting on AI in practice
As AI becomes more visible in care and support, it may be helpful to reflect on:
- how could AI support the work we do?
- what risks do we need to consider first?
- how do we make sure people who experience care stay at the centre of decisions?
- what support do staff need to feel confident using AI safely?
There is no single right answer. What matters is taking a thoughtful, informed and person-centred approach.
Share your success stories
We would love to hear from you! Do you have great examples of how digital approaches are improving people’s outcomes in practice? Share your experiences by completing this short form.
Your stories will help inspire others and showcase the impact of digital innovation.
Stay up to date with the latest news, resources, and learning opportunities by visiting our website. It is your go-to space for supporting digital confidence and innovation across the sector.
The Digital Social Care Team
Find out more about our work at www.careinspectorate.scot
Contact us
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