SCIE And The Access Group Lead Sector Drive To Define National Standards Of Care
The government has outlined ambitious plans to transform the adult social care system through the establishment of a National Care Service supported by comprehensive national standards, aimed at ensuring consistent, high-quality care delivery nationwide. While the manifesto commitment represents a significant policy direction, the specific parameters and implementation mechanisms for these standards remain under development.
In response to this policy imperative, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and The Access Group have initiated a collaborative series of policy roundtables designed to establish a comprehensive framework for national care standards. This strategic initiative seeks to forge consensus among key stakeholders and develop a unified vision for how national standards can effectively deliver consistency, equity, and quality improvements across England’s social care landscape.
The four roundtables, which will take place in October and November, will explore key themes including purpose and personalisation, data and technology, integration across health and housing and accountability. Insights from these discussions will be published in a report in January 2026 and submitted to the Casey Commission to inform Phase One of its work.
Kathryn Marsden OBE (Formerly Kathryn Smith OBE), SCIE’s Chief Executive, 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 for people drawing on care, providers, and commissioners alike, without undermining local innovation.
“Through these roundtables, we are doing the work to build the framework in which national standards can be developed—turning ambition into practical, actional proposals that are grounded in lived experience, evidence and frontline practice.
“If this government’s vision of a National Care Service is to succeed, it cannot be another top-down exercise in Whitehall design. These standards must be co-produced with the people who use and deliver care every day. By bringing together voices from across the sector, we have a real chance to break the cycle of short-term fixes and create a lasting settlement; one that is consistent, equitable and, above all, focused on what really matters to people’s lives.”
Anisa Byrne, Managing Director at Access Care, said:
“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 enabling real-time monitoring of care quality to ensuring accountability and transparency across the sector.
“The Access Group is proud to partner with SCIE on these roundtables. By bringing together operational insights from the care sector with the latest technological capabilities, we can help shape standards that are both ambitious and achievable.
“This isn’t about imposing rigid systems or creating more bureaucracy. It’s about building a framework where technology supports continuous improvement, where data drives better decisions, and where every person receiving care benefits from the collective learning of the entire sector. We look forward to contributing our expertise and ensuring the national standards are equipped for the digital future of social care.”
