Support A Caring Society Network: Exploring new and transformative practice in adult social care

Having completed the scoping and initial convening phases – building a diverse and influential community of 400+ and a theory of change – Jericho Chambers is now looking for funding for the next phase in the Caring Society Programme: an innovation and change network dedicated to exploring emerging new and transformative practice in adult social care

The Story So Far:

Social care provision in the UK is in crisis. Demographic changes, political inertia and a looming funding shortfall are all driving the system – as it is currently constituted – towards a reckoning for the cared for, carers and care-focussed institutions. Those on the frontline have been sounding the alarm bell for several years now and it seems like the message is finally getting through. Government investment is sorely needed but simply throwing money at the problem, while necessary, is insufficient. Propping up bureaucracies that are too remote and markets that are too free will be of limited value to those who need care and those who provide it. Instead, some of any extra money must be used to transform social care. The issue is how?

Over the past 10 months, Jericho Chambers, with the initial support of Grant Thornton, have been convening a community of 400+ social care professionals, academics, media and those with lived experiences. The community grew organically from a diverse range of backgrounds to explore how to build a caring society where all viewpoints are considered, all needs are met and all pre-conceived ideas are challenged. What evolved was the Caring Society Programme. It has started to unearth and connect an incredibly rich stream of social care innovation. You can read our Caring Society case study here.

Through this journey, we have explored the ethics of care with Julia Unwin and her work on kindness. We have heard from Hilary Cottam on the infinite capacity when people are free to act, and from Donna Hall about how this thinking has been put into practice through the Wigan Deal. Brendan Martin has talked us through the application and frustration of the Buurtzorg model, and Alex Fox of Shared Lives has helped us understand their eco-created model of change. Along the way tech innovators such as Devika Wood from Vida and Helen Bowey from Alcove have shown how digital networks can better bring those who provide care and need it together effectively.

Through this process, we have developed a big vision for the future of the care sector and a theory of change to help us get there focusing on three key themes: the ethics of care; the role of government and how the sector can innovate.But this has just scratched the surface of an incredibly vibrant and inventive sector. While there are many examples of exciting and innovative initiatives taking place all across the UK, there is a disconnect between how those disparate enterprises are connected, accelerated, shared and scaled. Many from the business and independent sector are not being brought to the table to learn and share. So how can placed-based care innovation be scaled? What is 21st century leadership in care? How can new funding and investment models be combined and what is the role of business, investors, civil society, the local authority and national government in all this? 

So What Next?
About the Caring Society Network:

The Caring Society Network (CSN) will act as a facilitator and aggregator of innovative emerging practice from the cutting edge with a focus on fostering relationships between the public, private and independent sector and creating infrastructure for good ideas to be developed and shared – so ultimately, better decisions get made. It will be a ‘learning network’ to help transform the sector from the bottom up and the top down.This ‘honest broker’ model has the potential to take cost and confusion out of system change and transformation of the care system through collaboration. However, it relies on practitioners to invest in testing and joining up new ideas and methods.The Caring Society Network isn’t there to duplicate all the great work that’s happening in the field but provide a unique and valuable space and experience to focus on how what’s emerging turns into the mainstream.

How the CSN Will Work:

The CSN will expand the great thinking and wide-ranging community already established by the Caring Society programme – taking it to a wider and action-orientated audience. Providing a mix of research and ideation, networking and advocacy the network will help to galvanise real change in the adult social care sector.The network will focus on action-led learning and reflection and while debate and discussion will play a big part in the genesis and generation of ideas this will not be simply another talking shop. The network will be open to those who want to commit to shared learning and systems change across sectors, generations and communities. All voices will be equal among members.Sponsors of the network will benefit from:

• Access to cutting edge thinking and thinkers

• Access to a diverse network of academics, media, policy-makers and business leaders to cross-pollinate projects and ideas

• Unique positioning opportunities – leading and convening the debate

 Key outputs from the network are anticipated to include:

• Monthly newsletter on issues, ideas, case studies

• 6 x roundtables hearing and discussing emerging practice with experts

• Annual networking event

• 2 x publications on key issues

• Development of a theory of change to build a caring society

• Calls to action when appropriate

• Exploration of place-based innovations

• Responses to CSN members to specific problems and opportunities – to share the wisdom of the network to help each other problem solve and accelerate innovation

A Co-created Initiative  

Jericho will provide strategic counsel and help to shape the purpose and annual priorities and activities of the network. In addition, Jericho will lead the development of the network’s theory of change.Jericho will also work as expert convener keeping the community alive and thriving whilst ensuring the diversity of thought and membership.But this project will be co-created between Jericho and the sponsor membership, so it is responsive to what actually happening in the field. 

Membership

Membership of the CSN will be by invite only to ensure the balance of members is complimentary between:

• Local authorities

• Policy-makers

• Practitioners

• Tech disruptors

• Housing providers

• Business

• Transport companies

• Investment companies

• Insurance companies

• Those with lived experience

• NGOs and Campaigners

Finance & Funding

Jericho Chambers is looking for one or a small number of Founding Partners for the CSN to help support it and get it off the ground.  The Founding Partner will help shape the Network and be involved every step of the way with the issues, people, organizations and programme.  It provides a unique opportunity to build relationships and be at the forefront of the adult care debate – working with the best councils, thinkers and practitioners.  Jericho is totally open the exact nature of the relationship – it’s what works for both sides in ways that really develop this critical area of public policy, social innovation and business development,The initial areas we need help to cover include:

• Website design and initial digital infrastructure set-up

• Staff costs of set up

• Event planning and logistics

• Development of theory of change

• Development of programme

• Content development and publishing

• Membership development, offer and recruitment

• Data management

To get involved or if you would like any other information please contact becky.holloway@jerichochambers.com