Welcome to our newsletter, where we provide you with the latest from Digital Telecare for Scottish Local Government. In this edition, we bring you a recap of the events within the Digital Telecare Programme over the past month, along with insights of upcoming activities.
If you have any queries regarding any of the content within this newsletter, please get in touch.
Inverclyde Awarded Platinum Digital Telecare Implementation Award.
We are delighted to confirm that Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) have been awarded the Platinum Digital Telecare Implementation Award in recognition of the recent completion of their analogue to digital telecare transition project.
Inverclyde HSCP works with partners Bield Response 24 (BR24), their Alarm Receiving Centre, to provide their telecare service to the residents of Inverclyde. This service goes to 2,076 people in the community, and they have successfully transitioned from analogue to digital across the entire estate.
David Gould, Chair of the Inverclyde Integrated Joint Board (IJB), said: “This is a fantastic milestone and one which everyone working in the digital telecare team should be very proud of.
Telecare is a vital service for older adults and vulnerable people in our community so that they can easily call for help.
Not only have all service users successfully moved over to digital telecare, there have been no serious issues or call failures for more than two months which shows it is working.
Angus HSCP Successfully Implement the Shared ARC Platform.
On 7th April 2025, Angus Health and Social Care Partnership's (AHSCP) Community Alarm Control Centre transitioned to the Shared Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) Platform, a national initiative led by the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government.
The implementation of the Shared ARC Platform will allow AHSCP to identify new innovative technology to support the people of Angus in the future.
The Assessed Solutions List continues to evolve and develop. Recent enhancements include modernisation and expansion of the ASL to include Web Portals and Mobile Apps; an essential step in aligning with the rapidly changing landscape of telecare delivery. This inclusion ensures that the list remains not only comprehensive but also responsive to the needs of both Telecare Service Providers and end users, offering a clearer view of digital readiness across the sector. The latest edition, Version 11.2, also introduces a more intuitive structure, with alphabetised supplier entries and clearer categorisation of devices and services, making it easier than ever for stakeholders to navigate and apply.
Behind the scenes, the ASL process has been strengthened with robust assessment protocols and collaborative input from trusted partners. The updated marking sheets for mobile apps and DMPs demonstrate a commitment to clarity and adhering to modern standards of security. These refinements give users confidence that telecare solutions have been assessed to a good standard and that they are working with suppliers who have shown a willingness to work transparently with the Digital Office. For organisations that may not have their own cyber security departments this provides a useful service and reduce time taken to assess a new solutions.
We are currently in the process of adding mobile apps to the scheme which will be an exciting addition. More news on that to follow.
David Ritchie, Digital Office Chief Information and Security Officer, said: "I'd like to offer thanks to the council officers who have volunteered to be on the panel for the assessment of ASL submissions, and I would also like to invite anyone with an interest in participating in these panels to get in touch for more information."
David brings over 30 years of experience across housing, health and social care, and the third sector, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for older and vulnerable people. His expertise in Technology Enabled Care and strategic leadership has shaped services from frontline delivery to senior management.
Previously seconded from the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, David has now formally joined the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government to continue leading the Digital Telecare Programme as Business Relationship Manager. In this role, he drives Scotland’s digital telecare transformation, building on his background in service innovation, business development, and organisational change.
David also brings governance experience as Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director of Kingdom Support and Care, and holds qualifications in Agile and Public Sector Leadership.
Sam Leonard, Senior Project Manager
Sam is an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in project coordination, delivery, governance, and compliance. Sam transitions from her current role as Project Manager to her new role as Senior Project Manager in the Digital Telecare team.
Sam leads the Shared Alarm Receiving Centre technology solution (Shared ARC Platform) Programme, part of a broader programme aimed at transforming the telecare sector in Scotland and ensuring the transition from analogue to digital connectivity by early 2027.
Sam has a proven ability in managing complex projects, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and delivering high-quality results. Previously Sam worked in the energy and IT sectors, holding a number of roles in the project, delivery and compliance arenas.
Major Digital Upgrade Completed for Thousands of Telecare Users Across Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
Over 3,500 users across Stirling and Clackmannanshire now have a telecare service that comprises a digital alarm unit, pendant, and peripheral devices within people’s homes, which communicate via the mobile phone network or internet connection, to the digital ARC, and any help they may need.
The benefits of the full MECS digitalisation include:
No interruption to services as local telephone exchanges are switched from analogue to digital
A simpler, more cost-effective and reliable service
More tailored support for users to help them live more independent lives at home for longer
The Digital Telecare team would really value your input as we explore how telecare responder services vary across Scotland.
This evaluation aims to:
Understand how current responder services operate
Identify common practices and share recommendations
At the end of the survey, there’s space for you to share any insights or ideas for improving how services are delivered - we’d love to hear them.
And if your organisation doesn’t currently have a responder service, that’s important too! Let us know - this information helps us build a clearer picture of the telecare landscape across Scotland.
The COSLA Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of Scottish Local Government - are now open for applications!
The Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity for councils and their partners to recognise some of the great work, talent and innovation happening across Scottish Local Government.
Timeline for applications:
Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 4th July 2025. The COSLA Excellence Awards prizegiving ceremony for 2025 will take place on Thursday, 13th November at the Fairmont, St Andrews, as part of the COSLA’s Annual Conference.
Council teams can submit applications across 5 categories:
Category 1: Leading Innovation
Category 2: Improving in partnership
Category 3: Tackling inequalities and improving health
Category 4: Strengthening communities and local democracy
Category 5: Building towards a just transition
In addition, there are 4 special categories (to be announced) in which applicants from across the 5 main categories will have a further chance to win an award, nominated by our team of judges from COSLA’s senior leadership and across the public, private and third sector. Find out more about the COSLA Excellence Awards and apply using the link below.
Building Sustainable Futures Together - Innovation Centre Roadshow.
Join DHI for the second of their four exciting regional Innovation Centres Roadshows! This event, hosted at Forth Valley College (Falkirk), marks the beginning of a new decade for Scotland’s four national innovation centres.
Be part of the journey! Whether you're an entrepreneur, researcher, student, academic or industry professional, this event is your opportunity to connect with Scotland’s Innovation Centres and explore how we can work together to build a sustainable future.
The Power of CHI to Shape the Future of Health and Social Care: 17th July 2025.
Join experts from COSLA, the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, and Public Health Scotland as they explore the transformative potential of the Community Health Index (CHI) Number in local government services. With the CHI in Local Government project now entering its Discovery Phase, this session will highlight how CHI can:
Deliver better outcomes for people accessing services
Reduce duplication and streamline processes
Minimise the need for individuals to repeat their information
Increase capacity in a stretched system
Ensure frontline staff have the right information at the right time
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=Awards-Badges-Shared-ARC-Platform%20(1).png)
