Scoping Report to Inform the Development of Frameworks in Welsh Social Care

Description

BackgroundIn 2024/25 Social Care Wales developed a digital potential tool, which enables staff at social care organisations to better understand their digital skills and capabilities. The tool also supports organisations to identify skills gaps and target support where it’s most needed.In July 2025, the early findings from the digital potential tool were released: The Digital Potential Tool (DPT) - An Insight into the digital maturity and literacy of social care in Wales. The report was based on the responses of 1,200 individuals across 295 organisations in Wales. The report highlighted that while social care workers have high levels of basic digital skills and most have access to the technology they need to do their work, there are important areas for improvement. Technical problem solving, specialised technology for person-centred care, and understanding and using artificial intelligence (AI) tools were highlighted as key skills gaps amongst the workforce. At an organisation level, digital strategic planning, getting systems to work effectively together and sharing information about digital transformation between organisations were some of the areas that could be improved.These findings align with national strategies, including:- Ymlaen: The research, innovation and improvement strategy for social care 2024 to 2029- Digital and Data Strategy for health and social care in Wales.This tender aligns with the key recommendations of the DPT report in terms of:- develop a ‘what good looks like’ framework for social care in Wales- create a digital competency framework with flexible learning pathways which are tailored to social care professionals and address the unique requirements of their roles based on the 'what good looks like' framework- make training opportunities more visible and accessible.Aims and ObjectivesPhase 1 – Scoping (this tender)The aim of this tender is to commission a supplier to produce a scoping report that sets out how Social Care Wales, in partnership with social care organisations and people who access care and support, could co-develop:- A ‘What Good Looks Like’ (WGLL) framework for digital maturity and literacy in Welsh social care- A digital competency framework for Welsh social care leadership.This scoping will provide the evidence base and design options needed to:- Define what “good” digital maturity and literacy looks like in Welsh social care- Clarify the digital competencies expected of leaders- Ensure the voices of people who access care and support in Wales are central to digital transformation.Phase 1 must produce actionable, well-evidenced recommendations because Phase 2 depends on them. Decisions in Phase 1, such as framework principles, success metrics, and engagement insights, will directly shape Phase 2’s design. Therefore, the successful supplier should deliver Phase 1 with Phase 2 in mind, for example, considering feasibility, scalability, alignment with national strategies, and how stakeholder engagement can inform longer-term framework adoption.What is required / ‘The Requirements’The successful supplier will:- Conduct desk top research to review existing evidence and frameworks (e.g. NHS England’s WGLL, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) Digital Capability Framework)- Conduct initial inclusive engagement with stakeholders including the social care workforce, leaders and people who access care and support, to inform and shape recommendations.- Make clear recommendations setting out a roadmap for Phase 2 development, including required costings and resources, timeframes and milestones, stakeholder mapping and engagement plan, evaluation approach and success metrics.Produce a scoping report that provides:- Draft structure and principles for a WGLL framework for digital maturity and literacy in social care in Wales.- Draft structure and principles for a digital competency framework for social care leadership in Wales.- Evidence stakeholder engagement.- Mapping of current frameworks and training provision.- Recommendations and detailed plan for Phase 2 development.OutputsBy mid March 2026, the successful supplier will deliver a bilingual scoping report on:- how to co-produce a What Good Looks Like (WGLL) framework that would define what “good” digital maturity and literacy looks like in social care in Wales, shaped by the voices of people who draw on care and support, as well as the workforce and sector leaders.- how to create a digital competency framework for leadership.The scoping report must include:- Draft structure and principles for a WGLL framework for digital maturity and literacy in social care in Wales.- Draft structure and principles for a digital competency framework for social care leadership in Wales.- Evidence of stakeholder engagement.- Mapping of current frameworks and training provisions.- Recommendations and detailed plan for Phase 2 development.A bilingual summary report will also be required for publication on Social Care Wales’s website.Please see specification for more informationNOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=155724.The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. Digital RequirementsDigital inclusion is an essential principle underpinning the delivery of this tender. The social care workforce in Wales is diverse, and participants will have varying levels of digital confidence and access to technology. Therefore, all aspects of the tender must be designed and delivered in a way that ensures equitable access and participation for everyone.The successful supplier must ensure:- Use of appropriate and secure use of digital platforms (MS Team / Zoom) for virtual delivery, collaboration and communication.- Use digital tools to support real-time data collection and analysis (e.g. surveys, feedback forms, reflective tools).- Consideration of diverse digital capabilities and environments of participants.- Robust processes for handling personal and organisational data gathered through coaching, evaluation and feedback.- That they avoid assumptions about digital skills and offer support or guidance where needed to help participants engage confidently.- That all facilitators and coaches are trained in inclusive digital facilitation and able to adapt materials or delivery methods accordingly.Bilingual RequirementsEngagement – The successful supplier must be able to provide stakeholder engagement activities bilingually (in both Welsh and English). This includes methods of engagement such as workshops, and any resources and materials used duringsuch engagement. Submission of any draft materials will only be expected in English. The Supplier must ensure engagement activities are accessible and meet the requirements for reasonable adjustments such as providing BSL interpreters, if required.Final report - the final report must be produced bilingually (in both Welsh and English). Submission of any draft versions will only be expected in English.These requirements reflect Social Care Wales’ commitment to the Welsh Language Standards.Suppliers must cost for translation within their financial response (Appendix 3)Accessibility RequirementsThe successful supplier must also consider the Welsh social care workforce’s potential accessibility needs ensuring that:- All digital content and tools conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA, as a minimum.- Any online platforms used are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech-to-text, and captioning tools.- Documents and resources are provided in accessible formats (e.g. properly tagged PDFs, alt text for images, high-contrast visuals, Cymraeg Clir and plain English versions).- Programme activities are co-designed or adapted with consideration for participants with additional learning needs, neurodivergence, or disabilities.- Language used across all materials is clear, jargon-free, and culturally inclusive.- They build in clear, proactive mechanisms to identify and respond to accessibility needs early in the programme(WA Ref:155724)The buyer considers that this contract is suitable for consortia bidding.