This paper is about the digital future in health, housing and social care.

It builds on our first paper, Unleashing the Digital Premium, published in 2020 and explores in more detail four themes at the heart of the digital premium: place, predictive technology and population health, security and
wellbeing at home, and new digital standards.

Section 1 explains the context and purpose of the paper and the interactive methodology which has provided the framework and content for Unleashing the Digital Premium. Case studies and quotes from thought leaders and experts, drawn from interviews and focus groups, are used to illustrate key arguments and learning throughout the report.

Section 2 explores what we mean by the digital premium and why it matters. Prompt questions for boards and themes and insights are shared to stimulate discussion and provide focus at national and local levels in a rapidly changing environment.

Section 3 takes a hard look at the health, housing and social care environment and the changes that are most affecting quality assurance. After identifying the dynamics involved the section concludes with a focus on how governance can enable the digital premium against this background.

Section 4 examines the effective use of digital technologies, focusing on the role of leadership, skills and data. Issues of balance, empowerment and ownership are explored in detail.

Section 5 provides a practical checklist of questions for boards, making the case for good governance as essential to securing future change at the pace and scale needed.

The main argument is that connecting digital “thinking and doing” with good governance enables proper stewardship of public assets and the public interest. This connection grounds strategic digital issues in real
accountability, not just in organisations but in new networks, systems and collaborations between organisations on which the future of health, housing and care depends.

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