The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence in adult social care, digital inclusion initiatives, and to set the council's scrutiny work programme. The panel also considered a draft final report on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Artificial Intelligence Utilisation Plans in Adult Social Care

The panel received a presentation on the council's plans for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) within adult social care. The Head of ICT and Digital Services explained that AI is an emerging technology with the potential to improve productivity and service delivery, but also introduces new responsibilities regarding governance, accountability, transparency, and data protection. The council has adopted an Artificial Intelligence Policy to ensure its safe and responsible use. AI is intended to support staff rather than replace professional judgment, with human oversight remaining central to decision-making.

A pilot of the AI transcription tool, Magic Notes, has been extended for six months to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing administrative burdens and allowing practitioners more time with service users. The council is also exploring AI-supported telephone systems that could handle routine enquiries and reduce switchboard waiting times, with other local authorities reporting significant reductions in call volumes. Discussions also touched upon the potential cost implications of AI implementation, with the Head of ICT and Digital Services stating it was too early to determine overall costs. The panel was assured that any future AI implementation would be driven by tangible benefits and subject to robust governance and executive approval. The Service Director for Adult Social Care and Housing Solutions mentioned ongoing work on the Great North Care Record, which aims to improve information sharing across organisations.

AGREED: The presentation was noted.

Digital Inclusion in Adult Social Care

The panel heard a presentation on Middlesbrough's Digital Inclusion Offer, delivered through the Rekindle Service within Middlesbrough Independent Living Services (MILS). This service aims to help residents develop digital skills, access online services, reduce social isolation, and maintain independence, contributing to the council's preventative approach in adult social care. The Rekindle Service, established in 2019, provides one-to-one digital assistance, online shopping support, digital health access, device and connectivity support, and community-based activities. The Digital Champions Programme, involving trained volunteers and staff, offers lighter-touch support and signposting.

Partnerships with organisations like FurbD IT, libraries, and community hubs are crucial to the service's delivery. Over the past year, Rekindle supported the distribution of 59 devices and 40 Data Bank SIM cards. The presentation included a video showcasing residents who benefited from the service, with testimonials highlighting increased confidence, reduced isolation, and improved ability to connect with family and access services. Members raised concerns about the affordability and sustainability of digital devices, and were informed that refurbished devices are a key part of the support. The Service Director of Adult Social Care and Housing Solutions clarified that Adult Social Care does not operate a digital by default approach, but matches support to assessed needs.

AGREED: The presentation was noted.

Setting the Scrutiny Work Programme - Short-listed Scrutiny Topics

The panel was asked to select one Public Health Scrutiny Investigation Topic and one Adult Social Care Scrutiny Investigation Topic for the 2026/2027 Work Programme. Following discussion, the panel agreed to select Barriers to Immunisation Uptake as the Public Health topic and Neighbourhood Health Management as the Adult Social Care topic. It was also agreed that the review into Barriers to Immunisation Uptake would be the first scrutiny investigation undertaken. Additionally, the panel requested an update presentation on Unpaid Carers be included in the work programme, rather than a full scrutiny investigation.

AGREED:

• Barriers to Immunisation Uptake was selected as the Public Health Scrutiny Investigation Topic.
• Neighbourhood Health Management was selected as the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Investigation Topic.
• The Barriers to Immunisation Uptake review would be the first scrutiny investigation undertaken.
• An update presentation on Unpaid Carers would be included in the work programme.

Draft Final Report - Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): How to Tackle It

The panel considered the Draft Final Report on its review into Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The report highlighted that VAWG is widespread in Middlesbrough, with levels of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and repeat victimisation significantly higher than regional and national averages. The panel concluded that a stronger strategic leadership, clearer coordination, and corporate ownership are required to embed prevention and cultural change across the local system.

An amendment was proposed and agreed to Recommendation C, which mandates Violence Against Women and Girls awareness training for Elected Members, in addition to Council employees. The report recommended the development of a Middlesbrough VAWG Prevention Framework, the establishment of a cross-directorate steering group, mandatory online training for all council employees, a joint commissioning approach for VAWG services, and progress towards White Ribbon accreditation.

AGREED:

• Recommendation C was amended to include Elected Members.
• The Draft Final Report, as amended, was approved for submission to the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

Overview and Scrutiny Board Update

Councillor John Kabuye, Chair of the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Panel, provided an update on items discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting held on 7 July 2026. These included the Final Report of the Children's Scrutiny Panel on Out of Area Specialist Provision, Terms of Reference for Council Engagement with Faith and Belief Groups, a Service Area Overview from the Chief Executive's Department, and Corporate Performance Year-End and Revenue & Capital Year-End Outturn reports.

NOTED.

Minutes - Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny - 23 June 2026

The minutes of the previous Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny meeting held on 23 June 2026 were submitted and noted as a correct record.

NOTED.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The date and time of the next meeting of the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Panel, scheduled for 29 September 2026 at 4:00 pm, was noted.

NOTED.