Social care systems - review, renew, share or replace?

The new government's priorities and funding levels are decided. Many social care departments will now want to review how well their information systems support the new agendas and whether they still deliver value for money.

Some questions that need answering:

• Are any of your systems coming up for renewal in the near future? And if so, would you vote to stick with it, check whether there are better alternatives or renegotiate the contract?
• Do your current systems fit today's requirements, or could they be made to fit? Or is one or more so heavily slanted towards yesterday's requirements that it's past its sell-by date?
• Are there opportunities for consolidation - a single case management system for both Adults and Children, or integrated case management and finance?
• What about shared services? Three London boroughs are looking to share social care systems - should you be talking to neighbouring authorities?
• What options are there for reducing costs? Are you paying for more seats than you need? Are you getting the support you're paying for? Are you being charged programmer rates every time you need a modified report?

My colleagues and I at Socitm Consulting have carried out many systems reviews for social care departments and advised on procurement and information strategies. I'd be happy to discuss any concerns you may have about systems and whether we may be able to assist you in resolving them. Just reply to this email or call me on 0845 450 2317.