Digital Transformation and Technology in Social Services Award

This award recognises a public authority or social services provider that has successfully implemented digital transformation and technology-driven solutions to enhance social services across Europe. By leveraging innovative digital tools, data analytics, AI or welfare technologies, the winning initiative must demonstrate a significant and measurable impact on service users, professionals, and the broader social care and social services system.

Examples of key areas of digital transformation and technology in social services:

• Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion – Using assistive technologies, telecare, and digital platforms to ensure that social services are more inclusive for people with disabilities, older adults, and vulnerable communities.
• Improving Service Efficiency and Coordination – Implementing data-driven decision-making, interoperability between agencies, and digital case management systems to reduce administrative burdens and improve responsiveness.
• Empowering Service Users and Professionals – Providing digital tools, mobile applications, and e-learning platforms to enhance self-care for individuals and support professional development for social services professionals.
• Ensuring Ethical and Responsible Digitalisation – Embedding data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI ethics to protect the rights and dignity of service users.
• Predictive Analytics and AI for Prevention – Using big data, machine learning, and predictive analytics to anticipate risks, support early interventions, and enhance crisis management.

Special consideration is given to initiatives that:

• Improve service accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that digital solutions benefit diverse and vulnerable populations.
• Enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness through automation of cross-service cooperation, AI, digital platforms, or data-driven decision-making.
• Empower service users and professionals, enabling greater self-care, independent living, or workforce support through digital innovation.
• Maintain ethical and responsible digital use, prioritising data protection, privacy, and transparent AI integration in social care.
• Are scalable and transferable, offering a model for digital transformation that can inspire adoption across different regions or service sectors.