Written Statement: Launch of the Statement of Strategic Intent

Today I am pleased to announce the launch of the Statement of Strategic Intent by Social Care Wales as part of our ongoing commitment to develop a National Social Care Data Strategy for Wales.

As set out in the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, our ambition in Wales is to ensure that all people receiving care and support and all unpaid carers receiving support are able to achieve the well-being outcomes that matter most to them. We will continue to work in close collaboration with people in Wales and our partners to achieve this ambition.

The rapid advances in technology, alongside the unprecedented demands of the Covid-19 pandemic, have demonstrated beyond doubt that now is the right time for us to look closely at the social care needs across Wales and ensure that we have a clear, transparent and ethical vision for our data requirements both now, and for the future.

In November last year I welcomed the publication of the Discovery Report by Social Care Wales and NWIS which was developed through extensive engagement with our social care stakeholders. The report found that there was an overwhelming need for the development of a National Data Strategy for social care in Wales and following its publication I agreed that the next steps in the development of the Data Strategy should be:

• The publication of A Statement of Strategic Intent issued jointly by Welsh Government and Social Care Wales, in partnership with NWIS, to set out our shared ambition for the National Social Care Data Strategy
• The development of a Data Strategy Roadmap setting out the different work streams needed to deliver the project, including key milestones and outcomes
• Identifying the Quick Wins by working in partnership with the social care sector to agree the priorities to be delivered first and at pace

Many thanks to all of the stakeholders who have been involved in the development of the Statement of Strategic Intent. This project is demonstrating the very best examples of effective and collaborative working, and I look forward to seeing this continue as the project develops.

We have the opportunity in front of us now to demonstrate what a data-rich nation can achieve for people who need care and support and for unpaid carers who need support. This Statement of Strategic Intent is the next step in realising this vision.