24 Jun Celebrating a Win for Digital Innovation in Adult Social Care
We’re delighted to share that the Commissioning Alliance Adults team, part of West London Alliance, has won the MJ Award for Digital Transformation!
This award recognises the collaborative work behind a shared data dashboard to help local authorities across North West London make more informed commissioning decisions. At a time when councils are facing increasing financial pressures and rising demand, this kind of innovation is an essential part of improving services whilst keeping costs down.
A Collaborative, Data-Driven Approach
The dashboard was developed through WLA’s Adults Social Care programme, which supports eight boroughs across North West London. It brings together data from local authorities and the NHS to provide a real-time, interactive view of the adult social care market. This includes insights into pricing, provider quality, and purchasing behaviour, all of which help shape a more sustainable and equitable care system.
But this award win is not just about the data and technology. It’s a tribute to the power of collaboration.
The programme was commissioned and funded by the North West London Directors of Adults Social Services (DASS) board, with strategic leadership from Kerry Stephens, SD for Adults and Public Health at Ealing Council. It was delivered by Commissioning Alliance, in close collaboration with borough commissioners, data teams, and the North West London Integrated Care Board (ICB).
The MJ Judges praised how the project showcased “exceptional collaboration to tackle complex challenges… The project highlighted outstanding leadership, with a visionary approach to driving innovation through a practical use of technology setting a new benchmark for digital excellence across the sector.”
A Whole-System, Future-Facing Model
WLA is the only sub-region in London to receive quarterly NHS bed-based placement data, enabling a truly whole-system approach. This allows local authorities to understand who the primary purchaser is in key services and how care packages are priced, supporting joint planning and market shaping.
The dashboard is now embedded in local practice and is being expanded to other areas of adult social care. Plans are underway to develop a public-facing data observatory and offer the model to other sub-regions in London.
This has been a bumper year for WLA in terms of awards, with both our Employment Support and Housing teams recently shortlisted for two Local Government Association (LGA) awards. While they didn’t take home the trophy this time, being shortlisted in such competitive categories is a huge achievement, and a testament to the quality and impact of their work.
Reflecting on the award, David Francis, Director of West London Alliance, said:
“This award is a fantastic recognition of what can be achieved when we work together across borough boundaries. The dashboard is a powerful tool, but it’s the shared commitment to collaboration and innovation that really made this possible. I’m proud of the team and grateful to all our partners who helped bring this to life.”