Sub Regional Collaboration to Co-design a Digital Solution for Unpaid Carers - Adult Social Care - Unpaid Carers App

Sub Regional Collaboration to Co-design a Digital Solution for Unpaid Carers - Adult Social Care - Unpaid Carers App Overview Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, in partnership with Barnsley, Doncaster, and Sheffield Councils, is seeking a delivery partner with a proven track record in co-funded, co-designed digital innovation within the public sector. The provider will lead a short-term, high-impact project focused on developing a scalable, AI-enabled solution to support unpaid carers, aligned with the principles of the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF) and integrated care system (ICS) collaboration. Project Objectives The project aims to address critical challenges in adult social care, particularly those affecting unpaid carers.

The provider will co-design and deliver a multi-channel, multi-modal digital solution with local authorities and health partners. The solution should be affordable, sustainable, and scalable across the region. Additionally, the provider will evaluate and report on outcomes and benefits realisation to inform future investment decisions.

Essential Requirements The successful provider must demonstrate extensive experience in public sector collaboration, particularly with multiple local authorities and health partners. They should have a deep understanding of adult social care, the Care Act 2014, and the unique needs of unpaid carers. The provider must have a proven ability to deliver projects aligned with ARF principles, including innovation, co-production, and ICS integration.

They should be capable of mobilising immediately and delivering within a short timeframe. Experience in AI-driven information and advice services, including governance, safeguarding, cyber security, and compliance with IT standards across multiple authorities, is essential. The provider should have a track record of research-informed delivery, including direct face-to-face engagement with unpaid carers across diverse geographic locations.

Sensitivity to organisational, structural, and procedural differences in large-scale public sector environments is crucial. The provider must demonstrate the ability to assess benefits realisation and produce high-quality reports for senior decision-makers. Experience in developing sustainable commercial models and scaling digital solutions regionally is also required.

Delivery Expectations The provider is expected to engage on-site across Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, and Sheffield. They will co-produce the solution with unpaid carers and frontline professionals. The provider will deliver a comprehensive final report, including evaluation of outcomes, benefits, and recommendations for future investment.

Consideration of the impact of emerging technologies on local government support for unpaid carers is also expected.