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ecosystems where data flows seamlessly, rosters linking to payroll, care plans to medication records, mirroring integrated care pathways. Misaligned platforms risk not just inefficiency but delayed critical care.
Human-machine collaboration: navigating the skills divide AI presents potential for transformative results, but only if staff are equipped to use it. Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Our report highlights a significant barrier: a persistent workforce readiness crisis. Despite AI being a top business priority for leaders, skills development often languishes in spending plans. The health sector has pushed for digital
literacy among clinicians, acknowledging that digital tools are as vital as medical instruments. Social housing has focused on up-skilling staff to manage digital tenant relationships. The care sector risks falling behind if it does not prioritise similar workforce development. The gap is also about cultural readiness; shifting the mindset from ‘technology is a task’ to ‘technology helps me care better’. This disconnect risks fuelling
complacency. Emerging issues such as ‘shadow AI’ – the unauthorised use of AI tools by staff – add complexity. Staff may turn to public, unvetted AI tools because their provided tools are insufficient or an organisational policy is lacking. This widens disparities in digital confidence and raises compliance risks. Unless organisations invest in robust training and prioritise a culture of continual learning, the full benefits of AI will remain elusive.
Value realisation and the cybersecurity imperative It is no longer enough to invest in digital transformation; leaders must ensure those investments drive measurable value. The report reveals a perception gap where executives believe they realise significantly more value from technology than their frontline staff perceive. Unless value is shared and visible at every level, digital transformation will stall. Barriers to value remain stubborn,
including economic uncertainty and skills gaps. However, there are bright spots. Leaders point to tangible benefits from increased cloud collaboration, automation of core processes, and executive-driven analytics. Crucially, the report shines a light on cybersecurity not as an IT issue, but as a
business-critical function. While many organisations plan to increase investment, it often sits lower on the priority list than it should. As cyber threats grow in sophistication, protecting technology platforms and sensitive data must become central to all digital strategy. The care sector’s sensitive data makes
it highly vulnerable, similar to the health sector, a frequent ransomware target. Its fragmented market complicates coordinated defence, but adopting health sector protocols and social housing standards offers a strong blueprint for a secure ecosystem. Trust in care relies on robust cybersecurity to protect it.
The way forward: priorities for sustainable progress The 2026 OneAdvanced Trends Report highlights the need for leaders to treat platform integration, workforce skills, and cybersecurity as interconnected pillars. Technology and AI investments must align with integration and skill-building to achieve success. Recommended actions for sector leaders
include shifting focus from acquisition to integration to build operating models that enhance real outcomes. Closing the skills gap by embedding digital capability development into every stage of the employee journey is also vital. Furthermore, elevating cybersecurity to a board-level conversation recognises its role in enabling trust and business continuity. AI is not a standalone trend. It magnifies
every existing challenge while opening up new opportunities. By translating ambition
into action through better integration, an empowered workforce, and an unrelenting focus on security, the care sector can unlock greater value. The journey will not be without obstacles, but with clarity of purpose and a commitment to service user outcomes, the sector can build a future that is agile, efficient, and resilient. We will also be producing a Care Trends
Report in collaboration with Care England, so watch this space for further insights. n
Sam Vernon
Sam joined OneAdvanced in March 2019, following their acquisition of Docman, as part of the Health and Care Sales Team. With extensive experience in sales and business development, Sam has been instrumental in driving growth and delivering innovative solutions for the care sector. His expertise and dedication support OneAdvanced’s mission to empower care organisations through technology.
SCAN HERE Download our 10th Annual Trends Report today
https://www.oneadvanced.com/trends-report/
February 2026
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