Exploiting Technology for the Greater Good in Social Care

In a recent conversation, Paul Howell discusses the intersection between his personal experience and technological innovation within the care sector. Moving beyond conventional market perspectives, he sees care as a deeply personal matter that entwines with family and our shared humanity.

Paul recognises an opportunity unfolding in the present era: the opportunity to use technology to do good. This challenges us to rethink our relationship with technology as technology platforms, and social media are so often used in destructive ways. It’s the potential to reverse this trend that truly excites him—"let's start exploiting technology for the good of people rather than the other way around." This is a testament to his vision for a future where technology uplifts rather than undermines our welfare.

Paul recalls the devastating Winterbourne scandal of 2011, which exposed severe abuses within a care setting for young adults with learning disabilities—a moment that resonated personally with him and many others. The scandal opened a floodgate of scrutiny on the care sector, significantly impacting those dedicated carers whose only ambition was to tend to their calling.

Navigating the aftermath included a surge in compliance and documentation demands—an understandable yet weighty response. "Technology, when it's used really well, disappears into the background. That's the best use of technology," Paul emphasises how correctly applied technological solutions shouldn't overburden but rather support and enhance the caregiving process.

Drawing from his considerable experience in tech development, Paul felt "compelled to some extent to use that experience to at least contribute to the journey of better care." His story is one of hope and determination; amid challenges, there lies an opportunity for innovation to play a defining role in reshaping the landscape of care.

The pressing need becomes clear to recalibrate our compass and use technology's vast potential to serve the people it was designed to assist. The commitment to enhancing dignity and quality of life through innovation is not just a professional responsibility but also a profoundly personal one.

With this, we urge those who can proactively design and implement technology that empathises with the carer’s mission, simplifies their workflow, and fundamentally aligns with the noble goal of providing exceptional and dignified care to do so.

As Paul Howell inspires us at Arquella, we continue to work with the belief that it's not just about innovation for innovation's sake—it's about ensuring our solutions blend seamlessly into the beating heart of care, where they can quietly revolutionise the support we give to the most vulnerable among us.