Overview and key points
As adoption of AI-enabled technologies accelerates across social care, we are seeing a clear shift in the risk landscape, particularly around data exposure, governance and cyber resilience.
In this article we have set out 10 key considerations to help providers adopt AI safely, while ensuring their risk strategy keeps pace.
Top Tips for Purchasing and Implementing AI-involved technologies in Social Care.
Our specialist health and social care team work closely with care providers implementing these solutions and are increasingly identifying gaps between technology adoption and the adequacy of existing risk and insurance arrangements. In many cases, innovation is outpacing protection, creating new and often unintended exposures.
1. Start with care needs, not the technology
We always recommend beginning with the problem you are trying to solve. It’s easy to focus on the technology itself, but real value comes from addressing tangible challenges, whether that’s reducing administration, improving engagement, supporting falls prevention or enabling better access to information.
Any investment should align with your model of care and improve outcomes for those you support.
2. Ensure solutions are safe, suitable and evidence-based
We encourage providers to scrutinise suppliers carefully. Ask for clear, use-based evidence that demonstrates the technology performs as expected and understand its limitations.
As many AI solutions evolve, ensure regulatory considerations, particularly around data, are fully understood and that providers can demonstrate robust data governance.
3. Put governance at the centre
Strong governance is essential. From the outset, establish a responsible use policy clearly outlining how AI will be selected, implemented and monitored.
This should align with existing safeguarding, quality and data protection policies, supporting Care Quality Commissioner regulatory expectations.
4. Prioritise data protection and privacy
AI systems in care often process highly sensitive personal data. Involve your data protection lead early and ensure full transparency around data storage, usage and transfers.
You should be confident in how providers meet GDPR requirements, including whether your data will be used to train the supplier’s AI systems.
5. Consider cyber security before purchase
Cyber risk should be assessed before implementation. Understand the provider’s security controls, supply chain resilience and incident response approach.
From your side, ensure alignment with frameworks such as DSPT or Cyber Essentials, and review your cyber insurance arrangements to ensure appropriate protection.
6. Keep people at the heart of implementation
AI should support,not replace, professional judgement. Engage both staff and those receiving care throughout implementation, maintaining clear accountability for care outcomes.
Accessible communication, such as easy-read materials for care receivers benefitting from the technology, can help build understanding and trust.
7. Test thoroughly and challenge assumptions
Before full rollout, rigorously test the technology. Assess performance across different user groups, particularly where there are diverse or complex needs.
AI systems can introduce bias or inconsistencies, so these risks must be identified and mitigated early.
8. Invest in training and ongoing support
Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Training should be practical, continuous and embedded into everyday practice, not treated as a one-off exercise.
Staff should understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI, and feel confident challenging outputs where necessary.
9. Start small and scale intelligently
Piloting solutions within a single setting or function allows you to test effectiveness, measure outcomes and identify risks before wider rollout.
This approach provides valuable insight and helps ensure more consistent performance at scale.
10. Secure clear contracts and exit strategies
AI technology is evolving rapidly. Ensure contracts are flexible, with clear terms around cost, duration, and importantly exit options.
Avoid being locked into long-term agreements that limit your ability to adapt as the market evolves.
Supporting safe and effective adoption
AI presents a significant opportunity for social care, but only when supported by the right governance, controls and risk protection. As adoption accelerates, many providers are unknowingly exposing themselves to cyber and AI-related liabilities that may not be covered under existing policies.
If you are introducing AI into your service, it is essential to review whether your current insurance reflects these emerging risks.
Partners& supports care providers with specialist cyber and AI insurance solutions designed for modern care environments.
Speak to the Partners& team to review your cover or obtain a tailored cyber and AI risk quote.
Advice that makes a difference
Our aim is to help care providers better understand the changing risk landscape as AI-enabled technologies become part of everyday service delivery. We support organisations in identifying emerging exposures, closing gaps in protection, and ensuring their insurance keeps pace with innovation.
A joined-up approach to risk management is essential in protecting your people, your service users, your reputation and your balance sheet.
If you would like to discuss how AI may be impacting your organisation’s risk profile, our Health and Social Care specialist, would be happy to assist. Please email: edward.farthing@partnersand.com
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