10/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/12/2026 10:17
Our Chief Executive Officer, Jim Kane, and Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Ben Lehan-Powick, met with Damian Hinds, the newly appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on Monday 12th October, to discuss the future of social care.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing social care, including the need for fair pay and recognition for our colleagues, the important contribution of not-for-profit care providers, and the potential for innovation to transform lives through approaches such as Technology Enabled Care.
Discussions also explored how emerging technologies and innovative models of care can help improve outcomes, promote independence, and enhance the quality of support available to people.
As one of the UK's largest social care charities, Community Integrated Care is committed to championing the voices of people who draw on support, colleagues working across the sector, and our communities.
We welcome opportunities to engage constructively with policymakers from across the political spectrum and to share the experiences, insights and ambitions of the people we support and our colleagues.
Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer of Community Integrated Care, said, "It was great to meet with Damian Hinds and discuss the impact that social care has on people's lives. We spoke about the importance of taking a whole-life approach to support, recognising that social care empowers people of all ages, with a range of different support needs, to live full and meaningful lives."
"We were particularly encouraged by Damian's interest in Technology Enabled Care and the investment we're making in innovative solutions that promote independence and improve outcomes. It's fantastic to see a willingness to learn more about this work, and we look forward to continuing the conversation, ensuring the voices of the people we support and our colleagues help shape the future of social care."
Read more about our campaigning work.