Welcome to our newsletter, where we provide you with the latest from Digital Telecare for Scottish Local Government. In this edition, we bring you a recap of the events within the Digital Telecare Programme over the past month, along with insights of upcoming activities.
If you have any queries regarding any of the content within this newsletter, please get in touch.
Aberdeen City Council and Partners Achieve Platinum Digital Telecare Award
Aberdeen City Council and Health and Social Care Partnership, alongside Bon Accord Care and the Emergency Response Team, have been awarded the Platinum Digital Telecare Implementation Award for successfully completing their analogue to digital telecare transition.
Through a collaborative programme across Aberdeen, Moray and Aberdeenshire, around 12,000 service users have now been transitioned ahead of the planned analogue network switch-off in January 2027.
Congratulations to all partners on this significant achievement and for demonstrating how digital telecare can improve resilience, innovation and outcomes for people who rely on these vital services.
Read more about their journey to achieving platinum below.
Congratulations to North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) on achieving the Gold 2 Digital Telecare Implementation Award, recognising the significant progress made in its analogue to digital telecare transition programme.
Supporting around 3,700 community alarm service users across North Ayrshire, Arran and Cumbrae, the Partnership has already connected more than 2,100 service users to digital telecare, with 92% of alarms now digital ready.
We extend our congratulations to everyone involved and look forward to supporting North Ayrshire HSCP as they continue their journey towards achieving thePlatinum Digital Telecare Implementation Award.
Read more about North Ayrshire HSCP's journey to achieving Gold 2 below.
Cosla Excellence Awards 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended to Friday 7th August
We're pleased to announce that the deadline for COSLA Excellence Awards nominations has been extended until 5.00 pm on Friday 7 August.
We know how much time and care goes into preparing a strong nomination and we hope this additional time will give you the opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of your team and partners who deserve to be celebrated.
These awards represent a fantastic opportunity for councils and their partners to recognise the great work, talent and innovation across Local Government.
The prizegiving ceremony will take place on Thursday, 19th November 2026, at Fairmont, St Andrews, as part of COSLA's Annual Conference. All Excellence Awards finalist teams will be invited along.
Is your organisation ready for the analogue switch-off?
With just 6 months remaining until the January 2027 deadline, now is the time to review your digital telecare migration progress. Our new Digital Telecare Migration Readiness Checklist helps organisations assess their preparedness across key areas including service user migration, equipment and infrastructure, ARC readiness, communications, housing considerations, and future service development.
Designed to support planning, identify risks and highlight priorities, this also encourages organisations to think beyond migration and explore how digital telecare can support innovation, improved data insights and better outcomes for service users.
Download the checklist today and make sure your organisation is on track for a successful transition to digital telecare.
Housing Providers: Is Your Telecare Migration Plan Ready?
The January 2027 analogue switch-off is fast approaching, with around 125 working days remaining. In the latest housing blog, Sharon Hannah outlines the practical steps housing providers should be taking now to safeguard residents, reduce service disruption and prepare for a smooth transition to digital telecare.
The blog highlights:
Why housing providers need to assess current telecare provision now
How resident needs should drive migration decisions
Alternatives to traditional warden call systems, including digital dispersed alarms
Real-world examples from housing providers already making the transition
Free support, guidance and case studies available through the Digital Telecare programme
Fraudsters are increasingly posing as banks by phone, text and email, claiming accounts are at risk and pressuring people to move money to a "safe account".
Remember:
A genuine bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account.
If you receive an unexpected call from your bank:
Don't share personal or banking information
Don't act under pressure
Don't trust caller ID alone
Hang up and verify independently
If you're unsure,hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank's fraud team (where available), or use the number on the back of your bank card.
Warning signs:
Urgent requests to act immediately
Requests to move money or share security details
Unexpected contact claiming to be from your bank
A few moments spent verifying could prevent a devastating financial scam.
Leadership in Practice Webinar: Reflections from the Journey
What does it take to grow as a leader in an increasingly digital world?
Join the Digitally Enabled Workforce Team on Tuesday 1 September 2026, 13:00 to 14:00, for an inspiring webinar exploring the real-life leadership journeys of professionals working across health, social care, housing, social work, charities and the third sector.
Hear first-hand reflections on how postgraduate education, practical experience, projects and opportunities have shaped their development as leaders, and gain valuable insights into:
Applying learning in the workplace
Leading effectively in the digital age
Lessons learned throughout leadership journeys
Building your impact as a digital leader
Whether you're developing your own leadership skills or supporting digital transformation within your organisation, this session offers practical advice and real-world experiences to help you grow your confidence and capability as a leader.
Telecare Service Provider (TSP) & Meet the Supplier (MTS) Meeting, 12th August 2026.
Mark your diaries for our upcoming TSP & MTS meeting, which will take place on Teams on Wednesday 12th August 2026 at 10am and 10.30am.
These gatherings present an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow TSPs, discuss ongoing projects, and review our collective progress to date. We will feature guest speakers, facilitate focused discussion, and highlight key work within the telecare community.
