The techUK CareTech Conference brings together policymakers, local government, NHS leaders, care providers, the voluntary and community sector, and technology suppliers for the launch of our flagship white Paper - Digitally Enabled Adult Social Care: The Essential Enabler of the NHS 10-Year Plan
Taking place at a pivotal moment for the sector, the Conference is set against the backdrop of the NHS 10-Year Plan, the work of the Casey Commission, Local Government Reorganisation, and the accelerating shift from analogue to digital across adult social care. Together, these reforms highlight a growing recognition that the ambitions for prevention, neighbourhood care and integrated services cannot be achieved without a modern, digitally enabled social care system.
We are delighted to confirm that the keynote addresses will be delivered by Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State for Care and Isaac Samuels OBE.
The Conference will also mark the launch of techUK’s Reimagining CareTech White Paper, developed through the Social Care Working Group. The paper sets out a practical, action-oriented roadmap for how adult social care can act as an enabler of system productivity, prevention, workforce sustainability and better outcomes.
Adult social care is facing unprecedented pressure from rising demand, workforce shortages and constrained funding. At the same time, there is a growing body of evidence that technology, when deployed effectively, can support earlier intervention, redesign services, improve workforce productivity and reduce long-term system costs. The challenge now is turning ambition into delivery, and ensuring digital adoption works for citizens, staff and providers alike.
What you will get out of the event
Understand how adult social care can act as a foundational enabler of the NHS 10-Year Plan and wider system reform.
Explore how technology is being deployed in practice to support prevention, workforce capacity, digital skills and inclusion.
Learn how neighbourhood-based models are coordinating outcomes across health, care, housing and the voluntary sector.
Examine approaches to governance, assurance and funding in integrated, multi-partner digital environments.
Gain insight into what central government, local authorities and ICSs need from industry to move from pilots to scale.
Who should attend
This event is designed for:
Adult social care providers and leaders
Local authority commissioners and directors
NHS and ICS digital, transformation and place-based leaders
Technology suppliers and innovators working in care and health
VCSE organisations and community partners
Policy professionals and public sector digital leaders
If you are involved in shaping, commissioning, delivering or supporting adult social care transformation, this Conference will provide practical insight, policy context and opportunities to connect with key decision-makers.
Ticket prices:
techUK member – Free
Public sector/stakeholder – Free
If you are not a member of techUK but would like to attend the conference, please contact [email protected]
Press and media: If you are a member of the media and wish to attend, please contact: [email protected]
Robert Walker
Head of Health & Social Care, techUK
Robert Walker
Head of Health & Social Care, techUK
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.
Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.
Lewis Stewart
Programme Manager ‑ Health and Social Care, techUK
Lewis Stewart
Programme Manager ‑ Health and Social Care, techUK
Lewis brings a multidisciplinary background spanning health policy, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation, and elite sport. A former Commonwealth Games champion, he draws on the resilience, adaptability, and team-driven mindset gained through years of high-performance competition.
Before joining techUK, Lewis supported a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, where he led on constituency engagement and produced evidence-based research to inform debates, committee work, and policy advocacy. He has also helped shape youth wellbeing policy through the Youth Sport Trust, collaborating with government, education, and grassroots networks to drive impact.
Lewis has played key roles in health tech and mobility startups, helping to bring innovative solutions to market and improve user experience in complex systems. With a degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology, he combines analytical thinking with a passion for evidence-led, people-centred change.
Junior Programme Manager, Health and Care Team, techUK
Viola Pastorino
Junior Programme Manager, Health and Care Team, techUK
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
Health and Social Care Programme activities
techUK is helping its members navigate the complex space of digital health in the UK to ensure our NHS and social care sector is prepared for the challenges of the future. We help validate new ideas and build impactful strategies, ultimately ensuring that members are market-ready. Visit the programme page here.
techUK CareTech Conference 2026
Explore how technology is transforming adult social care, from digital innovation to service delivery at scale. Hear from leaders across the sector on priorities, challenges and practical solutions improving outcomes for people and providers. Join the conversation to understand where caretech is delivering impact and what comes next.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
