The social services landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, shaped by the evolving interplay between relational welfare and welfare technology. Relational welfare emphasises the human-centred approach to care, fostering deep and meaningful connections between service providers and users of social services. Welfare technology, on the other hand, leverages technology to enhance service delivery and efficiency, as well as to promote autonomy and accessibility. When combined, these two approaches create a powerful synergy that ensures social services remain both compassionate and effective, bridging the gap between human empathy and technological advancement.
One of the key events addressing this crucial intersection is the European Social Services Conference, titled Where Care Meets Tech. The plenary programme has now been finalised, promising engaging discussions on how relational welfare and welfare technology can be harnessed to shape the future of social services.
Wondering what to expect? Allow us to take you through the key messages these sessions will cover.
Relational welfare meets welfare technology
The integration of welfare technology with relational welfare presents a unique opportunity to enhance the quality and accessibility of social services. The opening plenary session will explore how relational welfare and welfare technology can work together to improve service delivery and outcomes. Our keynote speakers Vincent Meyer, Professor of Information and Communication Sciences at the University of Cote d’Azur, Sarah Carlick, Director of MeSafe in the UK, and Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, will share insights into how technology can support building stronger human connections. They will highlight how the digital transition is having an impact on social services professionals, particularly in relation to their training and management, digital safeguarding and strategies that prioritise co-design, as well as how technology supports human-centred outcomes.
The importance of relational welfare
Relational welfare places human connections at the heart of social services, ensuring that care is built on trust, and meaningful interaction. The second plenary session will emphasise the importance of human relationships in designing and delivering social services. Hilary Cottam, Social Entrepreneur and Policy Advisor from the UK, will share her groundbreaking work on designing care systems that foster capabilities and prioritise human connection. Joining her are Helle Øbo, CEO of AskovFonden in Denmark, and Reggie Bicha, CEO of APHSA.
Helle Øbo highlights that “welfare is not just about delivering services but about fostering meaningful interactions that empower individuals.” As a result, this session will underscore that while technology can support service delivery, the human touch remains irreplaceable in effective welfare systems.
The role of welfare technology
The final plenary session will focus on the technological advancements shaping the future of social services. Experts will discuss how welfare technology can enhance accessibility, efficiency, and scalability of services while considering ethical implementation. By considering futuristic scenarios, Pritesh Mistry, Policy Fellow at The Kings Fund in the UK, will explore how we can maintain human connection and compassion in an age of increasing automation. Pascal Bijleveld, CEO of ATscale, will highlight the role of assistive technology in creating an inclusive society, emphasising that investing in these solutions is both a human right and an economic necessity. Silvia Rossi, a professor at The University of Naples Federico II, will bring a research-driven perspective on robotics in social care. In her own words, she will “share insights on how robots can better integrate into social environments, fostering deeper human-robot relationships and discussing how this type of technology impacts on human behaviour.” Together, they will explore how welfare technology can be integrated effectively without to compliment the core values of relational welfare.
Conclusion
As the European Social Services Conference approaches, the discussions on relational welfare and welfare technology promise to be insightful and transformative. By bringing together leading voices in social policy, technology, and community services, this event will pave the way for a future where care and tech seamlessly intersect. Whether you are an advocate for relational welfare, a proponent of technological solutions, or someone eager to see how these two forces can complement each other, this conference will offer a wealth of ideas and inspiration. Register now to help lead the conversation on transforming the future of social services!
