The 2025 National Social Care Conference in Llandudno brought together hundreds of leaders, practitioners, people with lived experience, and partners from across Wales to celebrate, challenge and reimagine the future of care. Over two inspiring days, delegates shared stories that moved us, ideas that inspired us, and conversations that reminded us what sustains our sector: the relationships that connect us and the compassion that drives our work.
Day one: Courage, compassion and change
Albert Heaney opened the conference with a call to “face the truth with clarity and courage”, recognising the pressures facing social care but celebrating Wales’ power to change.
Stephen Vickers reminded us that “the NHS doesn’t create good health, communities do.” His message on prevention, trust and shared power set the tone for discussions on how digital tools and data can help us anticipate need and build stronger communities.
Personal stories gave the day its heart. Melvin Jones’ journey from childhood trauma to leadership in care earned a standing ovation, while Ali Alcock’s experience of cancer and recovery, and how it led her to intertwine her two passions for social work and fundraising for Macmillan, showed the power of empathy and resilience. Workshops explored how AI, digital tools and data insight can reduce admin pressures and strengthen ethical, person-centred practice.
That evening’s Connect: in Llandudno event, supported by The Access Group, brought everyone together to celebrate and unwind, with music from The Ghostbuskers (pictured above) and a performance about dementia from Haylo Theatre.
Day two: Belonging, innovation and shared purpose
Claire Marchant, Cadeirydd of ADSS Cymru, opened day two by reaffirming that technology must always serve people, not the other way around. She called for a renewed relationship between local government and citizens, built on trust, empathy and partnership, with digital as a key enabler. Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden praised the sector’s “unwavering commitment” and highlighted Welsh Government’s focus on fair pay, compassionate care and digital progress that supports real-world outcomes.
The launch of DiSC Cymru, our Headline Partner, was a defining moment. Introduced by Lindsey Phillips, Chief Digital Officer of the WLGA (pictured below), DiSC Cymru is more than a framework: it’s a national movement to ensure consistent, ethical digital innovation across Wales, “putting the jigsaw together once and giving everyone a copy.”
Technology’s potential to protect people shone in the All-Wales Safeguarding Referral Form presented by Lance Carver and Chris Frey-Davies: “one form, one system, one Wales.” This new approach will streamline how critical information is shared, strengthening safeguarding and saving lives.
Dr Daf James’s (pictured below) heartfelt story of adoption reminded us that all innovation in care – digital or otherwise – is ultimately about love, connection and trust. His tears of gratitude to all the social workers who helped him in his adoption journey were a reminder about the unquantifiable positive difference that social care professionals make to people every day.
As the conference drew to a close, Paula Timms led a panel exploring the benefits and aims of the National Social Care Network, and Sarah McCarty presented on the many resources that Social Care Wales has created to support the sector.
A huge thank you to DiSC Cymru, CareCubed and The Access Group for supporting this year’s event.
As Claire Marchant said in closing: “None of us can do this alone. But together, with compassion, courage and smart use of technology, we can do incredible things.”