Introducing Rashpal Bishop, ADASS’ incoming Vice President in 2026 

Rashpal Bishop is due to take up the post of ADASS Vice President and Trustee in 2026. In her first blog for the Association, she introduces herself and tells us a bit about her dual passion for digital and carers, and why she was inspired to stand as ADASS Vice President. 

When you start a new journey…

I have had my induction  to gain a deeper understanding of the role as Vice President of ADASS, which will commence in April  2026. As always when you start something new, there is excitement but that churning that you hope you can do the job well and effectively advocate for adult social care (ASC). 

It also gave me the opportunity to reflect on what it was that I was passionate about driving as I go forward in this role. For those who know me well, they will not be surprised at the two  areas that really stand out – Digital and AI and carers/care workers (unpaid and paid). As the Lead for West Midlands ADASS Digital, it has always been a concern about what drives the innovation in digital and AI in ASC – are we buying the products organisations sell? Or are we highlighting the concerns that we have, and products are created to meet those needs? Then, the most pertinent question are we by the very approach that we are take – in terms of individually piloting the same products using scarce resources – going through the procurement process piloting then wondering how this can be scaled up with finite resources? There has to be a more effective and National approach to digital and AI opportunities that is co-produced – proved by concept and design and then available to all? Or is this the journey and task we have ahead?  

In terms of the second area, as a carer for my father and mother, I know first-hand what a positive difference compassionate care can have for a person. My father was in hospital and then in rehab for a period of four months last year. When I would visit him, he would describe in great detail the positive care he had received, and I would see the glow on his face in how that made him feel. Then, there were other times when he would ask for support with personal care as soon as I arrived. When I asked why he had not received this support already, he would state that he had declined it  support from staff, as he knew the person providing his care and support   would not do it  with dignity or respect. For a proud man, having his daughter supporting him with his care, was hard for him to receive.  

I think that most of us who work in social care agree, it is important that care workers gain the professionalism and positive recognition of their roles in line with their colleagues in healthcare. Therefore, the changes proposed by any government need to be deliverable sustainable and aligned for the greater good of the sector and people who draw on are and support. As a Trustee for ADASS, I want to ensure that I advocate for such, as our legacy in this work will undoubtably become our reality in future years.  

So, I suppose the reflection left me with some inspiration that my passion and drive to make a real difference will enable me to quieten the ‘churn’ and ensure that I work hard in my role as Vice President and President to make a real difference to the ASC agenda.