Author Archives: Isla Thompson

Blog

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. 
12 December 2025
Blog

Reframing the conversation: Reflections on a year of narrative change training

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of delivering our How to Talk About Social Care training to ADASS members across England, writes ADASS Engagement Officer Phoebe Kerr. This work is funded thanks to the generous support of the Rayne Foundation and is linked to our partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA), Think […]
9 December 2025
Statements

ADASS policy statement: Neighbourhood Health

This paper is intended to confirm the policy position ADASS takes around Neighbourhood Health as a central part of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England.
1 December 2025
Statements / Blog

ADASS President’s NCASC 2025 speech

ADASS President, Jess McGregor, opens the National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) 2025.
26 November 2025
Press Releases

High-cost social care packages for young adults surge by almost a third in a single year

This year's Autumn Survey has revealed that high-cost social care packages for young people surge by almost a third in a single year.
25 November 2025
Close-up of a woman with her sister who has Down syndrome smiling at each other face to face. They are both wearing warm clothing on a cold winter morning. The park is located in Gateshead.
Blog

We can all agree social care is complex. But does that help?

Professor Catherine Needham, Professor of Public Policy and Public Management at the University of Birmingham and Associate Director of SSCR, reflects on the complexity of social care and why it must be approached as an interconnected ecosystem.
24 November 2025
Statements

ADASS responds to the local government finance policy statement

Our response to the local government finance policy statement
21 November 2025
Blog

Strengthening support for unpaid carers: practical guidance for adult social services

To mark Carers Rights Day 2025, this blog brings together a set of key resources designed to help Directors of adult social services, local authorities, and partner organisations strengthen support for unpaid carers. These tools offer practical guidance, examples of good practice, and insights from across the sector to inform local improvement work. Below, we […]
20 November 2025

Safeguarding: the changing nature of harm and the role of senior leaders

For Safeguarding Adults Week 2025, Dr Adi Cooper discusses the key issues for senior leaders in adult social care in safeguarding adults.
19 November 2025
Blog

What I took from a Casey Commission evidence session — and why people must be at the heart of reform

Jess McGregor, ADASS President and Director of Adult Social Care at Camden Council, reflects on an early roundtable for Baroness Louise Casey’s Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.
18 November 2025