WM-ADASS Associate Ross Bailey writes:
Data might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about adult social care, but behind every decision, service, and policy is a wealth of information waiting to be used. From tracking the demand for services to understanding care outcomes, data plays a crucial role in making sure people get the support they need.
But data is only as useful as the tools we have to interpret it. That’s why a new training programme in the West Midlands is helping social care analysts harness the power of Microsoft Power BI – a tool that turns complex data into clear, interactive reports and dashboards.
Why Does This Matter?
Adult social care services face ever-growing demands and pressures. With limited resources, making informed, data-driven decisions is more important than ever. Power BI allows analysts to:
- Track trends – Understanding how many people are accessing services and how their needs are changing over time.
- Monitor care pathways – Seeing how people move through services and identifying areas for improvement.
- Forecast demand – Predicting future needs so services can be planned more effectively.
- Improve transparency – Making data more accessible to decision-makers and frontline staff.
Making Data Work for Social Care
Recognising the need for better tools and skills, WM ADASS has developed a training course tailored specifically for social care analysts. Unlike generic Power BI courses that use retail or sales data, this course uses real-world social care examples, making it easier for analysts to apply what they learn.
Participants learn how to:
- Create interactive dashboards to visualise key data.
- Combine data from multiple sources (e.g., Excel, SQL databases, and APIs).
- Transform raw data into meaningful insights using Power BI’s powerful data modelling tools.
- Use advanced analytics to predict trends and improve decision-making.
The Impact So Far
Since launching, 27 analysts from across the West Midlands have completed the course, with more sessions planned for 2025. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
- Most participants rated the course as “excellent.”
- Confidence in using Power BI increased significantly.
- Analysts are now using Power BI to enhance reports, create new insights, and support better decision-making.
- There’s strong demand for more training sessions!
What’s Next?
The success of the training highlights the growing recognition of data as a key tool in shaping the future of adult social care. As more social care professionals gain these skills, we can expect smarter, more proactive decision-making that directly benefits the people who rely on these services.
With additional training sessions on the horizon and growing collaboration across local authorities, the West Midlands is leading the way in using data for good in social care.
Members of the Knowledge and Performance Network are notified of dates of upcoming courses.