Published: 18th August 2025
Author: Care Innovation Summit
This June, the UK’s most influential voices in adult social care gathered at London’s Business Design Centre for the inaugural Care Innovation Summit, a high-impact, leadership-driven event that set a new standard for strategic thinking and innovation in the sector.
From care home CEOs to senior policymakers, from architects reshaping care environments to dementia specialists pioneering new models of support, Care Innovation Summit united decision-makers ready to lead the sector into its next chapter. Delegates described the event as “inspirational, energising and exactly what senior leaders need to prepare for the future.”
Leadership-first agenda
Building on the reputation of the Future of Care Leaders Conference and Dementia Summit, this new multi-stream format introduced a third pillar, Healthcare Design & Build, creating a 360-degree programme designed for executive-level priorities.
The day opened with Jermaine Harris, leadership coach and author of Lift Your Life, delivering an energising keynote on resilience and the art of caring for carers. This set the tone for an agenda that tackled the most pressing issues head-on, from workforce transformation and regulatory updates to future-ready design that improves outcomes.
Jermaine was followed by James Bullion, Interim Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who shared future plans and regulatory updates, including the appointment of Chris Badger as the new Chief Inspector.
Big ideas, bold voices and meaningful change
Across the day, more than 40 influential voices took to the stage. Speakers included Professor Martin Green OBE (Care England), Nadra Ahmed CBE (National Care Association), Professor Graham Stokes (HC-One), Ruth Brown (Home Instead), Julia Atherton (Barchester Healthcare), Dr Ruth Law (British Geriatrics Society), Simon Williams (Partners in Care & Health), Oonagh Smyth (Skills for Care), and Joe Robertson MP (APPG on Dementia). Topics explored the adult social care workforce strategy, embedding lived experience in service design, dementia prevention, innovative approaches to care delivery, and how environments and design can actively improve outcomes.
Chaired by ITV’s Sameena Ali-Khan, Jon Chapman from Pinders and dementia campaigner Ian Donaghy, the summit delivered fast-paced, thought-provoking sessions tailored to senior decision-makers.
One delegate said: “I was moved by personal stories and experiences of the speakers and had time to think out of the box, the event offered everything I’d hoped it would and a bit more.”
Delegates also engaged with exhibitors and sponsors including Dulux Trade, Confident Competence, Linet UK, Furncare and Healthcare21. Sponsors such as White Oaks, OneTouch, Blueleaf Care and Virgin Money brought their insights and solutions into the room, while the Care Innovators Studio, partnered with Five on a Bike and networking spaces created room for real collaboration throughout the day.
A summit built for leadership, not just attendance
The summit was designed for leaders who want more than discussion. As one attendee put it: “The Care Innovation Summit was a brilliant day to learn, network, be inspired for the care sector, bringing everyone involved in care together to address key issues.”
Backed by leading associations such as Care England, National Care Forum, National Care Association, Homecare Association, Women in Retirement Living, Care Home Environment and many more, Care Innovation Summit has already established itself as the must-attend date for senior decision-makers.
Planning is already underway for Care Innovation Summit 2026, set to build on the momentum of this year’s landmark event. For care home owners, group CEOs, architects and senior leaders. Attendance isn’t optional, it’s where the future of care is defined.
