newydd | new
All selected work

Discovery research

Pressure and possibility in social care

Understanding what local authorities need to make improvement and innovation possible in social care in Wales.

Hands holding autumn leaves.
Illustrative photograph · Providence Doucet / StockSnap · CC0 · Cropped for display

About the work

Social Care Wales commissioned Frame, working with newydd | new, to explore the conditions shaping improvement, innovation and transformation in local authority social care. The research was part of discovery work for the design of a new multidisciplinary, team-based support offer.

The approach

Between February and March 2026, the research team conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 people from 13 local authorities across Wales. Conversations included adult and children’s services, senior leaders and transformation roles, and were offered in Welsh and English.

What the work produced

The report brought together organisational realities, system conditions and the support needs identified by local authorities. It set out implications and questions for the next phase of programme design, including support that fits alongside delivery pressures, external perspectives and specialist expertise.

The final report was used to help shape the next round of programme design work, informing the scope of procurement.

31interviewees
13local authorities

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