Innovation, Integration and Impact – Collaboration Across Housing, Health and Care

Innovation, Integration and Impact: Housing, Health and Care Join Forces

One of the standout sessions at Tech Conference 25 was the Tech Board discussion, chaired by Callum Chomczuk, National Director at CIH Scotland. The theme — Collaboration across housing, care and health — drew strong engagement from delegates eager to see how technology can connect systems and people.

Callum opened by stressing that culture and collaboration are essential for innovation. “We need to stop working in silos,” he said. “Housing, health, and care must act as one team.”

Tim Eltringham (South Ayrshire HSCP) highlighted how the Social Care Renewal Framework is embedding a digital-first mindset into new builds and retrofits — connecting physical spaces to better health outcomes through tech like telecare and telehealth.

Chris Milburn (Cairn Housing) emphasised the strategic importance of IT, especially for improving customer experience in rural and ageing stock. Susie Fitton (SFHA) underlined how technology can support choice, dignity, and autonomy, while Ruth Robin (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) urged the sector to see technology as a connector, linking housing data with health analytics to prevent isolation and falls.

Delegates discussed practical barriers — digital exclusion, workforce capacity, and funding confidence — but also shared optimism.

Key discussion points included:

Using *live analytical data* for smarter planning.

Leveraging *AI* to free up time for high-value care.

Creating *minimum digital standards across Scotland’s housing sector.

Exploring *renewable-powered data centres for Net Zero alignment.

The message was clear: small, smart design decisions can make a huge difference. And Scotland, many noted, is already ahead of the curve.

“Investing in people is the heart of innovation,” the panel concluded.

Collaboration, culture, and inclusion — those are the three Cs shaping the future of housing and care.