Embed
Embed introduces new ideas and builds on the themes covered in the Explore pathway by encouraging consideration of how the concepts raised can be embedded across day-to-day tasks, teams and services. This pathway is for everyone, but especially for anyone who is responsible for managing or supporting others (e.g. supervisors, team leaders, first level managers), or anyone aspiring to develop their knowledge beyond the Explore pathway.
If you aren't sure you understand any of the content, jump back to the Explore pathway and use the resources there to develop your knowledge before carrying on.
The Embed Pathway
Step 1 - Definitions of Digital
| Read |
"Digital" can mean a lot of different things. Catalyst have produced a guide (linked below) which gives clear definitions of 9 key digital concepts that you may come across, using the example of a café to help explain the terms. The guide has been developed for the voluntary sector but applies equally to any type of organisation. Follow the link and read through the guide: |
| Question |
Having read through the guide, think about how you would answer the You might be asking… questions for each definition:
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| Task |
Think about how you would explain the digital ideas described in the guide to your team members or colleagues. Use the You might be asking… questions to have wider discussions within your own organisation. |
Step 2 - National Action
| Read |
Having looked at Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy in the Explore pathway, take some time to read through the associated 2025-26 delivery plan which outlines progress to date and sets out the key priorities for a refocused approach in 2026-27. Learn about the programmes and initiatives that have been delivered already and find out what is still to come: Link: Supporting documents - Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2025 to 2026 - gov.scot |
Step 3 - Building Sustainable Health and Social Care (New)
| Reflection |
| Consider how innovative digital technologies could support your team or organisation across health and social care to work more efficiently across complex systems, improve experiences for people, families and carers, and enable more sustainable, person-centred care across settings. Reflect on how digital tools support prevention, early intervention, continuity of care, and joined-up working across organisations and partners. |
| Read |
Read the “Innovative Technologies” section from the Building Sustainable Healthcare Conference publication by National Health Executive. While rooted in health, this section offers relevant and transferable insights for social care, showing how emerging technologies can enhance interactions with people using services, reduce administrative burden, support workforce capacity, and enable more efficient, sustainable and integrated delivery across health, social care and community services. It also highlights the importance of human-centred design, digital inclusion, and addressing real-world barriers such as funding, adoption, workforce confidence and system readiness. |
| Questions |
Identify:
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Step 4 - Introduction to Digital Leadership
| Question |
| What do you think it means to be a digital leader? |
| Questions |
Watch this video to hear different perspectives on what it means to be a digital leader. |
| Question |
| Has the video made you think differently about digital leadership? |
| Task |
| The speakers discuss the different attributes and approaches that can make you a successful digital leader. Take some time to reflect on what was said (re-watching the video if needed) and think about how you can incorporate the advice shared into your own approach. |
Step 5 - How Digital Insight can Strengthen Care
| Reflection |
| What small changes in a person’s daily routine, such as sleep, eating, movement or bathroom habits, might signal an early change in their health or wellbeing? |
| Read |
Read “Changing the DNA of Care: how earlier insight can strengthen Scotland’s social care system” from Futurescot, which explores how data and digital technologies can health and social care teams detect subtle changes in peoples’ routines and wellbeing. These insights can help services prioritise support, prevent avoidable crises and enable people to live independently for longer. |
| Task |
Consider a service or process in your organisation. Identify one example where digital tools or data could help staff deliver a more effective service. |
What next?
You have now completed the Embed pathway.
Pathway Update Notifications
You can register to receive our monthly Digital Workforce Update. This will keep you informed when pathway content is updated or new resources are added. You’ll also receive details of events, news, opportunities and updates from our wider national resources and learning networks.
Feedback
Use this Feedback Form to share any comments or questions you have about the pathway. You can also use this form if you spot that any of the links aren’t working, or the resources aren’t available.
