As the national conversation about the future of social care gathers pace, we are launching a new strategy that places voice, inclusion and system change at the heart of everything we do.
Recently, colleagues from across NDTi came together in Birmingham to launch our new three-year strategy for 2026-2029, reconnect with each other and explore how we will turn our ambitions into action.
At the same time, the Prime Minister’s recent proposals for social care reform have reignited debate about how we create a system that genuinely supports people to live good lives with dignity, independence and community connection. The emphasis on listening to people with lived experience reflects principles that have guided NDTi for more than 30 years.
A strategy built around three powerful ideas
Our new strategy is built around three themes:
- Inclusion
- Voice
- System Change
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in their community, shape the decisions that affect their lives and access support that works for them.
These principles underpin all our work and are central to the vision set out in our strategy.
Reform must start with listening
The renewed focus on social care reform creates an important opportunity, but meaningful change will depend on implementation, not just ambition.
At NDTi, we believe change must create space for the voices that are too often missing from national conversations. It must be rooted in people’s rights, aspirations and lived experience, and support communities as well as services.
“The conversation needs to be bigger”
Bill Love, Co-Executive Director, NDTi
NDTi Executive Co-Director Bill Love welcomed the renewed focus on social care while highlighting the need for genuine co-production.
“After twenty years of false dawns, recent announcements from the Prime Minister on social care seem to be offering some real light.”
Bill believes change must be shaped by people who draw on support, families and communities, not only policymakers and providers.
“Most of the voices we are hearing are familiar ones. Many have a great contribution to offer, but let’s create real space for the truly different, radical and unheard.”
He also argues that the debate needs to extend beyond health and care services.
“The conversation needs to be bigger. It needs to be about how health, social care, education, employment and communities work together to support people to live good lives.”
“Voice and inclusion must drive implementation”
Nic Crosby, Small Supports Programme Lead, NDTi
Nic Crosby, who leads NDTi’s Small Supports programme, also welcomed the government’s emphasis on lived experience and inclusion.
“Voice and inclusion is what we are about at NDTi, and voice and inclusion featured strongly in Andy Burnham’s social care plans.”
However, he believes success will be measured by what happens next.
“The challenge as ever with fine words is how they convert to action and when it comes to social care it’s all about the implementation.”
Drawing on the principles of independent living and community inclusion that underpin Small Supports, Nic argues that reform must focus on what works for people, building connections, recognising strengths and respecting rights.
“The roots of any change has to start with people’s voice, and a commitment to inclusion.”
He also challenges policymakers to consider whose voices may still be missing.
“What about the voice of people who can’t attend the big conversations, who are supported by Small Supports up and down the country?”
Bringing our strategy to life
Launching our strategy is only the beginning.
Over the coming months we’ll be sharing blogs, videos and conversations from colleagues, partners and people with lived experience that explore the priorities at the heart of our 2026-2029 strategy.
Together, we’ll look at what inclusion, voice and system change mean in practice.
Join the conversation
Our new strategy is both a commitment and an invitation.
As social care reform develops, we will continue to champion the voices of people with lived experience and support the changes needed to create more inclusive communities and better systems.
Because ultimately, change is not just about services. It’s about whether people have the support, opportunities and relationships they need to live the lives they choose.