As of the 2021 census, the population of Croydon was 390,719, making it the most populated borough in London. Croydon’s population is expected to continue to grow, reaching 408,271 by 2043.
Croydon has over 6,000 residents who are in receipt of care. The borough has the largest care home market in London, with over 125 care homes.
The demand for care services in Croydon is increasing as the population ages. By 2040, it’s projected that 20% of the population will be aged 65 or over, up from 14% today. The number of older people who need care is also expected to increase, with more and more people living alone and needing help with mobility or long-term illnesses
The Challenge
Croydon faced significant challenges in modernising it’s outdated Social Care systems, which were spread across multiple legacy platforms (AIS, SWIFT, and CCM). This fragmentation led to inefficiencies, data inconsistencies, and limited Croydon’s ability to deliver responsive, person-centered support.
Further complicating the project, Croydon Council had recently issued a Section 114 notice, indicating severe budgetary constraints and limiting the Council’s financial flexibility. This put additional pressure on the project to be delivered not only on time, but within a strict budget, making efficiency and cost-effectiveness critical priorities. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced logistical challenges, requiring the transformation to be executed remotely. All while coping with increased demand for Social Care services.
The council’s goals extended beyond system migration. They aimed to introduce a strengths-based, community-centered approach by adopting NDTi’s Community Led Support (CLS) model and implementing a custom Resource Allocation Scheme (RAS) aligned with individual needs—all within the confines of the Section 114 financial restrictions.
What We Did
Our team implemented a series of targeted solutions:
- System Implementation: Our System C Implementation & Project Experts Successfully implemented the LiquidLogic LAS system on schedule and within budget, despite financial restrictions and pandemic constraints, aligning with Croydon’s Section 114 notice requirements.
- Data Migration and Testing: Our migration experts led a comprehensive data migration and testing workstream, from the AIS, SWIFT, and CCM systems to the LiquidLogic LAS Application. This included rigorous testing and configuration to ensure the transition was seamless, accurate, and fully functional.
- Community Led Support (CLS) Model: Our System C Liquidlogic configuration experts Designed and implemented NDTi’s CLS model, enabling Croydon to adopt a community-focused, strengths-based approach that promotes local engagement and empowers individuals, aligning with the council’s vision for modernised care.
- Custom Resource Allocation Scheme (RAS): Developed a bespoke, outcomes- and strengths-based RAS, tailored to optimise Croydon’s resource allocation in line with budget constraints, ensuring that resources were effectively directed toward those most in need.
- Comprehensive System Configuration: Configured the LiquidLogic LAS system end-to-end to meet diverse social care requirements. This included setting up modules for assessments, planning, standalone forms, carers support, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), Sensory Support, Occupational Therapy (OT), Transitions, and Safeguarding, providing Croydon with a robust, flexible platform for delivering efficient services.
The Results
- On-Time and On-Budget Delivery: The project was completed on target and within budget, demonstrating efficient project management and adherence to the financial restrictions set by the Section 114 notice.
- Increased Efficiency and Data Accuracy: The migration to the LiquidLogic LAS system resulted in streamlined processes, improved data accuracy, and reduced administrative burdens, allowing social care staff to dedicate more time to direct service delivery.
- Enhanced, Community-Focused Support: The implementation of the CLS model and custom RAS allowed Croydon to adopt a strengths-based, individualised approach, ensuring that services were better aligned with the needs and strengths of each resident.
- Recognition of Financial Accountability: By delivering the project within budget constraints, Croydon demonstrated its commitment to financial accountability, ensuring essential service improvements without compromising on the council’s budgetary requirements.
This transformation equipped Croydon’s Social Care services with an integrated, adaptable system, that enhances the council’s ability to provide high-quality, person-centered support, even under severe budgetary and operational constraints.
