AI project that saves Neath Port Talbot social workers 15 hours a week wins UK award
The council’s Digital and Adult Services teams were named winners of the Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative at the 2025 Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards, held in Glasgow earlier this month.
Cutting admin, boosting care
The project has introduced AI tools to handle routine documentation and case recording, reducing the time social workers spend on admin by more than 15 hours a week.
- Writing up case notes has been cut by an average of 7.5 hours per week.
- Submitting case assessments is now around 8 hours faster.
Council leaders say the changes mean staff can focus on building relationships with residents and delivering higher‑quality assessments, rather than being tied up with paperwork.
“A testament to our teams”
Cllr Jo Hale, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services & Health, said the award recognised the dedication of staff:
“By harnessing AI, we’re not just improving efficiency — we’re enhancing the quality of care and freeing up our staff to focus on supporting residents.”
Cllr Simon Knoyle, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, added:
“This is a fine example of the use of emerging technologies to make life better for our residents. I’m pleased our innovative approach has been recognised with this UK‑wide award.”
National recognition
The APSE Awards celebrate best practice in local government across the UK. Neath Port Talbot’s entry stood out for its practical impact on frontline services, with staff also reporting improvements in the accuracy of meeting notes and case records.
Related social care stories
Bridgend children’s services praised for ‘hugely impressive’ improvements
Inspectors say Bridgend has delivered progress in all 14 areas of concern, with fewer children on the protection register and a more stable workforce.
Council plans £2.5m investment to boost front-line services in Swansea
Swansea Council outlines major upgrades for residential homes, day services and early help hubs supporting children and families.
Council spent over £1m on agency social workers year Logan Mwangi died
Freedom of Information figures reveal Bridgend’s reliance on agency staff soared in 2021, raising concerns about stability in children’s services.
Danger for children goes up as agency social worker numbers and costs rise
Research shows Welsh councils spent over £20m on agency social workers last year, sparking calls for a nationwide review of children’s services.
#adultServices #AI #APSE #APSEAwards #artificialIntelligence #AssociationForPublicServiceExcellence #CllrJoHale #CllrSimonKnoyle #innovation #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #paperwork #socialServices #socialWorker
CBC Hamilton
CBC Nova Scotia
ira 🐻
Possumantha
Psychotherapy Commission ACPE
Rachel W.
Joe Price
Editor