10:20-11:00 - In conversation: Why are we here? Overview of work to date
Dr. Caroline Green, Director of Research, Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford – Dr. Caroline Green is the Institute’s Director of Research and Head of Public Engagement, leading the Institute's Accelerator Fellowship Programme. Caroline's research focuses on AI and human rights, specifically in the fields of health and social care. Caroline holds a LLB (Hons) from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc in Human Rights from the LSE, a MA in Investigative Journalism from City University and a PhD in Gerontology from King's College London.
Katie Thorn, Digital Projects Lead, Digital Care Hub – Katie Thorn is a key driver of digital transformation in adult social care. As Project Manager for the Digital Care Hub (formerly Digital Social Care), she provides free guidance on technology, data protection, and cybersecurity. The initiative is backed by the Care Provider Alliance, NHS England, and the Department of Health and Social Care. She co-leads the Oxford Project on Generative AI in Social Care and has worked with the RNHA as a Digital Engagement Manager. With hands-on experience in nursing homes, Katie’s contributions have earned her The Woman in Tech award (2022) and the NHS England Award at the National Cyber Awards (2023).
Daniel Casson, Managing Director, Casson Consulting - Daniel Casson is a digital transformation and partnership-building consultant, working with innovators, care providers, local authorities, and the NHS to embed digital solutions. He specializes in integration, with a focus on digital pathways linking health and social care. His work centers on value creation within digital transformation. Daniel is a Digital Transformation Advisor at Care England, part of the Digital Care Hub, and Joint Coordinator of the Oxford Project on Generative AI in Social Care. He also serves as Social Care Specialist Conference Director for LaingBuisson, contributing to national discussions on the future of social care.
11:30-12:30 - AI in Practice: How is it already being used and what’s coming next?
Chair: Dr. Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Homecare Association – Dr. Jane Townson has extensive experience in social care, health, housing, and technology. She previously served as Chair of the Board at Kraydel, CEO of Somerset Care Group, Chairman of YourLife (a joint venture with McCarthy & Stone), and Vice Chair of UKHCA. Her first career was in international R&D leadership at ICI, AstraZeneca, and Syngenta, where she was Global Head of Bioscience Research. She later founded her own consultancy, providing training on the link between lifestyle and public health, supporting both individuals and public sector organizations.
Dr. Gill Horne, Programme Director – Care Services, Rowcroft Hospice – Dr. Gill Horne is a registered nurse with over 40 years of experience in nursing and clinical leadership across the UK and Canada, specializing in specialist palliative care since 1998. She joined Rowcroft Hospice in 2010 and completed a PhD in 2011, focusing on the perspectives of lung cancer patients regarding end-of-life care wishes. As Programme Director – Care Services, Dr. Horne leads the development of a new 60-bed nursing home for individuals with advanced dementia and complex needs. Her recent TOPOL digital fellowship has led her to spearhead digital and artificial intelligence projects aimed at enhancing end-of-life care and support for those living with dementia.
Peter Zein, Expert by Experience, Kent County Council – Peter Zein is a dedicated advocate for integrating technology into social care to enhance individuals' quality of life. As co-chair of Kent County Council's Adult Social Care Digital Group, Peter has been instrumental in shaping the Technology Enhanced Lives Service (TELS), which empowers residents to live more independently and safely at home. Drawing from personal experience, Peter utilizes various technologies in his daily life, such as smart home devices that allow him to control heating, lighting, and appliances, thereby increasing his autonomy. He believes that technology can significantly improve one's quality of life and credits it for enabling his active participation in leadership roles within social care initiatives
Jacky Morton, Head of Customer Success, Sentai – Jacky Morton leads customer success at Sentai, a UK-based provider of Technology Enabled Care solutions designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals requiring support. With a background in product ownership and customer engagement, Jacky ensures that Sentai's voice-enabled virtual companion effectively empowers users to live more independently. Her commitment to integrating technology into care services reflects in her leadership, fostering connections and promoting autonomy among users. Based in Cheltenham, England, Jacky collaborates with a dedicated team to deliver innovative solutions that prioritize user well-being and independence.
Alice Ainsworth, Deputy Director, Adult Social Care Technology Policy & SRO for Digitising Social Care Programme - Alice Ainsworth leads initiatives to integrate digital solutions into adult social care, enhancing service efficiency and outcomes. With extensive experience in health and social care policy, Alice focuses on leveraging technology to improve care delivery, data sharing, and workforce support. Her work ensures digital innovations align with national strategies, driving transformation and better care experiences for individuals and providers across the sector.
13:30-14:30 - Ethical and Responsible Use of Generative AI
Chair: Dr Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive, Scottish Care – Dr. Macaskill has extensive experience in the health and social care sectors across the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on dementia, bereavement, palliative care, and human rights. Prior to joining Scottish Care, he ran his own equality and human rights consultancy for thirteen years, concentrating on adult protection, risk, and personalisation. He serves on several Scottish, UK, and international boards related to health and social care, including as a Director of the Global Ageing Network. A regular blogger and public speaker, Dr. Macaskill is an active campaigner for older person rights.
Jennifer Pearl, Expert by Experience, National Co-Production Advisory Group (NCAG) – Jennifer Pearl is a dedicated advocate for personalized care and support, drawing from her lived experience with a spinal cord injury. As a member of Think Local Act Personal’s NCAG, she actively contributes to initiatives aimed at improving social care services. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of recruiting care workers with the right values, stating that without them, individuals who rely on care won't feel the intended improvements. She has also collaborated on developing the Care Workforce Pathway, ensuring that the perspectives of those who draw on care and support are integral to workforce development.
John Boyle, Founder, A14U Consultancy – John Boyle is a seasoned expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications within the health and social care sectors. In 1989, he co-founded Oxford Computer Consultants, a firm that grew to employ over 130 professionals before its acquisition by System C in 2023. Post-acquisition, John established A14U Consultancy, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience to drive digital innovation in healthcare. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of The Oxford Trust, reflecting his commitment to fostering technological advancement and entrepreneurship in the Oxfordshire region.
Professor Kate Hamblin, Director, ESRC Centre for Care - Professor Kate Hamblin leads the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Care at the University of Sheffield. Since joining the university in 2018, she has focused her research on the role of technology in supporting older individuals with complex needs. She also explores employment issues, such as balancing unpaid care with paid work, self-employment among older adults, and 'active ageing' policies. Kate leads the Centre's Digital Care research theme and serves on the leadership team for the IMPACT Implementation Centre. She has authored numerous publications, including "Active Ageing in the European Union: Policy Convergence and Divergence."
Julia Ross, Chair, British Association of Social Workers (BASW) – Julia Ross is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in health and social care. Her career began in nursing before transitioning to social work, where she has held various leadership roles, including Director of Social Services and Chief Executive of an NHS Primary Care Trust. In June 2022, Julia was elected Chair of BASW, aiming to double membership and enhance the profession's influence. She authored "Call the Social," a memoir reflecting on her extensive career. Julia is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and serves on the Digital Health Council, advocating for digital innovation in care services.
14:30-15:15 - International Panel: Ethical AI in an international care context
Dr. Samir Sinha, Dr. Samir Sinha, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto & Geriatrician, Sinai Health System – Dr. Samir Sinha is a leading expert in geriatrics, serving as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Johns Hopkins University. A Rhodes Scholar, he is recognized internationally for his work in shaping policies for older adults. He led Ontario’s Seniors Strategies and developed Canada’s National Long-Term Care Services Standard. Dr. Sinha is a member of Canada’s National Seniors Council and was named one of Maclean’s 50 most influential Canadians in 2014. In 2024-25, he is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford, researching AI and ageing.
Dr. Christoph Ellßel, Professor, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Munich – Dr. Christoph Ellßel is a faculty member at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences (Katholische Stiftungshochschule München, KSH) in Munich, Germany. He is based at the Benediktbeuern campus, where he contributes to the university's mission of providing high-quality education in social work, health, nursing, and pedagogical professions. KSH is renowned both nationally and internationally for its practice-oriented teaching and strong connections to social and healthcare services. The university emphasizes mutual appreciation and support, reflecting its Christian values, and maintains partnerships with over 40 universities worldwide.
Silvia Perel-Levin, Consultant and Advocate for Health and Human Rights of Older Persons, Geneva – Silvia Perel-Levin is a dedicated advocate for the human rights of older persons, with over 25 years of experience in ageing, health, and human rights. She chairs the subcommittee on the Human Rights of Older Persons within the NGO Committee on Ageing in Geneva, a committee she led for eight years until April 2022. Silvia represents the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance (ILC GA) at the United Nations in Geneva, promoting the inclusion of older persons across UN platforms and advocating for a UN Convention on their rights. At the World Health Organization, she managed the first multi-country study on elder abuse, producing the report "Missing Voices: Views of Older Persons on Elder Abuse." Before her advocacy work, Silvia was a TV, film, and theatre producer, utilizing the arts as tools for social change. She holds a B.A. in Social Theater from Tel Aviv University and an M.Sc. in Inter-Professional Practice from City University London. In 2023, she edited "Ageing of the Oppressed: A Pandemic of Intersecting Injustice," a collection reflecting on ageing, human rights, and oppression.
For the full-day Events Schedule follow this link: AI in Social Care Summit 2025 - Event Schedule | Ethics in AI