Difficult conversations:consent: what does “agreeing to tech,” really mean?

The world of care has changed. Sensors monitor people in their own homes, care services are trialling the use of robots and AI to plug workforce gaps, and technology has the opportunity to improve choice and control or to remove personal autonomy.

In this three-part mini-series, we will bring together experts with diverse perspectives to discuss some of the difficult conversations we tend to avoid when thinking about technology in care.

Webinar 2:

This webinar looks at:

Two contrasting stances:

• “I want explicit consent for every device or system.”
• “I don’t mind, I assume tech is included in the care plan.

What is valid and informed consent?

Especially for older adults, neurodivergent individuals, people with dementia, or those under time pressure.

Practical consent challenges:

• When families consent on behalf of people.

• When care settings introduce new tech over time.

• Whether non-technical people can meaningfully understand data flows, AI, or monitoring.

Panel diversity:

• Someone from a legal/ethics background.

• A representative from lived experience (family carer or service user).

• A provider or care manager — how consent works in real life.

• A commissioner

• Mental capacity expert or Caldicott Guardian

Where does “assumed consent” start and stop?

• Can consent be withdrawn?

• What happens if people say no, but risk increases?

Intended Outcome

Attendees reflect on the complexity of consent and learn models for approaching it more ethically, not merely legally.

Who Should Attend

• Registered Managers
• Responsible Individuals and Owners
• IT leads and Operations Managers
• Anyone responsible for data, risk or compliance within a care organisation
• To attend the next final in this series please follow the links below:

Difficult conversations: Robots vs carers: replacing in-person care workers with tech - Digital Care Hub

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