Implementation Playbook Part 1: How to Make Change Stick - Tech Champions and Quick Wins
When local authorities introduce new technology, success hinges on more than the solution itself, it depends on how well it’s implemented. And that comes down to two critical things: strong leadership and smart starting points.
Whether you're a Director of Adult Social Services navigating year-round pressure on stretched budgets, or an Associate Director trying to deliver outcomes with limited staff capacity, making tech adoption stick requires early wins and internal advocacy.
Start With the Right Champion
Digital care technology doesn’t implement itself. You need a tech champion in your leadership team, someone who believes in the change, understands the purpose behind it and is trusted across the organisation to carry it forward.
At Medway, Jackie Brown, Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, emphasised the importance of being clear on objectives from the outset:
“It’s all about being really clear on why you want the technology in the first place, to your organisation and the supplier and working together on a focused plan to meet your goals.”
What makes a strong tech champion?
- They’re credible, visible and respected
- They keep the focus on outcomes, not just features.
- They align operational teams and senior leadership behind the change.
- They’re accountable for implementation, but empowered to drive decisions.
Without a champion, even the best technology can stall. With one, you build trust, direction and momentum from day one.
Deliver Quick Wins That Build Confidence
The second key to a successful rollout is showing impact early. Trying to scale too quickly or too widely can create confusion or pushback. Instead, starting with one or two focused pathways gives your teams the chance to see the benefits clearly and quickly.
Medway Council initially rolled out Lilli in specific areas like front door assessments. By doing so, they gathered early data and real-life case studies that helped bring others on board.
“Once we had proved the impact based on these ‘quick-win’ pathways,” said Jackie, “it was easier to get buy-in from the wider organisation to roll it out further.”
So, where should you start?
- Focus on high-pressure areas where even small changes can make a big difference.
- Select teams who are open to new ways of working.
- Choose a pathway that allows you to collect clear evidence of outcomes whether that’s reduced hospital admissions, saved hours of staff time, or improved peace of mind for families.
Quick wins matter because they demonstrate not only cost-effectiveness but care effectiveness showing how new approaches can deliver better care without adding strain.
Plan Like It’s a Change Project, Because It Is
Bringing in a new digital care tool isn’t just about the tech. It’s about changing how care is delivered. That requires internal leadership, real-world proof and a shared understanding of what success looks like.
Before you begin, make sure you’ve answered three key questions:
- Who’s the tech champion owning this work?
- What’s the first pathway where we’ll prove the value?
What do we want to see happen in the first 6–12 weeks?
Answer those clearly and you’re not just launching a product you’re laying the foundation for sustainable change.