A North East technology enabled care leader has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for her contribution to improving services that support millions of people across the country.
Alyson Scurfield, chief executive of the TEC Services Association (TSA), has been awarded an OBE for services to technology enabled care (TEC).
Since taking the helm at TSA in 2013, Alyson has overseen the organisation’s transformation into a national advisory body representing more than 350 organisations across health, housing and social care.
The body works with councils, housing associations, care providers and technology suppliers to improve the quality and delivery of care services.
Among her key achievements has been the creation of the UKAS-accredited Quality Standards Framework, introduced to strengthen safety and accountability across the sector.
Today, the framework supports the majority of people using technology enabled care in the UK.
Alyson has also played a leading role in improving the safety of digital telephone migrations for telecare users, working with Government, telecoms providers and care organisations following concerns linked to the transition from analogue services.
In addition, she helped launch the Virtual Home training resource, which has supported thousands of care professionals in understanding and prescribing technology enabled care solutions.
Alongside her role at TSA, Alyson chairs Age UK North Tyneside and has spent more than two decades working across local government, housing and care services.
She said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this honour for services to TEC.
“I love this sector and believe passionately in the impact it has.
“Every single day TEC organisations cut pressure on the NHS, they strengthen community-based care and ensure millions of people live well in their own homes.
“This honour is recognition of the brilliant TSA team who have supported me so much, and crucially, it’s acknowledgement of our talented, highly innovative TEC sector.
“Their dedication to improving people’s lives never ceases to amaze me.
“I will use this OBE to continue banging the drum for technology enabled care and the vital role it can and must play in the future of health and care – supporting the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan and its three strategic shifts.”
Professor Martin Green OBE, chair of TSA and chief executive of Care England, added: “I am delighted that Alyson has been honoured by the King with the award of an OBE.
“This is not only recognition for the outstanding leadership that Alyson has offered to TSA, and the technology enabled care sector, but it is also an indicator of the importance of her work at a time of significant health and social care reform.”
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, associate director of Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), added: “I am absolutely delighted that Alyson has been awarded an OBE.
“She has always understood that TEC is not about technology for its own sake.
“It is about people. It is about enabling people to live the lives they choose, with dignity, independence, connection, meaning and purpose.
“Her work has helped shift the conversation from devices and systems to real lives and real outcomes.
“She has consistently championed the idea that technology must sit alongside care, relationships and humanity, helping people to stay connected, safe, included and in control.
“This honour recognises not only Alyson’s personal contribution, but also the importance of putting people and their lives at the very heart of technology enabled care.”
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