Tech 4 Good: Embedding tech to scale a charity’s impact.

Technology has enormous potential to improve people’s lives. But how do we make sure that potential translates into meaningful, lasting change - particularly in social care and the voluntary sector?

Access Social Care’s Founder and CEO, Kari Gerstheimer, featured on a recent episode of the Tech 4 Good podcast, where she explored the power of technology and data to drive social change.

For Kari, the starting point is clear: technology isn’t just about systems, software or digital tools. It is about people, and how we use what we have to create a fairer society.

As Kari puts it:

“I'm passionate about the power of data and the power of technology to make a difference to people's lives.”

Used well, technology can help organisations understand people’s experiences, identify gaps in support and make better-informed decisions. Data can help us see where systems are working, where they are failing and where change is most urgently needed.

But this potential depends on how we approach technology. It must be grounded in the realities of people’s lives, shaped by the people who use services and focused on outcomes that matter to them.

One of the biggest barriers to lasting change is not necessarily coming up with new ideas. It is finding the resources to make successful ideas work on a much larger scale.

Kari highlights a familiar challenge for charities and organisations working to improve lives:

“It's often really easy to get the money to pilot something new. It's the scale-up funding that's really problematic.”

Pilot projects can demonstrate what is possible. They give organisations the opportunity to test approaches, learn what works and show the potential of new technology.

Kari makes a powerful connection between social care and access to justice:

“Without access to justice, the right to social care might as well not exist.”

Having a right on paper is not the same as being able to exercise it. People need to understand their rights, access information, challenge decisions and obtain support when systems fail them.

For people navigating social care, this can be particularly important. Decisions about support can have a profound effect on independence, relationships, participation in the community and the ability to live a good life.

Listen to the conversation

Kari's conversation with Tech 4 Good explores the opportunities and challenges involved in using technology to create social impact, from harnessing data to scaling innovation and ensuring people can exercise their rights.

Listen to the podcast: Embedding Tech to Scale a Charity's Impact – Tech 4 Good South West

Find out more about Social Care Future and our work to create a future where everyone can live a good life, with the support, relationships and opportunities that matter to them.

Use AccessAva, our online digital service to find free social care resources and legal support.

Promo graphic of Kari on the tech 4 good podcast.