Join us for the Surrey Care Association Spring Conference 2026 – Future Ready: Digital Progress and Outstanding Practice, a full-day event designed for social care professionals who want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing sector.
Taking place on Wednesday 13 May 2026 at Silvermere Golf & Leisure in Cobham, the conference brings together influential national voices and local experts, including a keynote introduction from Simon Bottery from The King’s Fund, and speakers from Surrey County Council, the Digital Care Hub, the Police Cyber Crime Unit and the day will be rounded off by Sanjay Gaskiori-Drohna of The Outstanding Society.
The day will explore how digital innovation, cyber security and outstanding practice can strengthen services now and in the future, alongside plenty of opportunities to network with peers and trusted suppliers over refreshments and lunch. With high-profile speakers, practical insight and valuable connections, this is a must-attend event for Surrey’s care leaders.
We’ve maintained our prices from last year for our members and Tickets are £30 for members and £80 for non-members, and places are expected to fill quickly.
Click HERE to book your ticket now!
On the Stage: Our Speakers
Simon Bottery – Kings Fund – “Public Attitudes to Social Care”
Simon leads The King’s Fund’s work on adult social care, which includes the annual Social Care 360 report on the key trends in the sector and research areas including access to social care, the care workforce, public attitudes to social care, the provider market and social care funding.
He is chair of the School for Social Care Research’s advisory board and a trustee of Age UK London.
Before joining The King’s Fund in September 2017, Simon was Director of Policy at the older people’s charity Independent Age. He has wide experience in policy, communications and journalism, including as Director of Communications at Citizens Advice. He has also worked for the development charity ActionAid, in the commercial sector for Guinness and in BBC local radio.
Dan Stoneman – Head of Commissioning Older People and Technology Enabled Care and Homes, Surrey County Council
“Technology Enabled Care and Homes: The Leadership Shift in Surrey”
Dan has 18 years’ experience in local government working across Children’s and Adult Social Care in both Hampshire and Surrey. An experienced commissioner, he now leads Technology Enabled Care and Homes for Surrey County Council alongside his role as Head of Commissioning for Older People. Dan is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance social care practice and to ensure service design and delivery are strengthened through the effective use of digital solutions. As someone who achieves through collaboration and coproduction Dan is looking forward to conversations at this year’s conference.
Eleanor Ryles – Digital Care Hub & DSPT
Eleanor Ryles is the Engagement Manager across Digital Care Hub (DCH) as well as the Better Security, Better Care (BSBC) programme that sits within this. Eleanor ensures DCH and the BSBC programme are at the forefront of stakeholders strategy and development in adult social care’s data and cyber security. Working with different stakeholders to help promote and share the resource and support DCH can offer. Eleanor has health and social care experience having worked in Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire. Previously to this her experience included Project Management for Rightmove and in a Business Development role as part of the charity, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO).
Andy Rawlinson – Police Cyber Crime Unit
“Future Ready Care: Building Cyber Resilience That Protects People, Services and Trust”
Andy Rawlinson is a Police Sergeant who leads the Cyber Protect team within the South East Cyber Crime Unit, helping organisations across four police force areas defend against cyber threats.
After 19 years in policing and extensive work in Cyber Prevent – understanding how and why cyber offenders operate – Andy now uses that knowledge to drive practical, audience focused cyber resilience. He is a CISM certified security professional, qualified NCSC Cyber Advisor and experienced speaker for sectors ranging from SMEs to FTSE 100 board
Neil Cox – Deputy Director South, Care Quality Commission
I joined CQC in 2011 and have been an inspector and inspection manager before moving to my current role in 2020. As ASC Deputy Director for the South region I have responsibility for regulatory delivery across adult social care in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Bath and Wiltshire.
I am regional performance lead ensuring we meet our operational priorities in relation to ASC services in the South. My role focuses on delivering operational excellence, working closely with colleagues across the South and nationally, to shape and implement improvements to performance to deliver our core purpose. Most importantly, I’m committed to supporting our teams to deliver consistent and collaborative regulation to make sure ASC services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care.
Sanjay Gasiorski-Dhrona – Non-Executive Director, The Outstanding Society
Sanjay is a passionate advocate for excellence in social care, dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and best practices within the sector. Having previously owned and managed The Close Care Home, he has firsthand experience in delivering high-quality, person-centered care.
As a Non-Executive Director of The Outstanding Society, Sanjay works to support care providers in achieving excellence, sharing knowledge, and driving positive change across the industry. He also holds an advisory role with Caring Times, contributing his insights to shape conversations on key issues affecting social care.
Sanjay is a committed champion of diversity and inclusion, advocating for minority residents, care professionals, and small independent operators. His work extends to multiple industry initiatives, including his roles as an ambassador for Championing Social Care and Adopt a Grandparent. Through these initiatives, he strives to raise awareness, enhance sector-wide engagement, and combat loneliness among older adults by fostering intergenerational connections.
With his extensive experience and passion for outstanding care, Sanjay continues to influence and support the sector, ensuring that high standards and innovative solutions remain at the forefront of social care.
