Sector leaders call for action on social care workforce
National adult social care organisations have come together to call on the Government to deliver a long-term care workforce strategy and tackle the issue of care worker pay.
These organisations, which represent people who draw on care and support, social care providers, care workers and commissioners, all argue that action on these key issues will help address the serious problem of recruitment and retention and in turn, deliver better support for people across our communities.
The sector bodies say that without improving the pay, conditions and career progression opportunities of care workers, it will be difficult to make meaningful progress towards their shared goal of best supporting people to live the lives they want to lead.
Whilst they welcome the positive workforce developments in the Government’s recent adult social care white paper, they do not amount to a proper long-term workforce strategy. They say this is desperately needed to allow for better workforce planning, including consideration of the types of roles and provision that will be needed in the future, as well as establishing the links that need to be made between the care and health workforces. Their organisations stand ready to support Government with the development and delivery of the workforce strategy including ensuring co-production with people with lived experience.
A position paper published by the group says:
Social care is at a turning point, with a period of major change taking place over the next two years and major reforms now underway. The role of the workforce must be seen as fundamental to delivering integrated, personalised and preventative care.
The insights and expertise of people who draw on social care and the frontline care workforce must be central to this work and serve as the foundation for bringing about a more robust and respected workforce."
Supported by
Cathie Williams, Chief Executive, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)
Professor Martin Green OBE, Care Provider Alliance (CPA)
Jackie O’Sullivan, Co-Chair, Care and Support Alliance (CSA)
Simon Williams, Director of Social Care Improvement, Care and Health Improvement Programme, Local Government Association (LGA)
Oonagh Smyth, CEO, Skills for Care
Kathryn Smith, CEO, Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
Ian McCreath, Head, Think Local Act Personal (TLAP)
Download the statement.
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