Next steps to support social care
Strengthening the adult social care workforce is at the centre of the government’s social care reform plans for the next two years.
In December 2021, the government published the People at the Heart of Care white paper, which sets out a 10-year vision for adult social care, backed by 2.1 billion of funding. Plans have now been announced for the £700 million of that funding which had previously not been allocated, with a strong focus on strengthening the social care workforce.
To improve recognition of the skills and experience of people working in social care roles and support career development, plans include introduction of a new care workforce pathway for adult social care, a new Care Certificate qualification, a skills passport to provide a verifiable record of training and qualifications, and a range of new, funded training schemes.
More support for local authorities
To help them improve access to care and support, local authorities will be given an additional £562 million in 2023-24 and £845 million in 2024-25 via the Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund. This will enable them to increase their adult social care capacity and make tangible improvements to services. In addition, a programme will be launched this summer to support international recruitment for adult social care jobs.
More support for social workers
The reform plans acknowledge the vital role that social workers play in assessing and supporting people with multiple complex needs, such as homelessness and mental ill health. That’s why it’s considered essential that social workers are equipped to support those who will most benefit from social work support.
Alongside other initiatives, the government is committed to recruitment and retention of social workers through Think Ahead, a graduate fast-track programme to become a qualified social worker supporting people with mental health needs. Further support for social workers is being provided through the Education Support Grant and Social Work Bursary.
Digital transformation
£100 million has been earmarked to speed up digitisation in the social care sector. This includes investment in digital records, providing social care staff with fast, easy access to the latest information. This will also enable data to be shared securely and in real time with authorised professionals in the NHS, such as mental health nurses and occupational therapists.
“Working in social care is such a varied, exciting and rewarding career, and I’m pleased that these reforms recognise the enormous potential in investing in the professional development of our highly skilled workforce,” commented Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care. “Along with technological advancements that will make the lives of care workers easier, this plan is an exciting continuation of the government’s commitment to reform social care.”
