For the seventh consecutive year, Professional Care Workers Week (PCWW) has brought together voices from across the UK to honor the invaluable contributions of care workers. This year, representatives from more than 50 organisations joined webinars to discuss the big issues impacting social care. As The Care Workers’ Charity, we are proud to have hosted such a successful event and provided a platform for care workers’ voices to be heard.
Professional Care Workers Week isn’t just a celebration; it’s a movement to elevate the status of care workers and reshape perceptions of care work. This year, we focused on asks for the new government, addressing the challenges care workers face, advocating for systemic change, and looking to a future for social care that promotes innovative solutions to strengthen the workforce.
The term “professional” is crucial to understanding the skilled and complex nature of care work. Throughout the week panelist highlighted what a broad skill set is required for care work, encompassing technical knowledge about medical care, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy and respect. Yet care workers frequently contend with low pay, inconsistent training opportunities, and high turnover rates.
Throughout the week, we were thrilled to host a series of panels that explored key issues in the care sector. From discussions about the future of residential and home care to issues impacting international recruits and the launch of the Care Worker Advisory Board and Champions Project, this year’s Professional Care Workers Week was packed with thought-provoking conversations and practical solutions.
The panel on AI and adult social care, sparked important debates about the future of technology in the sector. We launched new Care Worker Guidance, and a Statement of Expectations developed in partnership with The University of Oxford with over 20 frontline care workers to help ensure that the use of generative AI in care respects the dignity of care workers and those they support. As technology evolves, it’s crucial that we center the voices of care workers in these discussions, ensuring that AI is used ethically and enhances, rather than replaces, the human element of care.
The Care Worker Advisory Board and Champions Project were also key highlights of the week. These initiatives are designed to ensure that care workers themselves are at the heart of conversations about the future of the workforce. By amplifying their voices and giving them a platform to share their experiences and ideas, we are taking concrete steps to shape a more inclusive and professional care sector.
As we reflect on another successful Professional Care Workers Week, we are filled with optimism. The energy, ideas, and experiences shared by our panelists and participants throughout the week have set the stage for continued discussion and collaboration in the sector.
However, there is still much work to be done. As we advocate for systemic changes, including fair wages, career development opportunities, and better working conditions, we are also making important asks of the new government. With the right policies in place, we can build a future where care workers are recognised as the skilled professionals they are.
At The Care Workers’ Charity, we remain committed to supporting care workers and ensuring that their voices are at the center of workforce conversations. All the webinar videos from Professional Care Workers Week are available on our YouTube channel, and we encourage you to watch and engage with these important discussions.
Together, we can build a stronger care sector for the future that works for everyone.