This is the first post in a blog series exploring the 6 C’s of Care—Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. These values are not just guiding principles for care workers and organizations; they are essential to the well-being of the entire care sector, including its workforce. At The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC), we believe that to truly uphold these values, care workers must receive the same level of support and respect that they provide to those who rely on social care. In this series, we’ll dive into each of the 6 C’s and share how we apply them in our work with care workers, encouraging others to do the same.
Care, this fundamental value emphasises the importance of treating every individual with dignity and respect. However, for care workers to embody this value, they themselves need to be supported and valued, acknowledging their needs and well-being as individuals with lives beyond their professional roles. At The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC), our Crisis Grants provide essential financial support to care workers facing hardship, while our signposting services connect them to additional resources they may need, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve.
Compassion requires care workers to understand and empathise with the emotional and physical experiences of those they care for. It’s about being present and attentive, showing kindness and understanding. At CWC, we recognise that care workers can only provide such compassionate care if they, too, feel valued and understood.
Competence involves the continuous development of skills and knowledge. Care workers deserve access to resources that enhance their professional capabilities. Our advocacy work focuses on ensuring fair wages and comprehensive training opportunities, highlighting our commitment to developing a skilled workforce. Investing in care workers’ growth and competency, ultimately benefits those who draw on care services.
Communication is crucial in the caregiving environment, fostering trust and collaboration among care workers, individuals receiving care, and their families. At CWC, we value the insights and experiences of care workers and make sure their voices are heard. Initiatives such as our Care Worker Advisory Board and Professional Care Workers’ Week ensure that care workers have platforms to express their views and experiences, shaping policies and practices that directly affect them.
Courage is about standing up for what is right, challenging poor practices, and advocating for both colleagues and those drawing on social care. Care workers must feel safe and encouraged to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. This value, when applied to care workers, helps create a culture of accountability and improvement, where care professionals can work collaboratively to address issues and make necessary changes.
Commitment: Commitment reflects a dedication to providing consistent, high-quality care and improving health and social care services. This value is not only about a commitment to people drawing on care but also to care workers themselves. Employers must demonstrate their commitment to the workforce by investing in their well-being, professional development, and support networks. This mutual commitment fosters a positive and sustainable care environment.
Care is inherently relational, encompassing not only the person drawing on care but also their family, friends, support networks, and the care worker’s own life outside of work. By valuing, supporting, and investing in care workers as individuals, we foster a more balanced, compassionate, and sustainable care environment—one that allows the sector to flourish and deliver the highest standards of care to all.
Keep an eye out for upcoming posts in this blog series, where we’ll explore each of the 6 C’s more closely, delving into how they shape our approach at The Care Workers’ Charity and how they can be applied to strengthen the entire care sector.