The Care Workers’ Charity is pleased to respond to the launch of the new Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England, led by Skills for Care in collaboration with the sector. Karolina Gerlich, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, says:
“This Workforce Strategy is an incredible achievement and marks a significant milestone in addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the adult social care workforce. It has been great to be part of the steering group and working groups with colleagues across the care sector.
We are pleased to see recommendations on increasing pay, promoting wellbeing, and investment in training, including training in technology which care workers have expressed a need for. It is encouraging to see a wide recognition of the central role of the care workforce and their skills, knowledge, and experience, and a commitment to increasing awareness of this vital profession. Care workers are dedicated and skilled professionals who provide essential services to those drawing on social care. They deserve recognition, respect, and pay levels that reflect the responsibilities of their roles. The new strategy includes promising plans for retaining experienced care workers, who are experts in their field, and a comprehensive framework for training and development, ensuring care workers feel valued and supported.
We would have liked to see firmer plans on professionalisation for care workers with a professional body to support a sense of belonging and set professional standards. Nonetheless, this strategy can transform the public perception of care and care workers. It is an excellent starting point for future conversations on what the adult social care workforce needs to ensure the wellbeing of the workforce and those they support. We hope the new government will recognise the extensive work that has gone into consulting with people across the sector and work with care leaders and frontline care workers to implement this strategy as soon as possible.”