Background:
In September 2024, The Care Workers’ Charity launched The Care Workers Advisory Board and Care Worker Champions Project. The Advisory Board and Champions Project is groundbreaking, aiming to embed Care Workers voices into mainstream policy, research and practice discussions and decision making. This project is designed to raise the voices of Care Workers and address critical policy issues affecting the Adult Social Care Sector. Funded by The Rayne Foundation, The Care Workers’ Charity is leading the project, having recruited a diverse national network of 30 frontline Care Workers from across the UK.
This network of frontline Care Workers will be a platform for Care Workers to share regional insights, foster collaboration and learning through enhancing their skills and visibility and sharing their experiences to ensure the future success and prosperity of the Adult Social Care Sector.
We are incredibly grateful to The Rayne Foundation for providing the funding for this project. If you would like to find out more about The Rayne Foundation’s Better Careers for Better Care Programme, click here: https://www.raynefoundation.org.uk/better-careers-for-better-care/
The two core roles:
Advisory Board: Care Worker Advisory Board members will attend online bi-monthly meetings with The Care Workers’ Charity. These meetings will allow us to discuss current areas of interest in the social care sector, including discussions around the development of a professional body for care workers. They will also be involved in the planning, hosting and evaluation of Professional Care Workers Week 2025 (online) and 2026 (in-person), feed into The CWC annual wellbeing survey for care workers. We expect there to be opportunities to meet and advise care sector leaders, politicians and other decision-makers.
Champions: Care worker champions will meet regularly with The Care Worker’s Charity to discuss insights and findings from our advisory board, wellbeing survey and Professional Care Workers Week. There will be opportunities to write pieces for trade press and other media, speaking opportunities at universities and care conferences and with care sector leaders and other decision-makers.
What have we done so far?
National Care Service Roundtable:
On the 7th of November 2024, members of the Advisory Board and Champions Project attended an online roundtable, organised by The Care Workers’ Charity. This roundtable was in relation to the proposed establishment of the National Care Service. With the diversity of our Advisory Board and Champions Project, differing perspectives came to the forefront of these discussions, influencing core questions and conversations in later roundtables.
First Online Meeting:
On the 5th of December 2024, we held our first introductory meeting with Advisory Board and Champions members via Zoom. Along with Roseanna Dias from StudioSusegad, within this meeting, we were able to establish connection with one another, alongside a contract of care to ensure everyone feels comfortable, confident and supported throughout the course of this project.
Online Public Speaking Training:
On the 7th of January 2025 and 10th of January 2025, we held three public speaking training sessions via Zoom. Administered by Kelechi Nduka from Hartwig Care, these sessions were designed for our Advisory Board and Champions members to develop their skill set, providing them with knowledge and confidence both in and out of the project. See some of Kelechi’s feedback down below:
“Over the course of three sessions, I had the pleasure of working with a group of dedicated and enthusiastic participants. The participants were consistently punctual, respectful, and highly engaging. They delivered some truly thought-provoking presentations, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively and connect with their audience. Each participant’s contribution made a significant impact, and it was evident that everyone was fully engaged throughout the sessions”.
First In-Person Meeting:
On the 6th of February 2025, we held our very first in-person meeting at The British Library. With 27 of our Advisory Board and Champions members in attendance, this all-day meeting allowed us to gather as a group – establishing core themes, topics and achievements.
Part of the day was dedicated to The Fair Pay Agreement and The Employment Rights Bill. Delivered by 3 Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) representatives, what followed was intriguing conversation and healthy debate. Members of the group posed several questions and outlined important perspectives that might otherwise not be considered in such discussions.
Despite all individuals being frontline care workers, every member of the group bought different perspectives, value, knowledge and expertise to the table. Representation matters and care workers deserve to have their voices heard and actively listened to. Spaces like this are necessary to ensure that we keep care workers at the front and centre of discussions that will impact their lives and careers. Our plan of action for 2025 has been outlined and we feel ready to take on the year of advocacy ahead!
Closing remarks:
At its core, this project is for care workers, by care workers. Care Workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, both in and out of the sector. They have the knowledge and expertise to provide important perspectives to the discussions about the future of Adult Social Care.
If you would like to organise your own roundtable or consultation with care workers, please email: olivia@thecwc.org.uk