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How the 'Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care' will improve wellbeing, career development, and recognition in the care sector

We catch up with Karolina Gerlich, CEO of the Care Workers’ Charity, to hear how she believes the ‘Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care’ will support the wellbeing and continued development of those working in care, as well help the sector to be recognised for its positive impact.

Over the course of the 10 months, I’ve been pleased to be included in the planning phase of the ‘Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care’, contributing on how the strategy can best support care workers. I wanted to take some time to discuss how I believe the strategy can achieve its aims, acting as a guiding resource for improvements across wellbeing, career development and recognition of our sector’s staff for their amazing work.

For too long, the adult social care workforce has been undervalued and misunderstood. I believe this one of the key areas in which the new strategy aims to make change, highlighting the high level of skill and dedication required in care work. At the most basic level, the strategy’s existence acts to shine a light on the importance of our sector’s work. Going further, its content and language outline clearly the skilful, professional nature of care work. This recognition is valuable not only for boosting the morale of care workers but, critically, for educating other sectors, the public and policymakers about the essential role these workers play in our society.

Care work is challenging, both physically and emotionally. Financial struggles and mental ill health are not unusual amongst care workers and are exacerbated by demanding jobs and limited pay progression opportunities. The Care Workers’ Charity has provided over £6 million in financial support and mental health services to care workers, demonstrating the urgent need for better support systems. The new strategy's focus on fair pay, pay differentials and better funding is a vital step towards lessening the financial burden placed on many care workers. In addition to this, the recognition of issues such as burnout and stress, and recommendations for dedicated support paths to reduce instances of these problems amongst care workers, is a definite step in the right direction.

Professional development is another critical area addressed by the strategy. As previously mentioned, funding pay differentials is one important part of this, as meaningful career progress is difficult without these in place. However, training is another crucial part of this progress, as those who are being invested in are more likely to remain in their job and become more competent. The strategy places a huge amount of focus on training and accreditation, evidencing the need for formal training requirements and registration of important social care roles, such as registered managers. I think these steps will help us make big strides in tackling some of the sector’s biggest challenges, such as retention, and bolster social care’s reputation for professionalism.

My vision for the future of adult social care is one where the interconnectedness of social care with other societal issues is recognised. This sector is a lever that when invested in properly, can have a massive positive impact on a huge variety of issues, from reducing hospital admissions to improving mental health. For this vision to be realised, our sector must push for the recommendations within the ‘Workforce strategy for adult social care’ to be adopted.

In light of the strategy’s launch, my final message to care workers is one of solidarity and hope. I urge care workers and organisations to show their support and enthusiasm the strategy, as it represents a collective effort of our sector to improve the conditions of those working within it and supported by it. The Care Workers' Charity will continue its advocacy and support, leveraging the strategy to push for further improvements. We have continuously campaigned for better pay, working conditions, better treatment, respect, recognition of care workers, and registration of care workers, and will now be able to do so more confidently with this strategy in place.

Find out more about the ‘Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care’ by checking out the Strategy recommendations or by visiting our campaign hub.

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