The Fair Pay Agreement Resource Hub
The Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) is set to be one of the most consequential changes for the adult social care workforce in England. Under this new framework, care workers will have legally enforceable minimum standards covering pay, working hours, and additional employment conditions.
Recently, the government confirmed a £500 million investment to support the first-ever FPA for adult social care. Alongside this, a new negotiating body will be established to bring employers and unions together, with the first FPA expected to take effect in 2028.
This hub collects everything you need to know about the FPA — from the negotiating timeline and legal basis, to detailed policy analysis, practical guidance for providers, and Care England’s advocacy work.
Stay up to date here, and use these resources to prepare your organisation, your staff, and your stakeholders for the changes ahead.
Care England’s Draft Response to the FPA Consultation
Care England has developed a draft response to the Government’s Fair Pay Agreement consultation, which we are now sharing with members ahead of submission.
This draft has been informed by extensive engagement with members over recent weeks, including feedback gathered through regular discussions, bilateral conversations, and a dedicated member forum convened specifically to work through Care England’s proposed position. We are grateful to all members who have contributed insight, evidence, and practical perspectives to shape this response.
At this stage, the response has not yet been submitted. We are sharing it to ensure transparency around the position Care England intends to take, and to give members the opportunity to raise any final reflections, concerns, or points for consideration before submission.
We would also strongly encourage all providers to make their own representations as part of this consultation. The strength of the sector’s voice will depend on the number and diversity of providers feeding directly into Government. We are sharing Care England’s draft response so members are aware of the position we have developed through engagement with the sector. Members may choose to use this response to help inform their own views if helpful, but it is shared primarily to ensure clarity and awareness of Care England’s approach.
As always, our aim is to ensure that Care England’s response reflects the realities faced by providers and supports a Fair Pay Agreement that is workable, funded, and sustainable.
You can see the draft response here
The FPA Consultation Explainer
This document explains the government’s plans for the Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) in adult social care.
It sets out how the new negotiating body will work, who will be involved, and what pay and conditions could be covered.
It is designed to inform the current consultation and help providers understand what’s being proposed.
Click here to download.
The link to the consultation is accessible here
Please note, the consultation is open until 16 January. Care England advises members not to rush their response and will shortly be providing guidance on how best to respond.
How the FPA is funded
The FPA will be kick-started by a £500 million investment from the government.
This money is drawn from a larger £4 billion increase in funding for adult social care, announced in the recent spending review.
The consultation will help shape how this funding aims will be used, including to support higher wages, better working terms.
You can read more on the announcement here.
You can read Care England’s reaction here.
The Care Provider Alliance’s Response can be found here
Please complete the form below and a member of the Care England team will get back to you. We’re here to answer your questions about the Fair Pay Agreement and provide the information or guidance you need.Have a Question on the Fair Pay Agreement?