Care England, the leading representative body for independent adult social care providers, brought together parliamentarians, sector leaders, and care professionals at a pivotal Westminster event this week to discuss the future of adult social care in England.
Held in the House of Lords, the event served as a vital platform to underscore the sector’s indispensable role in the health and wellbeing of the nation and the urgent need for reform, investment, and long-term vision from the government.
Sponsored by Lord Kamall, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, the event welcomed cross-party parliamentarians and sector stakeholders like Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care to hear directly from care providers about the challenges facing the sector, from workforce shortages and financial instability to growing demand and increasing complexity of care needs.
Lord Kamall gave a number of ideas to change social care with radical ideas and options. He spoke of the work done by the previous government in order to professionalise the care workforce. He thanked all those who attended and for the care they provide.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, called for:
“focus on the outcomes for the people in social care”, rather than a focus on input.“Social care is not a cost, we are not in 1948,” he continued. “We need to stop kicking the can down the road and develop tangible options that work for everyone.”
The event also highlighted innovative practice across the sector, with providers sharing examples with one another of how they are driving quality, embracing technology, and supporting staff wellbeing in increasingly challenging circumstances.
Oonagh Symth, CEO Skills for Care, said:
“We want better recognition of the vital roles that people in social care do every single day”
Attendees were urged to back policies that recognise social care as equal to the NHS in strategic importance, and to support the development of a dedicated social care workforce plan. The event served as a timely reminder that adult social care must be a political and policy priority.
Care England called on parliamentarians to work in partnership with the sector to deliver meaningful reform and to ensure that adult social care is no longer seen as an afterthought, but as a vital part of our national infrastructure.
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