Eight steps to a sustainable social care workforce
16th November 2023: In this rapidly changing world, the demands on the social care workforce are also evolving. Our workforce is the backbone of the care and support sector, and investing in its capabilities and well-being is key to achieving our shared goals. Demographic and societal changes require a creative and innovative approach to how we deliver care and support in a sustainable way, which enables the person-led care and support we all deserve.
We recognize the need to support a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and equipped with the necessary skills to address the complex needs experienced by individuals and communities. But this will require bravery across the whole social care system to address the implementation gap experienced to date and reinforced by bureaucracy and systemic barriers. The Five Nations Care Forum is calling for urgent attention on the following seven recommendations for a sustainable social care workforce.
A valued workforce
A collaborative pledge to value social care as a career that is actively promoted and supported by the sector, civil servants and politicians.
Continuous Training and Professional Development
Enable a system for knowledge exchange and co-creation across training and development.
Encourage and create the conditions for lifelong learning opportunities for all social care professionals.
Establish an interdisciplinary career pathway across health and social care.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Implement initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion with the healthcare workforce, ensuring that our staff is reflective of the diverse populations we serve.
Foster a culture of respect and inclusion, providing training to address unconscious biases and create a supportive working environment.
Engage in a global conversation about the impact of economic migration.
Mental Health and Well-being support
Develop comprehensive mental health support programmes for social care workers recognising the unique stressors they […]