Conclusion
This Future of Care roundtable discussions and Skills for Care’s Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England highlight a pivotal moment for the care sector.
Despite the absence of formal government adoption and direct financial enhancements such as increased pay or investment, care providers have the opportunity as private businesses to innovate, adopt the recommendations in this report and future-proof their provision with a workforce strategy to meet an increasing demand for their services.
These recommendations can be broadly summarised, under the headings of the Workforce Strategy, as:
1. Train
Invest in training managers/supervisors to be capable and competent future RMs.
Ensure this training and development is broad to include leadership, managing people, operations and the commercial aspects of running a business, and build on the traditional governance and care quality focus of RMs.
2. Attract and retain
Enhance the attractiveness and accessibility of the care sector by
improving visibility among young people, promoting the rewarding nature of care work and career pathways, and by innovating working patterns to adopt flexible work – bolstering diversity and inclusion to reflect the breadth of people who draw on care services.
3. Transform
As integrated care is promoted and collaboration between the NHS and social care is encouraged, care providers can advocate for their sector by fostering mutual respect between both sectors, by addressing any classism, and working to carve out career pathways as training and experience develop in this collaborative space.
The spirit of openness and collaboration was notably present throughout this discussion:
“We’re all in the same boat”, “we can relate” and “it is a very great tool to have a discussion like this”.
It was noted how important it is to be open about the mutual challenges care providers are working with and hearing other care professional’s perspectives can be a catalyst to change.
Contact
Laura Chinyere-Ezeh
HR Consultant
laura.chinyere-ezeh@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 1104
Related expertise
You might be interested in
Press Release
Browne Jacobson report sets out how care sector can future-proof workforce as visa changes restrict
Legal Update
Workforce strategies for care providers: Future of Care roundtable report
Guide
Resident doctors vote to strike: Key legal considerations for the NHS
Online Event
Legal principles of workforce change management in the NHS and the people dimension
Legal Update
Significant amendments to the Employment Rights Bill unveiled
In Person Event
Mock Employment Tribunal
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill: Is it here yet?
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
Legal Update
Trans matters in health for trusts and acute settings: The decision in For Women Scotland
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
Opinion
Supreme Court gender ruling: Ensuring inclusion in the workplace
On-Demand
Shaping a culture of respect and harmony: Managing competing beliefs
Legal Update
Celebrating diversity and inclusion in the NHS: Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Week 2025
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
On-Demand - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Perils and pitfalls of social media in the health and care sector
Legal Update
A New chapter for families: Reflecting on the first month of the introduction of neonatal care leave
Legal Update
Trans matters in care: The decision in For Women Scotland
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Legal Update
2025/26 employment rates and limits: Are costs increases having a negative impact on the job market?
Legal Update
The concept of sex is binary: For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers Supreme Court case explained
Legal Update
Do whistleblowing protections extend to external job applicants?
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill: What the new amendments mean for employers
On-Demand - Care Focus webinar series
Care Focus: Regulatory and employment
Legal Update
Fair conduct dismissal: Guidance from the Court of Appeal
Legal Update
Employment healthcare briefing: March 2025
Press Release
Comments on the governments plans to abolish NHS England
Legal Update
Legal challenges in workplace inclusion: A Scottish tribunal's examination of transgender rights
Legal Update
NHS England focus on community dental services
On-Demand - Care Focus webinar series
Care Focus: The crucial first 48 hours
Opinion
Court of Appeal confirms wide scope of protection under blacklisting regulations
On-Demand
Shaping a culture of respect and safety
Legal Update
New rights to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Act: What do employers need to know
Opinion
Reports to Prevent Future Deaths: Themes related to acute hospitals and emergency services
Guide
Maximising commercial income for the NHS
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
Doubling employment claim time limits: Enhancing justice or prolonging dispute?
Opinion
The Casey Commission: A consensus for change
Legal Update
Employment Healthcare Briefing: December 2024
Opinion
Balancing employer flexibility and employee rights
