Call for 90 care providers to pioneer new Care Workforce Pathway

Skills for Care, the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England, is calling for 90 care providers to pioneer the Care Workforce Pathway as part of a new support programme building towards national rollout.

The Care Workforce Pathway is a career structure for adult social care which has been developed by the Department of Health and Social Care and Skills for Care, alongside representatives from the adult social care sector and people who draw on care and support. The pathway currently includes eight roles categories in social care, and was informed by a call for evidence from the social care sector.

The pathway details the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours essential for delivering high-quality, personalised care and support. It aims to provide clear guidance for career development and progression within care, attracting people to join and remain in the sector and supporting sustainable workforce growth.

With groups beginning activity in July, September and October this is “an opportunity for care organisations to be at the forefront of embedding the Care Workforce Pathway across the social care sector”.

The pioneers will be supported in identifying and addressing workforce challenges, while being provided with a clear framework for workforce development and career progression. Feedback gathered throughout the process will make adopting the Pathway better for other providers and inform the final version of the Care Workforce Pathway to ensure it meets the needs of the sector.

Employers will take part in a series of interactive group workshops designed to guide them through each stage of the Pathway, as well as having opportunities to attend a Care Workforce Pathway network and access to support and check-in opportunities throughout the year.

The Care Workforce Pathway was first trialled by 30 organisations as part of an early adopters scheme last year.

Georgina Turner, director of engagement at Skills for Care, said: “The Care Workforce Pathway is an important opportunity to highlight and solidify the professionalism of our sector, and to provide more opportunities for people to develop their skills and build life-long careers within social care.

“This Pathway will have a far-reaching positive impact – from staff and employers through improved job satisfaction and retention rates; to the people who draw on care and support through improved experience; to the wider sector and our communities as a whole through a strengthened social care system with greater public recognition.

“This is an exciting time for care organisations to be at the forefront of pioneering this system.”

Stephen Kinnock, minister of state for care said: “The Care Workforce Pathway is the first ever universal career structure for adult social care and its rollout is a huge milestone for the sector.

“It provides guidance for progression and development for professionals across adult social care with the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours that our carers need.

“This will upskill the workforce, boosting recruitment and retention in addition to the first ever Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care. This marks another welcome step towards our vision for a National Care Service that is fit for the future.”

 To find out about joining a pioneer group click here

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