A new report, due to be published in November 2022, is looking for the voices of care to have their say concerning reform of the sector.

The Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM) and the inspiring and prominent social care leaders that make up its People Plan Subcommittee are urging everyone to have their say to the government concerning the reform of social care and be in with the chance of winning a £100 voucher. 

The IHSCM published its first social care reform report, ‘A People Plan for Social Care,’ in December 2021. Focusing on the five areas of public image, recruitment, retention and well-being, training, and pay and conditions, the revolutionary report has received sector-wide acclaim for its format, content, and voices represented. Since its publication, the report has been launched at the House of Lords and has received endorsement and support from industry leaders and faces, including Lord Phillip Hunt, Baroness Wheeler, Care England, NCF, My Home Life, CareTech Foundation, and even Ed Balls! 

Whilst the People Plan Sub Committee of the IHSCM Social Care Innovators has been busy trying to action some of the 59 recommendations made within the report, the committee has also been working on the consultation for this year’s report. 

The 2022 People Plan report will retain the five focus areas of the first report and will also introduce 5 new focus areas; ‘mental health and well-being of those using care’, ‘equality, diversity and inclusion’, ‘access to care’, ‘greener care’, and ‘policies, regulation, and guidance’. The IHSCM is now urging everyone, whether they live with care, work in care, or maybe have no direct experience, to have their say in the consultation.

Director of social care at the IHSCM, Adam Purnell said, “It’s so important that we have all voices represented within any plan for social care. Social care begins with those using the services. Having your say in this report could shape the future of social care for everyone.”. 

Jasmeet Rai, co-chair of the people plan group added: “It’s so important you have your say, the people who draw on or work in care directly often already have the solutions, they just need help getting their voices to those we need to listen”

This year’s consultation strives to be as accessible as possible with people able to submit feedback to the consultation through many different media. There is a survey which allows people to have their say on the areas most important to them, people can send emails or submit feedback through the IHSCM website, one-to-one video calls can be arranged, and there is also an easy-read format available for the consultation.  

The consultation closes on September 15 2022, so people are encouraged to submit their feedback as soon as possible. The main survey for the consultation can be accessed here with full consultation options available at www.ihm.org.uk/peopleplan.

On September 8 2022 13:30-15:30, the IHSCM will be hosting a ‘Voices of Care’ event open to everyone wanting to have their say. This event will see people from all corners of social care come together to engage in direct consultation for the 2022 plan. If you are interested in being a part of this event, please email Adam Purnell at [email protected].