Hft and Care England have launched their latest survey to analyse the financial challenges in the adult social care sector.

The Sector Pulse Check 2023 now in its eighth year, provides an annual snapshot of the state of the adult social care sector, helping to monitor trends, propose calls to action and bring vital data to illustrate ongoing challenges to government.

Kirsty Matthews, chief executive officer of Hft, said: “It is exciting to once again partner with Care England to deliver what will be our eighth edition of the Sector Pulse Check report. With the data collected, we can bring commissioners, the public, parliamentarians and the government closer to the reality faced by adult social care providers and evidence vital recommendations for change.
 
“The annual survey of providers – launched today – allows us to track, over time, how the legislative and economic landscape has impacted upon the sector. Last year, the survey findings – which were referenced in parliamentary debates and were the subject of a parliamentary roundtable – revealed that one third of providers had considered exiting the market due to cost pressures, while high staff vacancies had forced over half of providers to turn down admissions. With financial and workforce challenges persisting, the survey will again ask providers to speak to these themes.
 
“As we enter into the next survey period, a general election is on the horizon and, with it, an important chance to push social care up the agenda. We urge providers to make the most of this opportunity, to take part in the survey and join us in calling for the change our sector, those who work in it and draw upon it, so desperately need.”  

The Sector Pulse Check 2023 survey for adult social care providers can be found here.

For more information about Sector Pulse Check and last year’s report, visit Hft or Care England’s website. The final report is due for release in January 2024.