NHS Employers respond to publication of Skills for Care’s social care workforce strategy

Responding to the Adult Social Care Workforce strategy by Skills for Care, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers said:

"NHS Employers welcomes this important document prepared by Skills for Care and colleagues across Adult Social Care.  

"Since the publication of the NHS’ Long Term Workforce Plan 12 months ago, workforce leaders in the NHS have been consistent in their view that an equivalent plan for their colleagues in social care was urgently required. Whilst it is disappointing that the previous government did not accept this case, it is hugely positive that Skills for Care showed leadership in establishing and now publishing this work.  

"This ambitious document sets a clear agenda for the new government as it considers long-term plans for social care and health; it reinforces the importance attached by the Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister to improved pay and conditions for social care workers and it sets out a powerful case for investment in career development for those workers.  

"This is all placed in a compelling context of both service transformation and integration with other public services, including health. In this last area we will continue to work with Skills for Care and Partners for Health to set out the lessons that can be learnt from existing innovative practice in integrated workforce thinking and action."