The Government has announced a new ‘care workforce pathway’, providing the first national career structure for adult social care staff.
The plans set out defined roles and funding for professional development, including more than £50 million to support 37,000 staff on a new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification, to be rolled out from June this year.
There is also more than £20 million for apprenticeships, plus subsidised training places and a new digital leadership qualification.
The LGA called the pathway a “positive step”, but continues to call for a dedicated workforce strategy for social care and parity with comparable roles in the NHS.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Developing a dedicated pathway for people to work in adult social care is a positive step, alongside funding for new qualifications and apprenticeships, which we hope will help tackle serious recruitment and retention challenges in this vital profession.
“However, for the pathway to make a meaningful impact, people who work in social care should have parity of pay and terms and conditions with the NHS for comparable roles.
“Similarly, while helpful, the measures announced stand alone and without a solid framework.
“We therefore continue to call for a dedicated workforce strategy, to promote, protect, support and develop careers in social care.
“This will strengthen the wellbeing and recognition of those who work in this essential vocation, and benefit the people who draw on care.”