Care Association Alliance Calls for a National Workforce Settlement for Adult Social Care

The Care Association Alliance (CAA) has published its second policy paper, Towards a National Workforce Settlement, setting out proposals to strengthen recruitment and retention across England’s adult social care sector.

The paper builds on the Alliance’s earlier publication, Adult Social Care Funding Reform, and forms part of its wider campaign for a nationally coordinated approach to social care funding and reform.

Addressing the workforce challenge

With approximately 96,000 vacancies across adult social care and 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training, the CAA argues that there is an opportunity to connect young people with meaningful careers in care.

A central recommendation is to incorporate the proposed Pathway into Care programme into the Government’s Youth Guarantee, creating clearer routes for young people to enter the sector.

The paper also proposes four measures to help retain young people once they enter the workforce, at an estimated annual cost of £61 million to £76 million.

Alongside these recommendations, the CAA calls for changes to existing funding arrangements to better reflect how social care providers employ their workforce.

Why this matters to Norfolk care providers

Recruiting and retaining a skilled, supported workforce remains a significant priority for adult social care providers across Norfolk.

The CAA’s proposals contribute to the national discussion around sustainable workforce funding, career pathways and the long-term development of the sector.

As a member of the Care Association Alliance, Norfolk Care Association is sharing the paper to help local providers stay informed about the policy proposals shaping the future of adult social care.