Leading care associations are insisting the government upgrades care sector recruitment
The National Association of Care and Support Workers (NACAS) and Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM) have joined forces to address the dire need for professionalising the care industry.
Both organisations are calling on the government to introduce a voluntary registration system for carers in England in hopes to improve recruitment, retention and raise the profile of the care profession.
The need for the two organisations to work together has come from the latest report published by Care Quality Commission, England’s independent regulator of Health and Social Care.
The report, titled ‘State of Care’, highlights the need for a registration process for care workers, which is already in place for doctors and nurses, as ‘care providers are struggling with a recruitment crisis and are unable to accept any more residents or take on new clients.’
Additionally, the report states people are deterred from working in care as they ‘believe they will not be valued within their role.’
NACAS and IHSCM state a registration process would encourage employers in England to attract and retain team members from an early age into the care profession and be able to offer a clear career path.
According to both institutions, a registration system would develop profession and public recognition whilst also reassuring families that care workers are fully trained and eligible to look after their loved ones.
Liz Blacklock, Director of Operations at NACAS said: ‘The Health and Social Care workforce works tirelessly to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society yet are some of the most underpaid and under-recognised roles.
‘It’s time for a fundamental change in the industry. The population is ageing and the need for professional care services will only keep growing.’
Recent research into the care sector has displayed over 1,000 health and social care workers had admitted to feeling overwhelmed at least once a week and 43% of healthcare workers are considering a job change.
To help ensure a registration process is considered, both care providers are asking people who work in the industry and people who receive care to complete a consultation via a survey about the need for a voluntary registration process.
The consultation closes on 30th November 2022, with a report highlighting the key findings set to be published after the results have been analysed.
Photo by Green Chameleon