CareLineLive was at the Care Roadshow in Epsom Downs this week and attended some of the talks.
One seminar, presented by Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum, addressed the current state of social care in the UK amid rapidly shifting political landscapes. The session delved into key policy drivers for present and future governments, focusing on workforce development, digital transformation, funding, innovative care models, and integration within practice.
Here’s a summary of what Professor Rayner covered:
Labour party’s manifesto on adult social care reform:
An analysis of the party’s plans to revitalise the adult social care system, with a focus on reform and improved services.
Gloria’s Law:
A discussion on the implications of Gloria’s Law and the impact on social care services and the rights of service users.
Policy updates from the new Government:
Insights into recent governmental changes and their potential effects on the social care sector.
King’s Speech bill:
Review of the King’s Speech and its significance for the future of adult social care legislation.
Labour’s five missions to rebuild Britain:
Exploring how social care reforms align with Labour’s broader goals of rebuilding the nation, especially in terms of investment in local social care, which is positioned as a driver for economic growth and job creation.
Skills England’s first report on growth and skills levy:
Discussion on the importance of workforce development and the potential impacts of the skills levy on the care sector.
Government’s response to the Darzi report:
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to transition the NHS “from analogue to digital”, following the release of Lord Ara Darzi’s review of the state of the NHS in England. The emphasis is on a transformative shift towards digital solutions, which promises to revolutionise the delivery of adult social care services. However, Lord Darzi cautions that digitalisation often appears to increase clinicians’ workload, rather than freeing up time for care by streamlining the administrative tasks that come with healthcare.
CQC backlash and Single Assessment Framework review:
A review of the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) policies following the backlash in July, including Sir Mike Richards’ first report from the SAF review.
Employment Rights Bill:
An examination of the Labour Party’s commitment to banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, promoting flexible working, and ensuring fair pay, building on their social care manifesto.
Social care as part of economic growth:
An argument presented by the Secretary of State and the Minister that adult social care is both a vital contributor to economic growth and a key route into employment.
Grenfell inquiry report:
Insights into the findings of the Grenfell Inquiry and their implications for social care and housing safety standards.
Adult social care workforce strategy (July 2024):
A preview of the upcoming strategy developed by Skills for Care in collaboration with various stakeholders, addressing workforce challenges.
ADASS spring survey 2024:
Key findings from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) on the state of adult social care.
COVID inquiry’s module 1 Report:
A reflection on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and their influence on future adult social care policies.
