By Lucy Caulkett-
A new campaign has today been launched to attract thousands more people into social care sector. The campaign aims highlights the vital role of the social care workforce during the pandemic, along with the longer-term opportunity of working in care. The campaign, titled ‘Care for Others. Make a Difference’ aims to inspire the public to consider a career in social care.
The Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock and Care Minister Helen Whately are launching the campaign to encourage the right people with the right values and attributes to consider a paid career in adult social care work. The campaign includes the new care brand for social care which symbolises the entire care profession like the iconic and recognisable NHS logo. The brand aims to raise the profile of the care sector and allow businesses to show them the same appreciation as NHS workers.
The campaign includes a call for former social workers who have left the profession have also been invited back to return to employment – with the aim that 8,000 social workers could be supported to return to work if they wish to. Over a thousand individuals have already expressed an interest in returning to social care during the outbreak.
Free-to-access e-learning courses and webinars for local authority and care provider staff are also being developed on how to maintain good care in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Key topics will include: safeguarding, person-centred care, dementia, Mental Capacity Act, infection control and supporting care at home to reduce pressure on the NHS.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said:
”During these unprecedented times we are all grateful to the huge number of social care workers working day and night to provide quality care to the most vulnerable in our society.
The whole country wants to thank the 1.5 million of you for your inspirational and tireless work. I want this campaign to reignite the search for people with a zest for caring and protecting our most vulnerable to step forward to join them.
Helen Whately, Minister of State for Care said:
”The care sector is a vital part of our society, and this pandemic has truly brought home the skill and commitment of care workers who are looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We want to make sure everyone knows what an important and valued job care workers do, and inspire more people to step forwards to join the care workforce.
We also want to support care providers who are looking to recruit staff, so we are offering free initial training to applicants considering a job in care. This should help job seekers looking to work in care for the first time and their future employers.
We want to bring together all those thinking they might work in care with social care providers looking for new recruits, and to make it as simple as possible for the doors to open up for thousands more compassionate and committed people to work in care.
Skills for Care have worked with the government to make rapid online induction training accessible. This includes key elements of the Care Certificate and is available free of charge. This will provide good practice resources and support for social care professionals to help the sector meet the challenge of COVID-19.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said:
”There are thousands of people who are kind, skilled and dedicated and who have the necessary values and qualities to become part of the social care workforce. Social care transforms lives and enables people to live well. The satisfaction and rewards of delivering social care are incalculable and we hope that there will be many people who will come into the social care workforce and achieve a satisfying and rewarding career.
Joint Chief Social Worker for Adults, Mark Harvey(pictured) and Fran Leddra, said:
”We have both worked in social care all our lives and everyday find ourselves in awe of the dedication and commitment that the workforce have always shown. They provide care and support to sustain some of the most important elements of our lives – relationships, companionship, inclusion, meaning, independence and aspiration. At a time when social care is valued more than ever, we hope that this campaign inspires others to join our talented workforce.
Certain criteria are required in the care industry. They include an ability to treat others with respect, listen to their needs, understand their emotions and be warm, kind and honest. A good standard of English, numeracy and digital skills, attention to detail and the ability to work as part of a team is also important. The Department Of Health and Social Care say that over 7,000 retired nurses have responded to a call to return to employment, some of whom will be deployed to care settings.
Former social workers who have left the profession have also been invited back to return to employment – with the aim that 8,000 social workers could be supported to return to work if they wish to. Over a thousand individuals have already expressed an interest in returning to social care during the outbreak.