Social care has long struggled with recruitment and retention, made worse by rising living costs, post-Brexit shortages, and the stigma around care work. For many providers, responsible overseas recruitment was a vital way to maintain continuity of care. Recent visa changes now make that harder, punishing ethical providers and putting even more strain on an already stretched sector.

In recent years, adult social care has faced unprecedented challenges - staffing shortages, funding issues, and increased demand for complex care. According to a March 2025 Care & Support West report, the sector is at a critical tipping point, with the potential collapse of services unless systemic reforms are made. One of the most urgent priorities identified? Fair pay and structured career progression.

The Casey Commission into adult social care is finally underway—and while we welcome the ambition, the timeline is deeply worrying. As providers on the frontline, we’re already firefighting daily. If real change isn’t actioned urgently, we fear the reforms may arrive just in time to document the collapse, not prevent it.

Recent developments in national policy concerning Employer National Insurance Contributions have sent shockwaves through the care sector

I have had the privilege of experiencing first hand the incredible work of good people. I want to share some valuable lessons I have learned

Two years after the reforms were published, they are finally going ahead! In April, the government unveiled its “next steps” paper on social