Adult Social Care Sector Unprepared for Terminally Ill Adults Bill, Warns Care England

Care England, the largest representative body for independent adult social care providers, has stressed that the adult social care sector urgently requires a clear roadmap for the implementation of the Terminally Ill Adults (TIA) Bill. Care England takes no position on the principle of the Bill itself. However, as the leading voice for adult social care providers, it has a duty to ensure the concerns of the sector are heard. Unless implementation is carefully planned, the Bill could introduce challenges for providers and staff supporting people in care.

Ahead of the Bill’s second reading in the House of Lords on 12 September, Care England surveyed providers across the country to assess preparedness. The findings point to a sector that is largely under consulted, uncertain, and unprepared for the Bill in its current form.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:
“Our role is not to debate the principle of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, but to ensure the care sector is ready should the legislation proceed. In its current form, and without clear guidance from Government, the Bill could present significant challenges for providers and staff working with people in care settings. Engagement with the sector so far has been minimal, as our survey demonstrates. What is needed now is not rhetoric, but a precise, coherent, and actionable roadmap for delivery. The sector cannot afford to wait until after the Bill passes to begin these critical discussions.”

Key Survey Results:

• 84% of providers said they had not been consulted on the Bill or its implications.
• 24% of providers said staffing would become very difficult as many staff would conscientiously object, with a further 16% expressing similar concerns.
• Only 14% reported staff being willing to participate in the whole procedure; 34% reported their staff not being willing to participate at all.
• Only 13% said they could manage assisted dying in their Homes.
• 16% of respondents were unsure whether the purpose of care homes would be undermined, with many requesting more information about implementation before commenting further.

While staff have a right to opt out, respondents raised concerns about division within the workforce and the challenges of rigid shift patterns. This comes on top of existing pressures caused by high vacancy rates and low retention across the sector.

Professor Martin Green OBE concluded:
“We urge the Government to take these survey results as a serious reflection of the sector’s concerns. Care England does not take a stance on the Bill itself. Our concern is ensuring that, if Parliament chooses to legislate, the sector is given the clarity, consultation, and support needed to deliver it safely and fairly. Without a detailed plan of implementation that recognises the sector’s existing challenges and complexities, providers remain uncertain of their role and dangerously unprepared for what lies ahead.”