Care Sector Urged To Act As 350,000 Votes Cast In Casey Commission’s Big Conversation On Care
Care providers and staff across the UK are being encouraged to get involved in the Casey Commission’s Big Conversation on Care, with organisers reporting that more than 350,000 votes and over 6,000 proposals have already been submitted since the initiative launched on 29 July.
The Big Conversation, launched by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care chaired by Baroness Casey, is inviting people across England to answer a central question: when we are old or disabled, or have a serious illness, who should support us and how?
The online platform, delivered in partnership with Make.org, allows members of the public to submit their own proposals beginning “we should…”, as well as vote on ideas put forward by others by indicating whether they agree, disagree or are neutral.
The Commission says this approach is helping to build a clearer picture of where there is common ground — and where opinions differ — on the future shape of adult social care.
According to the Commission’s latest newsletter, published on 28 August, the online exercise forms just one strand of a wider engagement programme. This includes targeted work to hear from people who draw on care and support, unpaid carers, the social care workforce, and communities whose voices are not traditionally well represented in policy discussions.
Findings from the online platform will also feed into the Public Panel on Care, a representative group drawn from across England that will meet over several months to examine the issues in greater depth, hear evidence and explore areas of consensus on reforming the system.
Key dates for the sector
The Commission has set out a clear timetable for the first phase of the initiative:
- 9 September 2026 — deadline for submitting new proposals, after which the platform moves into a vote-only phase
- 23 September 2026 — the first online phase of the Big Conversation closes
The Commission says this will allow it to carry the evidence gathered into its first round of deliberation with the Public Panel on Care. The online platform is then expected to reopen in the new year, offering a further opportunity for public participation as the Commission’s work continues.
Call for care organisations to help spread the word
The Commission has thanked the organisations that have already helped promote the initiative through their networks, and is now appealing for wider support in reaching people who may not yet be aware of the consultation — a call that will resonate with care homes and nursing providers well placed to engage residents, families and staff.
Care organisations wishing to support the campaign can request a communications pack — including materials suitable for newsletters, websites and social media — by emailing enquiries@caseycommission.co.uk.
Chair to take campaign on the road
Baroness Casey is expected to spend the coming weeks travelling the country to promote the Big Conversation, alongside appearances on television and radio, as part of an effort to extend the debate on social care reform beyond Westminster and engage people who may never previously have considered the issue.
The Commission has described the current online phase as the first of two rounds of major public engagement, with further opportunities to contribute expected once the Public Panel on Care has completed its initial deliberations.
Care providers and staff wishing to take part, or to register for updates from the Commission, can do so via the Big Conversation on Care website at caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation.
