Future-Proofing Care – Care England Spearheads Coalition of Industry Experts

In ITV’s latest Tonight Programme, Care England revealed the extent of the social care crisis in local authorities, where underfunding from central government has compromised their ability to adequately fund social care.

In response, Care England has today announced the launch of Future-Proofing Care, a new report delivering innovative solutions and turnaround strategies to sustain independent adult social care providers.

Care England’s 2023 Sector Pulse Check report, produced in partnership with Hft, highlighted a concerning trend: 43% of adult social care providers were forced to close parts of their organisations or return contracts to local authorities due to financial pressures last year in 2023. Even more alarming is the revelation that 56% of smaller providers seriously considered exiting the market last year due to these financial strains.

Without root and branch reform of the way central government invests in social care through local authorities, this figure will only rise. In the absence of such reform, care providers need immediate support to manage ongoing pressures which will have a real impact on people’s lives.

Successive governments have pledged to fix social care, yet the sector remains in an extremely precarious state. Care England and the organisations contributing to this paper have taken action to provide immediate support to the sector. But with yesterday’s announcement of a general election, It is now incumbent upon the incoming government, regardless of party, to implement meaningful change and offer comprehensive, long-term support to the entire sector.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “This is not simply an industry concern; it is a societal one. Potential closure of essential services will have far-reaching consequences, impacting the most vulnerable members of our society. In a time when resilience is not just a virtue, but a necessary survival strategy, the independent adult social care sector finds itself at a crossroads. Faced with unrelenting financial pressures and regulatory challenges, these providers are navigating a labyrinth of uncertainties that threaten their very existence.”

Care England has spearheaded a coalition of industry experts to offer a lifeline to care providers. The new report seeks to navigate the treacherous waters of financial vulnerability and operational challenges, marking a collaborative effort to fortify the foundation of adult social care in England.

Future-proofing Care recognises and explores the strategies available to care providers facing operational pressures. From spotting early warning signs to implementing turnaround strategies, exploring renovation or financing options, and considering management takeovers or exit plans. It delivers insightful analysis and practical guidance to equip every care services with the necessary tools and knowledge for making informed decisions and sustaining high-quality care amidst evolving challenges.

Ultimately, every care provider will, at some stage, need to rely on the solutions outlined in ‘Future Proofing Care’. This document is designed to stand the test of time and provide universal value for all providers, irrespective of their circumstances.

You can access the report on the website here.

Martin Green continues: “Future-proofing Care is an indispensable resource that will undoubtedly offer a beacon of hope and a definitive path forward, promising a brighter future for providers in the toughest of circumstances. With the stability of the health and care system at stake, providers need to maximise their resilience. But ultimately, the buck stops with Government. Without urgent action, the Government risk being responsible for the collapse of the sector that supports those in most need.”

Bharti Moore, Partner in the Health and Social Care team at RWK Goodman says: “RWK Goodman’s Health and Social Care team are proud to be part of a sector that is so dedicated to providing high-quality care to some of the most vulnerable members of our society. We are delighted to be contributors to the Care England ‘Future Proofing Care’ report.

“There are many challenges facing the care sector and smaller providers do not always have access to resources in the same way as larger providers. It is essential for the care sector as a whole to come together and collaborate in finding solutions to the challenges. This report is key to supporting smaller providers by highlighting best practices and strategies that smaller care providers can employ. The report can serve as a valuable resource for smaller providers looking to learn, make informed decisions and drive positive change within their organisations and continue their essential service to their community.”

Andrew Whelan, Director of Westcott Care says: “Care England’s latest report, ‘Future Proofing Care’, and its initiative to find innovative solutions and turnaround strategies to sustain independent adult social care providers is of fundamental importance to the sector and the lives and well-being of many in our society. As the demand for care evolves towards increasingly complex chronic conditions, policy and practice must advance in step to ensure a sustainable supply of fit-for-the-future services.

In the face of considerable adversity, from sub-optimal fees, spiralling operational costs, staffing shortages, and an ever-complex regulatory environment, it is the smaller, independent providers (representing the majority of care services), who are impacted the hardest. This initiative creates an opportunity for these providers to band together and discover innovative strategies and solutions for securing their services. Westcott Care is delighted to be part of it.”