Saint Cecilia’s Chairman Attends ICG Conference with a Call for Unity and Action in Social Care
Saint Cecilia’s Care Group Chairman Mike Padgham attended the Independent Care Group (ICG) Annual Conference today in Harrogate, where he delivered an impassioned address titled “The State of Social Care: A Call to Unity and Action.”
In his remarks, Mr Padgham welcomes delegates and sponsors to the event, praising the unity, resilience, and compassion that define the social care community. While acknowledging the significant challenges facing the sector, he expressed optimism that collective action and honest partnership could lead to meaningful reform.
“Social care in England is at a crossroads,” Mr Padgham said. “We are caring for an ageing population with increasingly complex needs, yet we’re still relying on outdated systems and facing chronic underfunding. Our sector supports 1.7 million jobs, but there are over 111,000 vacancies – and that number is growing. The time for warm words is over. The time for unity and action is now.”
Mr Padgham highlighted the financial and operational pressures that care providers face, including escalating costs for energy, food, insurance, and regulation, alongside a fragmented health and social care system. He stressed that social care remains the “backbone of community care” and must be valued and funded accordingly.
Turning to North Yorkshire, he addressed local challenges such as funding constraints, recruitment shortages, and commissioning pressures, calling for greater honesty and collaboration between local authorities and independent providers.
The Chairman also raised concerns about the new Care and Support Hubs being developed by councils, warning against duplication of services or the exclusion of experienced independent providers. He urged local leaders to harness the innovation, flexibility, and community value that the independent sector offers.
Within the sector itself, Mr Padgham appealed for unity across different types and sizes of providers, saying that diversity is one of social care’s greatest strengths. He defended small, family-run businesses as vital to local communities, and reiterated that the sector’s shared mission must remain the dignity, respect, and wellbeing of those receiving care.
“Our care staff are the beating heart of this sector,” he said. “Their compassion and professionalism deserve not just applause, but recognition through fair pay and fair pricing. A Fair Pay Agreement must be matched by a Fair Price for Care.”
Mr Padgham also highlighted emerging priorities including the impact of overseas recruitment restrictions, the need for a National Care Service, and growing concerns about cybersecurity in care operations.
Despite the challenges, he expressed hope in the innovation, partnership, and humanity that continue to drive the sector forward.
“Social care is not the Cinderella service – it is the foundation of community life,” Mr Padgham concluded. “We cannot wait for Westminster to decide our future. It will be shaped here, by our local communities, by those who care.”
