Social Care Wales Survey Reveals Workforce Insights and Ongoing Challenges
Social Care Wales has published the results of its third annual Have Your Say Social Care Workforce Survey, with over 5,700 social care workers sharing their experiences and perspectives on working in the sector.
The comprehensive survey explored key themes including wellbeing, pay and conditions, career progression, training needs, motivations for working in social care, and workplace priorities. The findings are designed to inform future policy development and support mechanisms for the workforce.
The results revealed encouraging improvements in workforce wellbeing, with levels now above the UK average. Increases were recorded in life satisfaction, happiness, and sense of purpose, suggesting a more positive workplace culture is emerging across Welsh social care settings.
The survey confirmed that the majority of care workers are motivated by a deep commitment to helping others, reinforcing the sector’s values-driven nature.
However, the data also highlighted areas of concern. Anxiety levels have risen, particularly among social workers, and now exceed the UK average. Social Care Wales has emphasised that mental health support remains available through Canopi, a free service for health and social care staff.
The survey found that 68% of respondents reported satisfaction with their terms and conditions. However, Social Care Wales acknowledged that further work is needed to improve pay across the sector.
A recent evaluation of the Real Living Wage (RLW) implementation showed that over 80% of the workforce now benefits from this commitment, though efforts continue to extend coverage to remaining workers.
The Social Care Fair Work Forum is finalising a voluntary Pay and Progression Framework for social care, with details expected in the new year. The framework aims to support consistent pay structures and highlight career development opportunities across the sector.
Social Care Wales is also working with the UK Government on the Employment Rights Bill and Fair Pay Agreements for social care. The Senedd has passed the legislative consent motion for Wales, and consultation on developing a Negotiating Body to set Fair Pay Agreements is planned for the near future.
The Social Care Workforce Partnership, bringing together government, employers, and trade unions, has agreed several priorities following sector engagement. These will be formally shared early next year and include:
- Recognition Agreements and Trade Union Access
- Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
- Health and Safety, including protection from workplace violence
Recruitment and retention remain central priorities for Social Care Wales, with commitments to scale up best practice, create clear progression pathways, and improve perceptions of social care as a long-term career.
The full report and summary of responses are available at insightcollective.socialcare.wales
