As social care changes to meet growing demand from an ageing population, jobs in social care are changing too. Many social care workers are worried about the impact of the public spending squeeze, but in the long term many more of them will be needed, rather than fewer, and most will be working in the private and voluntary sectors.
It is also clear that, as the postwar baby boomers reach old age, the social care workforce will need new skills to meet rising expectations.
In this supplement we look at how social care is preparing for the workforce challenges ahead. We gauge the impact of personalisation – giving people choice and control over the care and support they receive. What will it mean for social workers? And while many in local government are talking about cuts, central government sees the economic downturn as an opportunity to recruit more young people into social care. We also focus on a new project that has cast light on the personal qualities needed to work in social care. Finally, we look at the latest steps to establish the next generation of social care leaders.
