At Cura Compliance UK, we’re committed to keeping you informed about the transformative changes shaping our sector. Here’s what every social care professional needs to know from the latest Skills for Care national update.
Three Strategic Shifts Reshaping Social Care
The adult social care landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by three fundamental shifts that will impact every aspect of how we deliver care:
- Hospital to Community – Moving care closer to home
- Analogue to Digital – Embracing technology to enhance care delivery
- Treatment to Prevention – Focusing on keeping people healthier for longer
These shifts aren’t just policy changes—they represent a fundamental reimagining of how we approach care, creating new opportunities for career development and service innovation.
The Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy: Attract, Train, Transform
The comprehensive workforce strategy focuses on three core pillars that directly impact your daily work and career prospects:
Attract and Retain
- New 10-year attraction plan to draw talent into the sector
- Enhanced recruitment strategies focusing on values-based hiring
- Improved pathways into social care careers
Train
- Updated Care Certificate Standards aligned with sector developments
- New Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (L2ASCC) offering £1,500 LDSS funding
- Enhanced medicines management training resources
Transform
- Digital skills development for the entire workforce
- New care technologist roles emerging
- Integration with Integrated Care Systems (ICS) creating collaboration opportunities
Immediate Opportunities for Your Career Development
New Training and Qualifications
- Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate: A game-changing qualification providing workplace assessment and recognition, completed in 6-8 months with £1,500 funding available
- Updated Care Certificate Standards: Refreshed to reflect current best practices and sector developments
- National Induction Programme: Free virtual learning modules for health and social care newcomers
Leadership Development
- #EverydayLeadership Campaign (June-July 2025): Exploring inclusive leadership skills for all roles
- RM12 Programme: 12-month online development programme for registered managers (£1,500 + VAT)
- Moving Up Programme: Supporting Black and Asian minority groups in management progression
Specialist Training Opportunities
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: Essential learning disability and autism training now available
- Public Health Module: Ten practical tips for integrating public health approaches into daily care
- CQC Excellence Programmes: Seminars covering assessment preparation, outstanding care delivery, and rating improvement
International Recruitment: What You Need to Know
The Government’s Immigration White Paper introduces significant changes:
Key Changes:
- Social care visas closed to new overseas applicants
- Transitional period until 2028 for current visa holders
- Focus shifting to domestic workforce development and fair pay agreements
- Enhanced English language requirements and salary thresholds
For Current International Workers:
- No immediate changes if you and your sponsor meet requirements
- Extensions and in-country switching remain available until 2028
- Importance of securing English language support and transport options
Your Action Plan: What You Can Do Right Now
As your compliance partners, we recommend these immediate steps:
For Registered Managers:
- Review your recruitment strategy using new values-based approaches
- Explore the Care Workforce Pathway for structured career development
- Sign up as a Workforce Strategy Champion to stay ahead of changes
- Focus on staff wellbeing and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
- Familiarize yourself with the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS)
For Care Workers:
- Consider the L2ASCC qualification for career advancement and recognition
- Complete Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training to enhance your skills
- Engage with your local ICS to expand collaboration opportunities
- Develop your digital skills as technology becomes increasingly important
For All Social Care Professionals:
- Stay updated with statutory and mandatory training requirements
- Network actively within the sector to share best practices
- Focus on retention strategies to build stable, supportive teams
- Explore new funding opportunities for training and development
Looking Ahead: Key Dates to Remember
- June 15, 2025: Deadline for adult care qualifications feedback survey
- June 13, 2025: Registration deadline for RM12 leadership programme
- July 1, 2025: RM12 programme starts
- September 2025: Moving Up programme begins
- Throughout 2025: #EverydayLeadership campaign resources
How Cura Compliance UK Can Support Your Journey
As compliance specialists, we understand that navigating these changes while maintaining excellent care standards can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you:
- Interpret new requirements and their practical implications for your service
- Develop training plans that align with the latest standards and funding opportunities
- Ensure compliance with evolving CQC expectations and statutory requirements
- Access funding streams for workforce development initiatives
- Create sustainable workforce strategies that attract and retain quality staff
The future of social care is bright, with unprecedented investment in workforce development and clear pathways for career progression. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can position yourself and your service at the forefront of this transformation.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Cura Compliance UK today to discuss how we can support your professional development and ensure your service thrives in this evolving landscape. Together, we can build a stronger, more skilled social care workforce that delivers exceptional outcomes for the people we serve.
For more information about any of the programmes mentioned, visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk or contact our team for personalized guidance on compliance and workforce development.