The Care Provider Alliance (CPA)* has been asked to convene employer representation on the Negotiating Body. This Body will negotiate the first Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care, due to be introduced in 2028.

The CPA is recruiting a 31-member CPA Employer Reference Group to provide the breadth of employer experience, evidence and sector insight needed to support the negotiations. Eleven members of the CPA Employer Reference Group will also be selected for formal employer negotiating roles on the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body (ASCNB), with four further members selected as formal reserves. 

There is one application process: everyone applies to join the CPA Employer Reference Group and applicants can opt in to be considered for an ASCNB Employer Negotiating Member role. The 11 employer representatives will be drawn from a wider pool of members of the CPA’s Employer Reference Group. The CPA will run a selection process that reflects the full breadth of the sector across geography, service type and provider size, with due regard to equality, diversity and inclusion.

With the Fair Pay Agreement set to shape the future of the adult social care workforce, it is essential that employer representation reflects the breadth and diversity of the sector, from smaller independent providers to larger organisations, and across all care settings.

OACP encourages chief executives, senior leaders and others with relevant experience to express an interest and apply here. The closing date is 8 November 2026 23:59.

Who should apply

The CPA is looking for leaders with knowledge or experience of the operational delivery of adult social care and of industrial relations, particularly employment negotiations. Successful nominees will need sound judgement, the ability to analyse evidence, and a willingness to work constructively across interests. Experience of representing employer interests beyond a single organisation or setting will be especially valuable. 

Should you have any specific questions relating to the process, please email the CPA at info@careprovideralliance.org.uk.

For more information please see the CPA slides from the webinar on Wednesday 21 October 2026

* The CPA brings together Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO), Association for Real Change (ARC), Association of Mental Health Providers (AMHP), Care Association Alliance (CAA), Care England, Homecare Association, National Care Association (NCA), National Care Forum (NCF), Shared Lives Plus and Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG).