Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care
The National Care Service (NCS) is the Government's long-term ambition to reform adult social care in England by creating a more consistent, joined-up and person-centred care system. While the full model is still being developed, the Government has stated that the National Care Service should be underpinned by national standards, reduce variation between areas, improve quality, strengthen integration with the NHS, and support people to live independent and fulfilling lives.
The National Care Service has not yet been established. Government has launched an independent commission on adult social care, led by Baroness Casey, to help develop proposals and lay the foundations for future reform. The exact structure, funding model and implementation timetable remain under development.
Key objectives
- Establish national standards for adult social care
- Improve consistency and reduce postcode variation in services
- Increase quality, choice and control for people who draw on care
- Strengthen integration between health and social care services
- Support prevention and independence through more community-based care
- Create a more sustainable and professional care workforce
The National Care Service agenda is closely linked to workforce reform initiatives already being introduced, including:
- Care Workforce Pathway
- Fair Pay Agreement
- Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
- Workforce professionalisation and career development
- Improved workforce recognition and progression opportunities
Government has indicated that a successful National Care Service will depend on a supported, skilled and recognised workforce.
Potential benefits
...for people receiving care
- More consistent standards across England
- Better coordination between health and social care services
- Greater choice, control and independence
...for providers
- Clearer national expectations and standards
- Stronger workforce support and development frameworks
- Opportunities for improved integration with local health systems
...for the workforce
- Clearer career pathways
- Better training and professional development
- Potential improvements in pay, conditions and recognition
The National Care Service is not a standalone workforce initiative: it is the overarching reform vision within which many current workforce initiatives sit. Other reforms can be seen as building blocks towards Government's longer-term ambition for a National Care Service.
