Care workers in England need a voluntary register to professionalise the care workforce

Two social care organisations are calling for a “fundamental change” for the government to professionalise the care industry within England by introducing a voluntary register for the care workforce in England.

The National Association of Care and Support Workers (NACAS) and Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM) have combined forces to address the emerging need for professionalising the care industry and the care workforce in a bid to improve recruitment, and retention and raise the profile of the profession.

A recent CQC’s State of Care report highlighted the need for a registration process for care workers, just like doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This registration process is mandatory in other devolved nations but currently not in England.

Liz Blacklock, director of operations at NACAS said: “The health and social care workforce works tirelessly to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society yet are some of the most underpaid and under-recognised roles.

“It’s time for a fundamental change in the industry. The population is ageing and the need for professional care services will only keep growing. This is an indisputable fact. We need social care to be the best it can be.”

’We urgently need people to complete a short consultation’

Care providers are currently struggling with recruitment and retaining care workers and are unable to accept any more residents or take on new clients.

New team members are not entering the profession as they believe they will not be valued within their role.

Ms Blacklock says that introducing a register for the social care workforce, could “include and support training passports” as well as “quicker and safer recruitment”.

For employers, it will mean attracting and retaining team members from an early age into a profession of choice and the ability to offer a career path.

For the social care workforce, it means professional and public recognition, value and integrity with the prospect of a vocation for life.

For the public, it offers professional governance, bringing much-needed reassurance to those in receipt of care and their families that additional checks are taking place on those providing care through the development of a voluntary register for paid care workers much like the NMC and other health and social care colleagues.

“We urgently need people working within the industry and those who receive care and support to complete a short consultation for the proposed register,” added Ms Blacklock.

To take part in the survey, click here.

The consultation closes on 30 November following which it will be analysed, and results reported.

Further information may also be found at www.nacas.co.uk/registration.