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The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recently unveiled measures to reaffirm care work as a career, helping to recruit and retain talent by providing accredited qualifications, training, and funded apprenticeships. For the first there will be a national care career structure in England – the Care Workforce Pathway – including defined roles and professional development. An overview of the Pathway for adult social care has been released by the DHSC in partnership with Skills for Care.
Can you explain the Pathway in a nutshell?
The Pathway builds on a white paper published in December 2021 by the DHSC, which set out a ten-year vision for and proposed ambitious reform of the adult social care workforce. The Pathway is not legislation but part of the workforce reform agenda and outlines the knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours people need to work in social care. It is hoped it will empower adult social care workers to develop themselves and their careers by setting out how they can gain skills, access learning and development, and progress their careers in a way that meets their aspirations.
The Pathway currently focuses on direct care roles including those who are:
- New to care.
- Care or support workers.
- Supervisors or leaders.
- Practice leads (this part has been developed in partnership with BILD).
Work is ongoing to add additional roles with the next phase of development out now out for consultation. Skills for Care and the DHSC are also working to scope further extensions to the Pathway and plan for implementation.
How is the Care Certificate changing?
Development of the Pathway has also included a review of the Care Certificate. Skills for Care was commissioned by the DHSC to develop a specification for a new Level 2 Care Certificate based on existing Care Certificate standards. Skills for Care is now working in partnership with the department to approve awarding organisations’ development of the new qualification.
The DHSC will also introduce a digital skills passport by Spring 2025 to improve portability of training. The department has already commissioned development of a new website for the adult social care workforce that will provide access to support, information, and careers advice, all linked to the Pathway. This will include an explanation of the Pathway and other useful information.
Where does the Pathway apply?
The Care Workforce Pathway applies in England only.
Will the Pathway impact how the CQC evidences staff training, knowledge and values?
The short answer to this is: no. At least, not yet. At this time, we see no changes to the way the Care Quality Commission (CQC) review evidence for staff training, knowledge, and values.
What are W&P doing?
We’re following all developments around the Care Workforce Pathway closely and, as it is implemented, we will revise our policies and procedures for English social care providers as necessary. For the moment we would encourage providers to read the guidance – but not to panic! Continuing existing good practices is always important and remains so: ensure your staff files, induction, and training records are kept up to date, fully audited, and that your training and competencies reflect the needs of your services.
Our expert team is also on hand to take any questions or listen to concerns about the changes. As always, you can contact us today on 01305 767104.
For more information on The Care Workforce Pathway: some questions answered talk to W&P Assessment and Training Centre