SOCIAL CARE

Younger Workers Essential for Addressing Social Care Workforce Shortages

The adult social care sector faces a critical shortage of staff, with over 130,000 vacancies and high turnover rates. Young workers, aged 18-24, are underrepresented, comprising only 8% of the workforce. Many leave within a year due to unfavourable workplace culture, including bullying and lack of support.

Research by The Kings Fund highlights the need for systemic changes to attract and retain young workers. Recommendations include improving organisational culture, tackling discrimination, and enhancing onboarding processes. The report urges cohesive leadership from the Department of Health and Social Care to address low pay and inspire young people to consider long-term careers in social care. Immediate action is essential to build a sustainable workforce for the future.

EHCP EFFICIENCY

Transforming EHCP Processes: How Agilisys’ EHCP Plus Frees Up Time for SEND Support

Local authorities face increasing EHCP demand, stretching staff and impacting the support SEND children receive. Agilisys' EHCP Plus tool reduces the time associated with creating a preliminary first draft for EHCP plans, enabling SEND caseworkers to focus on impactful work with families, parents and children. Using GenAI, EHCP Plus creates the draft of an EHCPs in minutes, saving on average of 5 hours per plan. This efficiency could release over 40,000 days of professional time back into the SEND system annually, based on 2022 figures.

EHCP Plus offers a streamlined, customisable, and GDPR-compliant solution that meets statutory timelines while maintaining high-quality standards. Join the growing number of local authorities transforming their EHCP processes with Agilisys Transform's EHCP Plus.

SOCIAL CARE

Digital Social Care Records Assurance Programme Updates Announced

The digital transformation of social care records has seen significant progress, with over 70% of CQC registered providers now using digital solutions, up from 40% at the programme's start in 2021. This shift is supported by the Digital Transformation Fund (DTF), which requires providers to choose from an assured solutions list. The DTF will close by the end of the financial year, with all funds allocated by November 2024.

The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) will cease as a procurement route on 20 December 2024, but the assured solutions list will continue. An interim capability assessment will replace the DPS, ensuring solutions meet essential standards like GP connect. Providers must act swiftly to secure funding and ensure their digital solutions are future-proof, enhancing care delivery and information flow between health and social care sectors.

BUSINESS NEWS

Northgate Healthcare Acquires Staffordshire Care Home for Expansion and Modernisation

Northgate Healthcare has acquired Ashcroft Hollow, a care home in Cannock, Staffordshire, previously owned by Ramesh Dalton and Ravi Selliah since 2013. The home, rated 'Good', accommodates up to 45 residents and is set for modernisation and expansion to 57 en suite bedrooms.

Ashley Haines, director at Northgate, emphasised the strategic addition to their portfolio, while Selliah expressed confidence in the new management's ability to enhance the home's services. The sale was facilitated by Christie & Co, with the price remaining undisclosed.

SOCIAL CARE

Care Providers Demand Urgent Review of National Insurance and Wage Increases

Over 125 adult care providers and sector bodies are urgently calling for a review of recent Budget measures to prevent the collapse of community care services. Providers Unite is spearheading a campaign to appeal to Chancellor Rachel Reeves for an immediate review of National Insurance (NI) and National Living Wage increases.

From April 2025, employer NI contributions will rise from 13.8% to 15%, with the threshold reduced from £9,100 to £5,000. The National Living Wage will increase by 6.7% for those aged 21 and over. Providers warn these changes will lead to a minimum 9.4% rise in employer costs, potentially exceeding 12% for those paying the Real Living Wage.

Signatories, including leaders from the National Care Association and Care England, urge for exemptions or adjustments to prevent a systematic collapse of services.

SOCIAL CARE IMPACT

35 Specialist Care CEOs Sign Open Letter to Chancellor

A coalition of 35 specialist care provider CEOs has addressed an urgent open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, highlighting the financial strain on the sector due to recent Budget changes. Key concerns include:

• Increased employer National Insurance Contributions and National Living Wage impacting funding.

• The need for cross-party collaboration to develop sustainable plans for the sector's future.

The coalition, supporting 55,000 individuals and employing 130,000 care workers, warns of potential service closures and increased NHS burdens if funding issues persist. They stress the importance of immediate action to prevent detrimental decisions affecting vulnerable individuals. The letter, shared with key government officials, calls for a commitment to mitigate the Budget's impact on social care services, ensuring the protection and support of those with complex needs.