Over 2,000 care professionals and senior management team attended UK Care week 2022, with 72% of those attending involved in the decision-making process. Staffing issues, digital transformation, training and recruitment topped the agenda at the event, with packed talks, some with only standing room. The event was held at The NEC, Birmingham, from July 6-7th. The CPD accredited programme challenged status-quo thinking on the UK’s care sector, with sessions delivered by the most thought-provoking and insightful leaders and stand-out voices in the industry. Speakers included former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls who joined the likes of Claire Johnsen, Head of Innovation at Hallmark Care Homes, Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum and Jane Townson, CEO of The Homecare Association as they addressed crucial challenges around recruitment, retention, funding, and recognition. Adam Purnell, Director of Social Care, Institute of Health and Social Care Management led an expert panel discussion on what needs to be done to get

Care workers the recognition they deserve and Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at The Care Quality Commission reflected on how the sector has responded over the pandemic to adult social care and the quality-of-care people are receiving. Nadra Ahmed, OBE, Executive Chair of National Care Association spoke at a panel on the care workforce crisis, which remains a huge challenge for the sector. The impact of Brexit, Covid-19, vaccination policy, coupled with increases in the cost of living have all come together to form a perfect storm, leaving the sector with in excess of 105,000 vacancies. CCFTV, influencing the use of Safety monitoring (CCTV) in all communal area settings in care homes particularly in dementia care to bring in greater transparency for all who live and work in care homes was also a topic raised by one of the key speakers, Jayne Connery. The inclusive two-day event united the care industry and provided a platform to connect, network and raise the profile of care professionals across the UK. Adam Purnell, Director of Social Care, Institute of Health and Social Care Management said: "UK Care Week was a great opportunity for connecting Social Care providers." It was a privilege to kick off the keynote stage on day one with a call to action for making social care attractive and supporting our workforce and it was amazing to once again take The Caring View to a live event. "The highlight was when I got to interview Ed Balls on tackling the care crisis and securing his support and endorsement for our People Plan for Social Care report."

Main takeaway points from the discussion between Ed Balls and Adam Purnell were that Balls regrets not pushing the social care reform, stating that there were a lot of conversations but nothing set in stone and they threw money at the situation and didn’t resolve the issue. Balls went on to state that in his career, nothing has been harder or more fulfilling as working in social care, yet he should not be seen as the face of the sector, it should be the frontline staff. Balls stated during the discussion that the NHS taking over social care is not the right thing and it would be a mistake to nationalise the social care sector, instead we need to look at private and public social care providers and think about how we commission services and how we regulate. On the subject of staff pay, this needs to be reviewed according to Balls, alongside training and career progression and sexual education should be prioritised over social care in schools and does not feel school is the right place to teach about it. On the implementation of the care cap, Balls believes that this will throw up other issues around commissioning, costs, recruitment and he believes care is on a rising political trend and more people in society will be engaging with social care than ever before.

Steve Clarke, Managing Director Healthcare Portfolio said: "UK Care Week 2022 was a fantastic milestone in our campaign to unite the care community and address the biggest challenges facing the sector. "We have set the foundations for an inclusive platform to influence positive change, where care professionals and suppliers can collaborate and share best practice. "We look forward to continuing to support the sector further and celebrating the talent of care professionals." UK Care Week takes place next year on 22-23 March at NEC, Birmingham.

Pre-register your 2023 ticket here.