Care England launch plan to solve care home recruitment crisis

In response to the pressing need to tackle the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges faced by the adult social care sector in England, Care England has taken a proactive step forward by introducing an end-to-end solution. As the largest representative body of independent providers of adult social care in the country, Care England’s initiative aims to alleviate the strain on care providers and local authorities grappling with staffing shortages.

Recruitment and retention challenges

The adult social care sector has been grappling with unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals, exacerbated by demographic shifts and a surge in demand for care services. According to Care England and Hft’s 2023 Sector Pulse Check report, workforce costs emerged as the most significant financial pressure for adult social care providers. The ramifications of staffing shortages have been profound, with 44% of providers forced to reject new admissions in 2023, over half resorting to increased agency usage, and 18% shutting services altogether. In addition to this, the introduction of impending measures that will reduce the flow of international recruits into the care sector.

Care England’s Partners with four organisations to enhance recruitment and retention

In light of these multifaceted challenges, Care England has forged partnerships with four organisations—Care Character, Care Friends, Jobtrain, and Vivup. Individually, these entities have demonstrated the capacity to enhance recruitment and retention rates within the sector. However, by synergising their efforts, they collectively offer a holistic solution capable of addressing the sector-wide vacancy rate, enhancing the quality and development of carers, reducing turnover rates, and substantially lowering costs for providers.

If you would like to find out more about this, the whitepaper can be found here.

How can we help?

At Hawsons our dedicated team of specialist accountants and tax advisors offer a wealth of experience in the care sector including residential homes, nursing homes and other specialist care services.

Our in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sector is applied and we work closely with our clients, ensuring that changes in the care sector are recognised promptly and appropriate strategies implemented and actions taken. We recognise that no two homes are the same.