Government Agenda
Social care is a key public service and the Government is committed to the long-term reform of public services to improve outcomes for all in society, with particular focus on the disadvantaged (Source: Options for Excellence, Building the Social Care Workforce of the Future; DE&S 2006)
Social care is fundamentally about building a strong and trusting relationship between workers, service users and carers. The Options for Excellence Review of the social care workforce resulted in recommendations to:
- Increase the supply of all workers within the sector, such as domiciliary care workers, residential care workers, social workers and occupational therapists and look at measures to tackle recruitment and retention issues.
- Improve the quality of social care practice.
- Define the role of Social Workers.
- Develop a vision for the social care workforce in 2010 and a socio-economic case for improvements and investment in the workforce.
Vision
The vision of the workforce in 2010 is of a highly skilled, valued and accountable workforce drawn from all sections of the community. This trained, trusted workforce will provide imaginative and innovative services, looking at individuals in their personal, family and community context. Alongside carers and volunteers, the workforce will make a positive difference, contributing to peoples' health, happiness and well-being.
Choice
The Government White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say agenda requires a new direction for community services that aims to:
- Change the way services are provided in communities and make them as flexible as possible.
- Provide a more personal service that is tailored to the specific health or social care needs of individuals.
- Give patients and service users more control over the treatment they receive.
- Work with health and social care professionals and services to get the most appropriate treatment or care for their needs.