Social care is one of the UK’s most important professions, contributing nearly £90 billion to the economy, supporting millions of people and their families, and employing around 1.6 million people.
But for too long, the conversation around social care has focused solely on shortages, pressures and crises.
While these challenges are real, they risk obscuring a more important question:
How do we build a sector that people actively choose to join, develop within and lead?
This new Brook Street whitepaper explores what needs to change to build a stronger, more sustainable future for social care – and why policy reform alone isn’t enough.
This paper brings together insights from providers, sector leaders and workforce experts to explore the reforms needed to strengthen social care – for the long term.
From pay and workforce policy to career pathways, leadership development, sector identity and digital inclusion, it sets out a practical roadmap for change.
Download the whitepaper and join the conversation:
What’s inside?
The state of social care: Understanding the workforce, recruitment and retention challenges shaping the sector today.
Identity shift: Why social care’s future depends on changing public perceptions and positioning care as a respected profession.
Fair pay & workforce reform: Exploring the opportunities and implementation challenges created by the Fair Pay Agreement and Employment Rights Act.
International recruitment: Examining workforce supply, visa reform and the future role of international recruitment.
Digital inclusion: Understanding the hidden workforce risks of digital transformation and why capability matters as much as technology.
Career pathways & leadership: Looking at progression, training, leadership development and the need to build stronger talent pipelines.
A roadmap for change: Six practical recommendations to help strengthen the sector for the future.
Industry voices
This whitepaper features perspectives from leaders across the sector, including:
Skills for Care
Sheffield City Council
Change Grow Live
Hightown Housing Association
Housing 21
Somerset Care
Mencap
Via
Family Action
Humain Consulting
The Recruitment & Employment Confederation
Together, these voices provide practical insight into the opportunities and challenges facing social care today.
Why download?
Whether you’re a provider, commissioner, policymaker, workforce leader or sector partner, this paper offers:
Evidence-based analysis
Practical recommendations
Perspectives from across the sector
Insight into emerging workforce trends
A positive vision for the future of social care.
Discover why the future of social care depends not only on reforming the system, but on reimagining how we attract, develop and support the people at its heart.
Want to join the conversation?
We’re bringing together employers, sector bodies, policymakers and people with lived experience to unite around a shared goal: helping social care tell a stronger story about its future.
Help us spread the word and show your support!
Share the whitepaper with your professional network
Like, comment and share on social media
Add your own reflections or experiences
Tag colleagues and sector contacts
Encourage discussion among your teams
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #RebuildingSocialCare on your posts.
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