Guiding approaches - national
Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care (2024)
The Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care (2024) sets out England's first long-term national plan to develop and support the adult social care workforce over the next 15 years. It recognises the sector's critical role in supporting people to live independent, fulfilling lives and aims to ensure the workforce is properly valued, skilled, and supported. The strategy was developed by skills for care in collaboration with partners in the sector, including people who draw on care and support.
The strategy sets out the vision and direction for the sector for the short and longer term under three headings:
- Attract and retain
- Train
- Transform
In addition, the strategy sets out action in the short and medium term to address current workforce challenges. Those actions fall into three priority areas:
- Action on pay and terms and conditions
- Investment in training and clear career pathways
- A legislative basis for a workforce strategy
The strategy provides a shared framework for local authorities, providers, and partners to guide investment, planning, and improvement efforts across the care workforce. It aligns closely with Norfolk's own workforce priorities and informs the council's commissioning and market shaping activities.
