Shaping the Future of Social Care

With a new Prime Minister pledging to put care at the heart of government, and pressure building for real reform, Community Integrated Care continues to make sure the sector’s voice is heard at every level – from Downing Street to our own front doors. Here’s a look at our response to the new Prime Minister, alongside some of our recent work engaging politicians and decision-makers on the future of social care.

We Respond To The Appointment Of The New Prime Minister

Following the recent appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, we welcome his recognition that social care must be treated as a national priority and call on the new Government to turn that ambition into practical action.

Tom Gibbs, Chief Financial Officer at Community Integrated Care, said:

“For too long, social care has been considered an essential part of society but treated as an afterthought, despite enabling independence for millions of people, whilst also being intrinsically linked to a thriving NHS.

“Today feels like a significant moment for the sector. Seeing the Prime Minister put the spotlight on solving social care’s challenges and hearing him acknowledge that those working in the sector deserve better pay, recognition and opportunities for development, is a positive step towards the lasting change that people who deliver and draw on care deserve.

“Our Unfair To Care campaign has highlighted the true skill, expertise and professionalism of frontline care and support workers, and the pay gap that still exists between them and their counterparts in the NHS. We’ve long called for action on pay, status, progression and sustainability, so it’s hugely encouraging to see these issues becoming central to the Government’s vision for reform.

“The real test is now delivery, and how these commitments translate into action and funding on the ground.

“The commitment to creating a fully funded care workforce structure that aligns more closely with our partners in the NHS is a welcome step. Bringing forward the Casey Commission’s timetable also creates a real opportunity to outline what good care looks like, the reform needed to deliver it, and how a sustainable future for social care can be funded.”

“As this conversation continues, it must include the voices of those working in the sector, as well as those it serves – not just older people, but those with learning disabilities, autistic people, and mental health needs – who rely on support to live independently, pursue their ambitions and fully participate in their communities.

“Community Integrated Care is ready to work with Government, policymakers and partners across the sector to help shape reform that unlocks the full potential of social care, creating a stronger system that enables more people to live fulfilling, independent and connected lives.”

Engaging Decision-Makers

Over the past two months, Community Integrated Care has welcomed a series of political figures to see our work first-hand and discuss the future of adult social care – part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the voice and experience of the sector shapes decisions made in Westminster, Holyrood and beyond.

Meeting the Shadow Health Secretary

In June, our Chief Executive, Jim Kane, and Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Ben Lehan-Powick, met with Stuart Andrew MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in Westminster. The conversation centred on the Casey Review and the urgent need for social care reform, with a strong focus on recognising care workers as a skilled and vital workforce. Jim shared how investing in colleagues has directly improved retention and care quality at Community Integrated Care – reinforcing that reform must be backed by real funding and shaped by the people who understand the sector best.

Joining the APPG on Tackling Loneliness

Edd Terrey, our Managing Director, joined a Westminster roundtable hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities, chaired by Paul Davies MP. Edd shared insight into the barriers facing adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, highlighting how volunteering, employment and strong community partnerships help people build confidence, relationships and a sense of belonging. The discussion will feed directly into the APPG’s ongoing inquiry and future recommendations.

Welcoming an MSP to Inverurie service

Later that month, we welcomed Gillian Martin MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Aberdeenshire East and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, to two of our services in Inverurie. Gillian toured one of our award-winning Inspire…By shops, seeing how it helps people with learning disabilities and autistic people build skills and community connections, before visiting St James Court Supported Living to meet colleagues and the people we support. Head of Operations Karen Wood said the visit was a chance to showcase how personalised, high-quality care enables independence and real choice.

Dame Caroline Dinenage Visits Fareham service

In July, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP visited our care home in Fareham, meeting colleagues and the people we support before discussing sector challenges with Caroline Robins, Head of Operations. Talks focused on workforce sustainability, funding, and ensuring commissioning rates reflect the true cost of quality care – with the future Fair Pay Agreement a key topic.

Whether in Westminster, Holyrood, or on the ground in our services, these visits reflect a single, sustained approach: bringing policymakers face-to-face with the reality of social care, and ensuring the people who deliver and receive support have a direct voice in shaping its future.

Read more about our campaigning work.