Labour’s new Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, recently announced that the Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund proposed by the previous government, will ‘not be continued’. Instead, the funding for Adult Social Care Learning and Development will be maintained ‘at the level we spent last year’. The government also reinforced their commitment to the development of a Care Workforce Pathway for adult social care.
This update has, unsurprisingly, sent ripples through the social care sector. And while the specifics remain unknown, the initial reactions from the industry suggest the sector is both hopeful and concerned.
The government’s decision to continue to develop a Care Workforce Pathway, and its reference to the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, is a significant victory for those who have long championed its importance. This vital qualification provides a foundational understanding of the sector, equipping workers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to deliver high quality care with confidence.
Great in principle, but in practice, the route to accessing this qualification is now unknown. Previously, £53.91 million in Department of Health and Social Care funding was allocated to support 37,000 staff aged 19 and above and employed in direct adult social care roles to complete the new qualification between June 2024 and March 2025. But with the announcement that the budget will be maintained at the level spent last year only, it’s unclear how, and more importantly if, the qualification will be funded at all.
There is a pressing need for clarity on funding to support the implementation of the new certificate, and to ensure that this vital training is accessible to the care workers that need it.
A bitter pill to swallow
In an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, industry leaders and organisations, including the Homecare Association, Care England and National Care Association, expressed deep concern and disappointment over the government’s decisions.
Calling for the government to fulfil its commitments to a National Care Service and Fair Pay Agreement for care workers, the letter also reiterated just how important social care is, and its vital contributions to local and national economies and the NHS, as well as the individuals that rely on it and their loved ones.
The letter called for the government to engage in meaningful consultation and communication with the sector, and urged them to take immediate action to implement agreed-upon reforms and address the mounting challenges facing adult social care.
FuturU remains steadfast in its commitment
We believe that the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate will play a crucial role in equipping existing and aspiring caregivers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the social care sector, and provide top quality care.
As further details of the government’s approach emerge, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and advocate strongly for policies that support the development, progression and empowerment of social care professionals.
We all have a part to play
While the future of the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is uncertain, one thing is very clear – the industry is watching closely. And it’s up to each and every one of us to prove the value, appetite and necessity for this qualification.
Make your voice heard. Register your interest in the qualification and share your thoughts by emailing shona.wright@futuru.ai, so we can engage with the government on your behalf.
