Written question WQ96316

The social care workforce plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities across Wales, and it is crucial we support the workforce we have, and encourage new workers in to the sector.

Ensuring clear career progression and promoting social care as a valued profession remains a priority. Welsh Government is committed to strengthening the profile and status of the workforce through registration with Social Care Wales (SCW) and working in social partnership with trade unions and employers through the Social Care Fair Work Forum on improving pay, terms and conditions for social care workers.

SCW, funded by Welsh Government, provides national leadership in social care, early years and childcare. Some of their key priorities include enhancing recruitment, retention, professional development and workforce conditions. SCW also host the WeCare Wales platform.

Welsh Government’s Social Care Workforce team has recently undertaken a series of meetings with local authorities across Wales to explore their various and unique approaches to improve recruitment and retention locally.

Training and development are central to strengthening the workforce and making them feel valued. SCW delivers initiatives such as the social worker bursary and the SCW Workforce Development Programme (SCWWDP).

Following consultation on a draft Pay and Progression Framework for Social Care, the Forum established a working group to refine the framework taking account of the responses received. The group is currently mapping sector roles, defining potential career pathways and examining international pay data to inform future planning.