Policy change in social care is slow. But providers can’t afford to wait—rotas need filling, staff need support, and budgets are under pressure today.
In a recent conversation with Professor Martin Green, CEO of Care England, five points stood out to me. Each one carries a practical lesson for providers who want to stay resilient in the months ahead.
1. Funding pressure won’t ease soon
Martin was clear: the sector faces rising costs without matching government support. National insurance hikes and the proposed “care wage” may improve pay on paper, but no one has answered the question of who funds it.
Takeaway: don’t plan around policy fixes. Build resilience into your own model—whether that’s controlling agency spend, improving fill rates, or unlocking new revenue streams.
2. Integration keeps failing without culture change
Decades of new structures—PCTs, CCGs, ICBs—have done little to solve the disconnect between health and social care. The same people and the same culture are recycled, and discharge delays continue.
Takeaway: while national integration stalls, focus locally. Create your own discharge playbooks with hospitals and local authorities, so residents aren’t left waiting and your teams aren’t caught in the crossfire.
3. Workforce models must evolve
Overseas recruitment has helped, but government policy is tightening just as demand keeps rising. At the same time, many staff now expect more flexible work patterns post-COVID.
Takeaway: retention will be won by offering flexibility where possible and clear career pathways. Training, progression routes, and transparent pay bands are what keep people in the sector—more than short-term recruitment fixes.
4. Providers need to innovate beyond “lazy provision”
Martin challenged the sector to diversify. Too often services mirror commissioning priorities rather than community needs. Forward-thinking providers are already adding nurseries, cafés, or day services alongside traditional residential care—and seeing benefits in staff retention and community trust.
Takeaway: ask yourself whether your current model is fit for the next decade. Even small steps—like offering meal services to local older people—can build reputation, new revenue, and loyalty.
5. Technology is the next frontier
Despite the challenges, Martin was optimistic about the role of technology—particularly data, digital systems, and even robotics. The sector missed the first wave of digital adoption; it can’t afford to miss the next one.
Takeaway: get ahead now. The providers who embrace technology will not only deliver better outcomes but also attract the next generation of care staff who expect digital-first workplaces.
Final thought
Every leader in the sector knows the challenges. The difference lies in who starts making changes now.
At Florence, we’re focused on helping providers reduce costs, improve retention, and build resilience—so they can act on these lessons straight away.
Book in a call with me to see how Florence can support your team.