OnDemand: Sustaining the UK Social Care Workforce Conference 2026
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2026 Supporters Included
2026 Overview
The adult social care sector in England is at a critical moment, with workforce recruitment and retention challenges intensifying. The government is pursuing a fair pay agreement, to be legislated through the current Employment Rights Bill, as a mechanism to make social care careers more attractive to UK workers. This will involve establishing an Adult Social Care Negotiating Body, bringing together employers and unions to set pay and conditions.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Professor Ian Kessler, Professor of Public Policy and Management, Kings College London
Keynote: Migration Policy and Social Care Workforce Reform
- Developing integrated workforce strategies that balance migration controls with long-term domestic recruitment and retention needs
- Discussing the policy misalignment between immigration restrictions and delayed sector reforms such as Fair Pay Agreements
- Outlining funding, pay, and progression frameworks required to make social care a competitive career for UK workers
- Challenging policymakers to address the immediate staffing crisis while long-term reforms remain years from delivery
Cyril Lobont, Researcher, Nuffield Trust
Keynote: AI in Social Work and Social Care
- Analysing how AI is being used in social work and social care, based on current research
- Discussing the opportunities and benefits of AI whilst exercising caution regarding the risks
- Highlighting the importance of regulation in use of digital technologies in social work and social care
- Examining how use of AI can support a future-ready workforce
Sarah Blackmore, Executive Director for Professional Practice and External Engagement, Social Work England
Case Study: Reflections on the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care
- Attracting new talent by promoting social care as a rewarding career with clear opportunities for growth
- Developing the workforce through accessible training and professional pathways
- Supporting service delivery by integrating digital tools and prevention-focused care models
- Sustaining workforce excellence with leadership and long-term strategic planning
Jane Brightman, Director of Workforce Strategy, Skills for Care
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Building a Diverse and Sustainable Adult Social Care Workforce
- Examining the underrepresentation of men and younger people in social care, highlighting barriers to entry and retention
- Discussing challenges in attracting a workforce that reflects the diversity of the population, including cultural, ethnic, and gender representation
- Analysing how the Employment Rights Bill and fair pay agreement could influence recruitment of underrepresented groups
- Developing targeted strategies, inclusive policies, and long-term planning to create a sustainable workforce
Emily Pattinson, Lead Consultant, Inclusive Employers
Case Study: Co-Production and Lived Experience in Adult Social Care
- Highlighting the value of lived experience roles in shaping services and ensuring care is person-centred
- Examining barriers to lived-experience integration, including lack of training and limited organisational support
- Discussing strategies for supporting lived experience, such as structured training, mentoring, and supportive supervision frameworks.
- Demonstrating benefits for organisations, including staff satisfaction and a more inclusive culture
Isaac Samuel OBE, Co-Production Advisor, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services
Questions and Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Professor Ian Kessler, Professor of Public Policy and Management, Kings College London
Conference Close
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2026 Speakers
Jane Brightman
Director for Workforce Strategy
Skills for Care
Sarah Blackmore
Executive Director, Strategy, Policy and Engagement
Social Work England
Emily Pattinson
Lead Consultant
Inclusive Employers
Isaac Samuel OBE
Co-Production Advisor
Association of Directors of Adult Social Services
Testimonials
Incredibly interesting and thought-provoking with the content perfectly reflecting the challenging times were are navigating. There was lots to take away for me to improve recruitment and retention in our procurement service.
The event covered a wide range of topics and the speakers were knowledgeable and insightful.
An informative and insightful event. Interesting case studies prompted some good Q&A.
It was great to hear about the work and research being undertaken by numerous individuals across the UK to improve the recruitment and retention of Healthcare Staff
