ICYMI: this month’s care sector news
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Each month we round up the key developments shaping adult social care, from workforce updates to sector-wide reports. Here are the highlights you may have missed in August:
Care Workers’ Charity releases 2025 Wellbeing Report
The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC) has published its Wellbeing Report 2025, based on feedback from more than 2,000 care workers. The findings highlight ongoing pressures around stress, finances, and staff shortages, alongside positive signs of growing awareness of mental health and supportive leadership. The report calls for systemic changes to improve working conditions and ensure long-term sustainability of the workforce. For employers, policymakers, and sector leaders, it’s a reminder that while care workers remain resilient, support systems must evolve to protect their wellbeing and safeguard the future of the sector. CEO of CWC, Karolina Gerlich, will be presenting on the findings of the survey at Care Show Birmingham this October, with an exploration of what it could mean for the sector.
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Check out the full report here
Vacancy rates back to pre-COVID levels: retention is next
New Skills for Care data shows adult social care vacancy rates have returned to pre-COVID levels. The 2024/25 vacancy rate is 7%, down from the 10.5% peak in 2021/22, with 111,000 vacant posts (-12.4% year on year). Filled posts rose by 52,000 to 1.6 million, suggesting recruitment efforts are working. Pressures persist, especially in homecare, where vacancy rates remain higher than in residential and nursing settings. The takeaway: progress is real, but stability still hinges on retention, pay and progression to keep people in role and reduce regional gaps. National Care Forum’s Policy Director, Liz Jones, will be hosting a panel session on tackling the critical challenges faced in recruitment and retention at Care Show Birmingham this October.
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Check out the full report here
Care England publishes landmark dementia report
Care England has released a major new report on dementia, highlighting challenges around late diagnosis, regional inequalities, and increasing demand for specialist care. With cases rising rapidly, providers face mounting pressures to deliver high-quality support despite financial and staffing constraints. The report also recognises innovation in person-centred care and dementia-friendly environments, showing the sector’s commitment to improving quality of life. Care England is urging coordinated action between government, health, and social care partners to address inequalities and prepare for the growing impact of dementia, which is projected to affect over a million people in the UK this decade. Deputy Director of Adult Social Care from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Stefan Kallee, will be hosting a session at Care Show Birmingham on CQC’s Dementia Strategy. The session will feature special guest, Jayne Rigby, an expert by experience, and will updates attendees on CQC’s plans to tackle this growing issue.
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Check out the full report here
Skills for Care updates workforce size and structure report
Skills for Care has updated its Size and Structure of the Adult Social Care Workforce in England report, offering a snapshot of the sector’s workforce trends. The data covers staff numbers, demographics, turnover, and vacancies, highlighting both ongoing challenges and regional improvements. The report underlines the importance of international recruitment while stressing the need to grow domestic pipelines. Head of Workforce Strategy Implementation Unit at Skills for Care, Sarah Gilbert, will be hosting a Keynote panel session at Care Show Birmingham to discuss their new strategies and opportunities for the future:
Add the session to your calendar by clicking here
Check out the full report here
Care homes report challenges meeting specialist dietary needs
New research from Care England and apetito reveals that more than half of care homes are struggling to meet the dietary needs of residents with dysphagia. The findings shine a light on the increasing complexity of care provision and the need for additional training, resources, and specialist catering solutions. As resident needs evolve, the sector is being urged to invest in tools and partnerships that support safe, dignified, and person-centred nutrition for vulnerable groups.