Edition 34

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29 May 2026

ICYMI: this month’s care sector news 

ICYMI: this month’s care sector news 
This month has seen continued focus on reform, workforce recognition, digital innovation and sector resilience across adult social care. Here’s a concise roundup of some of the key headlines shaping the conversation. 

Political uncertainty raises questions for local government and care 
National Care Forum has highlighted concerns around a “fractured” local government landscape and the impact this could have on adult social care reform and delivery. The commentary points to uncertainty around leadership, funding and long-term planning across the sector. 
Read more › 

 

Care England calls for social care to become a political priority 
Following the recent local elections, Care England has urged the government to place adult social care higher on the political agenda, warning that delays to reform risk worsening workforce and funding pressures. The organisation called for stronger national leadership and long-term commitment to the sector. 
Read more here 

 

Baroness Casey addresses carers at national conference 
Speaking at the Carers UK Conference on 14May, Baroness Casey outlined the importance of recognising unpaid carers as a vital part of the care system. Her remarks form part of wider engagement activity linked to the Casey Commission’s work on the future of adult social care reform. 
Read more here 

 

What could the King’s Speech mean for digital social care? 
Digital Care Hub has explored the potential implications of the King’s Speech for adult social care technology, highlighting opportunities around data sharing, digital infrastructure and innovation. The piece reflects growing interest in how policy direction could accelerate digital transformation across the sector. 
Read more here 

 

New dementia and end-of-life care resources launched 
Skills for Care has published new practical resources focused on dementia and end-of-life care, designed to support learning, confidence and best practice among the workforce. The materials aim to help providers strengthen person-centred care delivery in increasingly complex care environments. 
Read more here 

 

Digital Care Hub introduces ‘Hazel the Cyber Squirrel’ at Care Show London 
Ahead of Care Show London, Digital Care Hub has unveiled Hazel the Cyber Squirrel, a new campaign character designed to help raise awareness of cyber security in adult social care. The initiative aims to make digital safety guidance more engaging and accessible for providers and care teams. 
Read more here 

 

UKHSA publishes hot weather toolkit for care providers 
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released its 2026 hot weather communications toolkit, helping care providers prepare for rising temperatures and protect vulnerable people during periods of extreme heat. The guidance includes practical resources for planning, communication and resident wellbeing. 
Read more here 

 

£5.4m funding opportunity for care tech research 
Digital Care Hub is encouraging providers to get involved in a new £5.4 million research initiative exploring technology in adult social care. The programme aims to generate evidence around innovation, implementation and the real-world impact of digital tools in care settings. 
Read more here 

 

BBC highlights continuing pressures across social care 
Recent BBC coverage has again drawn attention to the pressures facing adult social care services, including workforce challenges and increasing demand. The reporting reflects continued national scrutiny on how care services are funded, delivered and supported. 
Read more here 

 

International Nurses Day celebrates nurses in social care 
To mark International Nurses Day 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted the contribution of nurses working across adult social care. The campaign celebrated the breadth of nursing roles within the sector and the impact nurses have on quality, continuity and person-centred care. 
Read more here 

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