September has brought updates across workforce reform, integrated care, dementia, digital resilience and the wider debate around the future of social care. Here’s a roundup of some of the key headlines from across the sector this month. 

 

Care workforce invited to have its say on the future of work 
A new Adult Social Care Workforce Survey is giving people working across the sector the opportunity to share their experiences directly with government. Covering pay and employment conditions, workload, wellbeing, training and career development, the findings will help inform future workforce policy alongside wider reform initiatives such as the Fair Pay Agreement. 
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New guidance helps providers prepare for cyber incidents 
Digital Care Hub has launched new communication checklists for homecare and residential care providers to use alongside their business continuity plans. The resources cover practical steps such as identifying who needs to be contacted, preparing alternative communication routes and planning updates for staff, families, commissioners and suppliers if normal systems are disrupted. 
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More than 100 care homes recognised for end-of-life care 
A total of 102 UK care homes have achieved or renewed Gold Standards Framework accreditation for their approach to end-of-life care in 2026, with 49 reaching Platinum status. The recognition highlights work taking place across care homes to embed high-quality, person-centred end-of-life care and support. 
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Assisted dying bill voted down in House of Commons 
MPs have voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which proposed allowing eligible terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek an assisted death subject to specified safeguards. The bill was voted down by 286 votes to 270 following extensive debate around autonomy, safeguards and the potential implications for health and care services. 
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New research explores what the public thinks about social care 
The Health Foundation and Ipsos have published new findings on public attitudes towards social care and the NHS. The research found continued pessimism about social care and widespread misconceptions about how the system operates, while also showing strong support for the state taking greater responsibility for care costs. However, views remain divided on how additional spending should be funded. 
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Public support for social care reform raises the question of funding 
Further analysis of public attitudes suggests there is significant support for changes to the social care system, but less consensus around who should pay for them. With funding remaining central to the wider reform debate, the findings highlight the challenge of translating support for change into an agreed approach to financing it. 
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ADASS welcomes rethink on councils’ role in integrated care 
ADASS has welcomed the government’s decision to rethink proposals that would have removed mandated local government representation from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). The organisation argues that maintaining the link between councils and ICBs is important for effective partnership working between the NHS, local government and adult social care. 
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Government begins search for national Dementia Tsar 
Ministers have opened recruitment for England’s first national Dementia Tsar, following an earlier recommendation from Baroness Casey. The successful candidate will provide national leadership across dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, research and support, as well as overseeing delivery of priorities within the forthcoming modern service framework for frailty and dementia. 
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£1.5m backs new neighbourhood health pilots 
Six neighbourhood health projects have secured support through a new £1.5 million government-funded partnership aimed at testing more joined-up models of care closer to home. Several of the pilots will focus specifically on people living with frailty, bringing together NHS organisations, councils and community partners to support independence and help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. 
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