Home / Resources & Guidance / Care England Launches Dedicated Policy Board to Champion Working-Age Adults in Social Care

Care England, the leading voice of adult social care providers in England, is proud to announce the establishment of the Working Age Adult Policy Board, a significant step in strengthening advocacy and shaping policy for one of the most underserved areas of the sector.

The Working Age Adult Policy Board has been created to give a dedicated voice to providers supporting working-age adults and to tackle the distinct challenges this group faces within social care. By bringing together sector leaders, the board will play a pivotal role in influencing policy, ensuring that the needs of working-age adults remain a priority at the highest levels of decision-making.

A Platform for Meaningful Change
The new board will provide a collaborative space for sharing expertise, identifying sector-wide challenges, and formulating impactful policy recommendations. It will also ensure that providers delivering services to working-age adults are properly represented in national and local advocacy efforts.

Key objectives include:

  • Strengthening Care England’s current policy and advocacy work on behalf of working-age adults.
  • Providing a strategic platform for sector leaders to influence government decisions.
  • Enhancing the representation of working-age adults in broader social care policy discussions.
  • Aligning with Care England’s wider policy agenda to drive lasting sector reform.

 

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, commented:

“The creation of the Working Age Adult Policy Board is a landmark moment in ensuring that the needs of working-age adults are fully recognised and addressed within social care policy. This dedicated board will provide a strong, united voice for providers and service users, helping to drive forward the reforms needed to improve care and support for this vital part of our society.”

This board will be outcomes-focused, driving measurable improvements in policy and practice to benefit working-age adults and the providers that support them. Through evidence-based advocacy and direct engagement with decision-makers, it will translate discussion into tangible action, ensuring that this vital area of social care remains a national priority.

Tim Davies, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ivolve Care & Support, and newly elected Chair of the Care England Working Age Adult Policy Board, commented:

“I am very pleased to have been elected as Chairman of the Working Age Adult Policy Board. I see this role as a tremendous opportunity to champion our sector’s unique challenges and to drive real, meaningful policy change for working-age adults. By harnessing the collective expertise and passion of our members, we will ensure that our voices are integrated into the broader Care England agenda.”

As the board begins its work, its members – leaders from across the sector – share their thoughts on joining and the impact they hope to achieve:

Peter Kinsey, Chair of Iris Care Group, commented:

“I fully support Care England’s establishment of the Working Age Adult Policy Board which will engage Chief Executives from across the sector in driving much needed policy development and improvement.”

Andrea Kinkade, Chief Executive of Lifeways, commented:

‘I am delighted to become a member of the new Working Age Adult Policy Board. Care England do so much to represent providers in the adult social care sector, recognition, that providers who support working age adults, face unique and often misunderstood challenges is a testament to the progressive vision of Care England.  I hope, together, we can make great strides in championing the needs of adults who deserve to live fulfilling, hopeful and rewarding lives’.

Rebekah Cresswell, Chief Executive of Priory, commented:

“It is a privilege to represent this sector of social care during this critical time to collaborate with likeminded colleagues for solutions to sustain these vital services for people of the UK.”

For further information, please contact Policy@careengland.org.uk