Care England Parliamentary Reception 2024

On Thursday, 18th July, Care England was delighted to host its annual Parliamentary Reception in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords. 

Care England’s Parliamentary Reception has, for many years, brought together a wide range of key voices from the adult social care sector including social care professionals, providers, academics, Parliamentarians, and other key stakeholders. Our reception provides the opportunity for those dedicated to adult social care to come together and share successes, discuss pressing challenges and re-energise working relationships. Our 2024 Reception was kindly hosted by Baroness Barker, a Liberal Democrat Peer with a wealth of experience both working, and advocating for, the adult social care sector. This event was generously sponsored by Towergate Insurance, a Care England member and trusted insurer for care providers. 

Baroness Barker was the first to address attendees and noted that one of the biggest enemies of progress is fractioned planning, and that it is crucial to see the involvement of the NHS. Baroness Barker urged the new government to have the courage of their convictions and try to raise social care above the level of political football it has been turned into, and to see some kind of landmark progress in social care like there has been in the NHS. Baroness Barker ended her speech by thanking all those who attended for their continued support and urged everyone to keep fighting the fight for good standards of care. 

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive at Care England, began his speech by thanking Baroness Barker for all the support she has given to this cause over the years. Professor Green discussed in his speech how  in this moment of change, social care, as the biggest employer in England, has the opportunity to be at the forefront of the agenda of growth that both the Chancellor and Prime Minister have called for. Professor Green acknowledged the interdependence of the health and social care sectors, as neither of the two great parts can work in isolation, and we cannot get one right without paying attention to the other. Professor Green ended his speech by reminding us that despite there being a lot to do and great expectations of government, they will need the support and help from the sector and from parliamentarians to get the right change that makes a long-term difference to the people in social care. 

Care England wishes to express our thanks to those who were able to join us at this year’s Parliamentary Reception and our sincere gratitude to our valued friends and colleagues who made the event possible. A special mention must also go to the wonderful House of Lords staff, who ensured the event went smoothly. 

We look forward to building on conversations held on the day and welcoming colleagues to similar events in the near future.