Sector Pulse Check 2024 Report Launch Event in Parliament

On Tuesday, 14 January 2024, Care England and Hft hosted its annual Sector Pulse Check Parliamentary Launch event in the Atlee Suite in Portcullis House. 

This highly anticipated event brought together key figures and Parliamentarians including experts from across the sector, representatives from government departments, committee members, care providers, policymakers, academics, and importantly, carers and those in care, as well as other vital stakeholders All those there were united by a shared commitment to improving the landscape of adult social care. The event served as an opportunity to reflect on the findings of Care England’s Sector Pulse Check 2024 report, discuss challenges, and identify actionable steps for the future. 

The event was graciously hosted by Helen Morgan MP, the Liberal Democrat’s spokesperson for health and social care. As a longstanding advocate for the sector, Morgan opened proceedings by highlighting the critical importance of listening to the voices of those on the frontlines of care delivery. She emphasised the urgent need for policy coherence and sustainable investment in adult social care, ensuring the sector is equipped to meet the demands of an ageing population. 

The speakers were Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England and Steve Veevers, Chief Executive of Hft who presented the findings of the Sector Pulse Check 2024 report. The report revealed significant insights into the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, including workforce and funding pressures. Together, they called for immediate action from the government to ensure adult social care is treated as a national priority, there was heartfelt support for the #28toolate campaign in response to Baroness Casey’s 2028 review given all the evidence of what needs to be done, including from the Sector Pulse Check itself. 

The keynote speaker was Layla Moran MP, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, who spoke about the importance of reports like this in order to help her committee, which holds the government to account. She spoke about her committee’s commitment to ensure that social care is at the heart of the committee’s work in order to booster the sector which is often overlooked. She also spoke of the human cost of inaction in social care but also the financial burden that happens due to the lack of investment into social care that means more people end up in hospital. 

We explored key themes such as workforce development, technological innovation, and integration between health and social care systems. Attendees engaged with one another, sharing perspectives and best practices for addressing common challenges. 

Speaking at the event, Steve Veevers commented: 

“For the last three years, we have been proudly partnered with Care England to strengthen this work with the membership base and we’d like to thank Care England for their partnership.” He went onto say,  “Understanding these challenges and what providers need to be able to thrive and do the amazing care that they do is more critical than ever.”  

Professor Martin Green OBE went on to say: 

“Social care needs to be seen absolutely alongside the NHS as a really vital part of national society and infrastructure…”We need, first of all, to have clarity about what it actually costs to deliver high-quality care…Until we get that level of parity with the NHS, we will always be in a position where we’ve been seen by others as a second-class citizen system 

“We need a workforce that can seamlessly move across the system, just as people who use services move across the system…Let us not forget, this is about people who use social care services and are supported by them, and I want their voices to be the loudest voice” 

Care England extends its heartfelt thanks to Helen Morgan MP for hosting, as well as to the speakers, attendees, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event. Special recognition goes to the House of Commons staff for their seamless coordination and hospitality. 

We look forward to continuing these vital discussions and fostering collaboration across the sector in the months ahead. Stay tuned for updates on the Sector Pulse Check and on our future events.