London, September 12th, 2024
On Thursday, September 12th, the Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNACs) hosted their inaugural event at Coventry University’s London campus, marking a significant moment for adult social care.
The event brought together senior leaders from across health and social care, with a focus on elevating the role of social care nursing in the wider health and care system.
The day opened with a keynote address by Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, who has said the following:
“The Social Care Nurse Advisory Council’s first conference, bringing senior NHSE nurse leaders and social care colleagues together, provided a truly inspirational day to share the positivity, energy, and pride in social care nursing,
“The event underlined the untapped talent within the sector and provided an opportunity to help nursing leaders fundamentally consider the possibilities of working together to look after the same people, ensuring we are utilising our resources to the best effect.
“Nursing is a significant part of the answer to delivering reform, and this event has set the tone for how, through those close relationships and strong leadership, we can make that happen.”
“It was great to join the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council’s first conference and meet nursing colleagues from across adult social care.
As nurses, we know that collaborative working across health and social care is key to helping us improve outcomes, care and experience for the populations and communities we look after.
The work the Councils are doing in this space is not only helping to strengthen collaborative working across local systems, but across our nursing profession and health and social care as a whole.”
“I had the privilege of attending the inaugural event hosted by the Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNACs) at Coventry University’s London campus—a truly defining moment for the future of adult social care.
Nurses in social care are at the very backbones of our communities. Not only providing clinical care but also dignity, compassion, and unwavering support to those most in need. At the same time, their expertise and dedication are essential, in bridging the gap between health and social care, whilst playing a vital role in securing our social care nurses of the future. The vision and dedication of those involved fuel the future of social care.
This event brought passion, energy and belonging to the sector. I can’t wait to see this prosper and grow!”
Angela Boxall, Chair of Care England and CEO at Majesticare
One of the highlights of the event was a recorded message from Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Social Care, who, although unable to attend in person, expressed his support for the Council’s vital work. His message reiterated the importance of collaboration across the sector to deliver meaningful reform. 
Throughout the day, attendees heard from a variety of inspiring speakers and panellists, including Major General Tim Hodgetts, who delivered both the keynote at the start of the day and an insightful reflection to close the event. His speeches left a profound impact on the audience, described as “one of the most inspiring speeches we have heard.”
The seven regional SCNACs across England aim to ensure that social care nursing is fully integrated into broader health and care system discussions and planning. This inaugural event provided an excellent platform for collaboration, idea-sharing, and strategic discussions that will shape the future of the sector.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, also delivered remarks during the opening address, emphasising the crucial need for collaboration between the NHS and Social Care.
Later in the day, five individuals were honoured to receive Chief Nurse Awards from Deborah Sturdy, recognising their outstanding contributions to the sector.
The success of the event was made possible by the excellent venue provided by Coventry University, London, and the generous support of NIHR, who funded the event.
The day concluded with a vibrant drinks’ reception hosted by the Care Show, where the energy and excitement among attendees could still be felt.
The event images were taken by Tony Attille of Black Ink Photographic
To learn more about the agenda and the speakers who made the event a success, please click here.
Please click here to see pictures from the event.
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