Consultations

Shaping the future of Care Work: consulting with the adult social care sector

In March 2025, the Adult Social Care Workforce Research Partnership—known as Care Work—was launched to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the adult social care workforce in England. Over the next five years, this national initiative will explore innovative ways to support staff, improve working conditions, and strengthen the systems that underpin adult social care.


Why this matters?

The social care workforce is the backbone of adult social care, yet many promising ideas and innovations remain under-evaluated or underused. The Care Work partnership is committed to changing that—by identifying, evaluating, and scaling up the most impactful workforce innovations.

But we can’t do it alone.


A national consultation to shape the research agenda

Between July 2025 and March 2026, Care Work is running a targeted consultation with senior leaders, the social care workforce, and people with lived experience. Together, we will explore four key themes:

  • Labour supply, demand and markets

  • Workforce well-being

  • Innovation in work organisation, conditions and role design

  • Data and technology

Through a series of online sessions, we will gather insights, screen ideas, and prioritise innovations that have the potential to transform care work across the country.

Our values

The consultation is guided by principles of inclusion, respect, transparency, and accessibility. We are committed to amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that everyone involved—whether a local authority manager, care provider, policymaker, or someone drawing on care and support—has a meaningful role in shaping the future of Care Work.


What will happen next?

We will publicise the consultation findings and process as widely as possible. The most promising innovations will be selected and research and evaluation projects co-designed. These will form the foundation of the Care Work research programme, to be submitted for sign-off in August 2026. Others may be developed through external funding opportunities.

If you would like further information about the consultation please contact Nadia Brookes n.k.brookes@kent.ac.uk and/or Serena Vicario s.vicario@kent.ac.uk.