£10M budget agreed for Welsh workforce development

The Care Council for Wales will receive £10m funding from the Welsh Government in 2014-15 to regulate the social care workforce and ensure workers receive appropriate training and qualifications, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas has announced.

The Deputy Minister set out her requirements in a letter to the Care Council setting out priorities and the budget available to deliver its activities.

The Care Council has a key role in the transformation of social services and delivering sustainable services under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the forthcoming Regulation and Inspection of Care and Support in Wales Bill.

The Council will now complete its 2014-15 business plan taking into account the Deputy Minister’s requirements.

Gwenda Thomas said: “The social care sector is one of the major employers in Wales.  There are 70,000 staff delivering care and support for people across Wales every day. This is a varied and dynamic sector incorporating services in the public and independent sectors.  Its size and significance is growing and the importance of the social care workforce for the population of Wales cannot be overstated.  

“The Council’s work to set standards is part of the fabric of social services and social care in Wales, providing the framework for a professional, well qualified workforce.

“In implementing our programme for change in social services, we will need to reinforce the value of the workforce. A stable, well trained and qualified workforce with professional roles at its heart is central to our ongoing success. The Care Council will continue to be a central partner in this work.”