Resources: New toolkits to support London-based managers in health and social care
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New resources are being made available to employers, training providers and employment professionals to help alleviate London’s social care skills shortages from today.

Through Ambition London, funded by JP Morgan Chase Foundation, two new toolkits are being made available to promote the rewards and tackle common misconceptions of careers in health and social care sector.

Both the health and adult social care sectors faces an acute shortage of skilled workers with too few entrants, poor career progression and poor retention. As London’s population gets older, more has to be done to support employers built attractive career pathways in these vital sectors.

These toolkits, developed with experts from Skills for Care and the National Skills Academy for Health, clearly articulate the benefits of a rewarding career in both the social care and health sectors and provides training providers and employment professionals with better information to support people who are unemployed or in long-term low-paid work. In addition, the toolkits promote information on the careers and training routes for job roles within these professions and promote Advanced Learner Loans as a funding route for those individuals who wish to invest in their skills and progress their career.

Stephen Evans, chief executive at Learning and Work Institute, which runs Ambition London, said: “We are all going to have to rely on health and social care services in some way during our lives and all of us expect the highest quality services for our loved ones. Not only is this vital sector under enormous pressure financially, but shortages in skilled workers are set to get worse as we rely less on migrants post-Brexit unless urgent action is taken. That’s why we’re proud to be working with partners to promote the excellent career opportunities available in social care and help those who work with jobseekers to enter and progress in the profession.”

Ali Rusbridge from Skills for Care, said: “We know that we’ll need around 275,000 more workers in adult social care by 2025 to meet the growing demand for services. In a sector where the average age of workers is 43 years old, we’re working with employers to inspire the next generation of care workers. We have been delighted to be involved in Ambition London and to develop materials which help set individuals’ ambition for working in social care in East London.”

Candace Miller, Executive Director Learning Services and Consultancy, National Skills Academy for Health, said: “The health sector is ever evolving and the need to provide a highly skilled workforce, who can apply those skills to a variety of settings and specialist roles, continues to be a challenge. Ensuring employers, learners and providers have the right information advice and guidance about programmes and the funding routes available is key to achieving this aim. Providing access to this information allows individuals to take ownership of their career and thrive in the workplace.”

Hang Ho, Head of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “Addressing skills shortages is key to ensuring the success of any economy particularly in growth sectors like health and social care. We are passionate about ensuring the maximum number of people are able to benefit from the jobs created in these important sectors and that existing employees are supported with progression and the chance to improve their skills. The new toolkits will help employers address difficulties in attracting and retaining new workers, which left unchecked, will not only have a negative impact on the UK economy, but long term, on the quality of life for those who depend on these services.”