2022-12-01 10:48:38
Hft and Care England partner to analyse challenges in the adult social care sector
Partnership means older persons are included in the learning disability research for the first time
Hft, a national learning disability charity, and Care England, the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England, have today announced their partnership to deliver Sector Pulse Check 2022, a report analysing the impact of challenges facing the adult social care sector with a focus on financial health.
Since 2016, Hft has produced an annual Sector Pulse Check report. Based on analysis of a survey for care providers, the report provides a yearly snapshot of the financial health of the social care sector, helping monitor trends in social care and providing vital data to illustrate ongoing challenges to Government.
Having previously focused on learning disability services, Hft has this year partnered with Care England to expand the scope of the survey to include older persons care. As a response to the unprecedented and mounting challenges facing care providers, this year’s Sector Pulse Check will be the first to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial health of the entire adult social care system. Hft and Care England are calling on adult social care providers to share their experiences and help ensure the true state of the sector can be represented to key decision makers.
Aside from the regular focus on financial health, the themes in this year’s survey include an exploration into the state of the workforce and the implications of the rising cost of living, two of the most pressing issues facing the sector.
With the final report due for release in the Spring, the latest edition of Sector Pulse Check will be a landmark publication for the sector. Informed by representative data at a national level, the findings will constitute a valuable evidence base to support conversations with key stakeholders over the actualisation of immediate and long-term financial sustainability.
More information on the Sector Pulse Check 2022, including a link to the survey for providers of adult social care, can be found on Hft’s website.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive at Care England, said:
“We are delighted to be joining forces with Hft on its annual Sector Pulse Check. Having provided invaluable insight into the state of the learning disability sector for a number of years, identifying the challenges facing providers and how these pressures have evolved, the expansion of this year’s survey to include older persons care represents a landmark opportunity to understand the financial health of the entire adult social care system. It is vital that we have data to help understand and illustrate the unprecedented challenges facing the sector and that is exactly what the Sector Pulse Check 2022 will deliver.
“Care England have repeatedly called on Government to deliver a sustainable future for the sector. Without robust evidence, however, these conversations over improved funding settlements will only go so far. We have a new Government and a new opportunity – Care England are encouraging all adult social care providers to take part in this year’s survey to ensure it delivers the impact the sector so desperately needs.”
Kirsty Matthews, Chief Executive of Hft, said:
“We are thrilled to be broadening our important research to all adult social care providers this year. The current financial uncertainty and the problems around workforce retention are compounded by eye-watering rising costs coming over the course of the coming months.
“Without seeing a correlating uplift in Government support or Local Authority fees, care providers will have to find a way to shoulder the cost. With the 2021 Sector Pulse Check research highlighting that 43% of providers had to cease part of their offering or hand back care contracts due to financial pressures in 2021, we are highly concerned that the current circumstances will force more of this ‘last resort’ action.
“Our new research within the sector will help to highlight the issues our sector is facing.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
