We welcome the recognition in The Dilnot Report that good care for older people and people with disabilities requires proper funding and greater resources being devoted to it. We look to all political parties to work together to take this opportunity to bring in a fairer system, and to reduce the fears, expressed by so many people to the commission, about how they will be able to afford the care they need.
The Report notes that there are many examples of people providing exceptional care. But this high quality care will not come through funding alone. It needs leadership from those engaged in commissioning and delivering care, whether in residential or domiciliary settings, and at all levels, from Care Assistants to Directors.
Our members, who collectively represent thousands of care providers, trainers and service commissioners across England, are committed to supporting excellent care, whatever the financial circumstances, and to providing leadership in the field.
Together, we will continue to promote the vital role that leadership and management play in delivering excellent care, at the same time as we look forward to the need for funding reform being recognised by all parties and implemented in a timely manner.
This response was jointly endorsed by:
- Bridget Warr, UK Home Care Association
- Sheila Scott, National Care Association
- Martin Green, English Community Care Association
- Des Kelly, National Care Forum
- Nick Johnson, Social Care Association
- John Adams, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group
- Debbie Sorkin, National Skills Academy for Social Care