Skills Academy calls for campaign to improve the status of home care managers

With partners including the Social Care Association and the National Care Forum, the Skills Academy has called for managers of care homes and domiciliary care services to be recognised as the lead professional in their own care environment to help raise care standards.

The group has written to Paul Burstow, the Care Services Minister, looking for backing for a three-pronged approach to overcoming the government’s rejection of mandatory registration for social care staff in England.  This involves setting up a support body for registered managers, building on best practice, networking and learning, as well as looking to key national bodies such as the Skills Academy to ensure that a national approach is adopted.  A positive response has been received and a meeting with the Minister is being arranged.  According to Debbie Sorkin, Head of Membership and Engagement: “Leadership is needed at all levels in social care, particularly in the person of the care home manager.”