For those of us keeping a close eye on major developments in adult social care this summer, Andy Burnham’s July speech suggested a significant speeding up of activity and momentum and has led to much anticipation and speculation about what the future may hold for this area of public policy and investment.

The NCF have written to Andy Burnham, as well as to the new ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care, congratulating them on their new roles and introducing them both to the work of the National Care Forum as the leading voice for not-for-profit social care and support providers, and to the inspirational example of NCF members in delivering high quality sustainable care and support at the centre of communities.

Casey Commission’s ‘Big Conversation’ exercise

Since then, the focus has been largely on the Casey Commission’s Big Conversation exercise, which is encouraging proposals from members of the public in answer to the question ‘When we are old or disabled, or have a serious illness, who should support us and how?’ 

A detailed review of the proposals which are being put forward – nearly 6,000 in number at the time of writing – appear to show strong public support for not-for-profit models of care. This is encouraging and NCF welcomes the recognition of the huge contribution made by values-driven not-for-profit social care providers, rooted in
their local communities, reinvesting all surpluses back into the delivery of care and support.

Some proposals suggest enthusiasm for a return to care and support directly provided by the state; clearly, the NCF would encourage greater consideration of a broader range of not-for-profit options, since not-for-profit care providers offer a distinct and valuable model, combining community benefit, reinvestment and long-term commitment to local places with innovation and greater flexibility to respond to evolving need in communities.

Another reflection is that, alongside a general sense of optimism and hope for the future, there is a concern that the social care needs of working age adults may be at risk of being overlooked in the wider debate at present. While discussions about older people’s care are critical, social care reform must also reflect the experiences and aspirations of working-age disabled adults, people with learning disabilities, autistic people and others who rely on support throughout adult life.

NCF are currently exploring possible options for how, alongside NCF members, we should engage with and inform the next stages of the Casey Commission’s work and would welcome members’ ideas and suggestions for how to take this forward; and of course, do continue to contribute your ideas and proposals to the Big
Conversation process.