Dr Richard Dune

15-12-2023

A critical juncture in England's adult social care sector

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Crisis in adult social care: Navigating systemic challenges in England post-COVID amid funding gaps, workforce shortages, & rising demand at a critical juncture

With over twenty years of experience in the health and social care sector, I have witnessed numerous reforms, shifting priorities, and evolving demands. Yet none have been as urgent or as consequential as the crisis currently facing England’s adult social care system.

We now stand at a critical juncture, a point where long-standing structural weaknesses, chronic underfunding, and a growing workforce crisis have converged to place unprecedented pressure on a vital part of our society. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune examines the depth of these challenges, not as abstract policy issues, but as real-world impacts on individuals, families, and frontline services.

It is a call to recognise the scale and immediacy of the crisis, to foster a collective sense of responsibility, and to explore meaningful, sustainable solutions that can restore stability, dignity, and quality to adult social care in England.

Deepening challenges

The landscape of adult social care is undergoing significant turmoil:

• Exodus of experienced businesses - We're seeing an alarming departure of seasoned businesses, creating a vacuum in leadership and expertise. This exodus is leaving behind a fragmented infrastructure that needs to sustain itself.
• Struggles of new enterprises - New companies are attempting to fill these gaps. Unfortunately, many of these enterprises find survival difficult, with many failing within their first year.
• Lack of unified response - There needs to be a cohesive strategy from commissioners and regulators. This lack of coordination and clear direction is exacerbating the crisis.
• Staffing and funding woes - Persistent issues with staffing, exacerbated by funding constraints and policy instability, continue to plague the sector. This situation is worsened by poorly executed overseas recruitment strategies that need more checks, balances, and contingency plans.

A fragmented picture

The sector stands at a critical crossroads. The retreat of established businesses combined with the struggles of newcomers points to a systemic issue that transcends mere business viability. It's about the very essence of our care system. The silence and disconnection among key stakeholders, including commissioners and regulators, contribute to an increasingly complex and untenable situation.

A unified call to action

To navigate these challenges, a comprehensive and collaborative strategy is essential:

• Collaborative approach - We need a unified response involving all stakeholders, the government, regulators, commissioners, and care providers. This collaboration should aim to create a cohesive and sustainable care model.
• Support for businesses - The sector's existing and new businesses require robust support mechanisms. This includes financial aid, expert guidance, and policy frameworks encouraging growth and stability.
• Stable policies and adequate funding - Long-term policy stability and sufficient funding are crucial to address these systemic issues. This approach must prioritise the care sector's immediate and future needs.
• Focus on workforce well-being - The care workforce is the backbone of this sector. Ensuring their well-being, retention, and professional development is paramount for the delivery of quality care.

Conclusion - Every voice matters

This crisis calls for a collective, concerted effort. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping a collaborative, supportive, and sustainable future for England's adult social care sector.

How can we enhance collaboration among stakeholders? What measures can support both established and new businesses? How do we build a care system that is resilient, equitable, and sustainable? Your voice matters in this critical conversation.

Supporting adult social care at a critical juncture with ComplyPlus™

England’s adult social care sector is facing unprecedented challenges, chronic workforce shortages, rising demand, and persistent funding pressures, which have brought services to a tipping point. At this critical juncture, care providers are under intense pressure to uphold regulatory standards and deliver high-quality, person-centred care within increasingly limited resources.

ComplyPlus™ has been developed to help adult social care organisations meet these demands with confidence. By simplifying compliance processes and reducing the administrative load on already stretched teams, ComplyPlus™ enables providers to refocus time and energy where it matters most, on the people they support.

Our CPD-accredited online training ensures that staff remain up-to-date with mandatory requirements, with flexible, cost-effective learning solutions that align with the financial and operational realities of today’s care landscape.

Visit our CPD Certification Service Accreditation website to understand why care providers across the sector trust us in delivering high-quality, accredited training and compliance support. Our resources are designed to help services maintain quality, strengthen accountability, and build resilience in a sector under strain.

Last updated on 17-05-2025

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