Solihull Council has introduced a new five year workforce strategy for adult social care following its approval last night (28 February).
Speaking after his decision session, Councillor Tony Dicicco, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, described the adult social care workforce as the ‘backbone of the care sector’. He explained: “ensuring there are appropriate numbers of staff with the skills and compassion to support and care for Solihull residents is crucial to the work we do.”
Cllr Dicicco continued: “we are proud of our social care workforce in Solihull and recognise the importance of ensuring that every worker feels valued and supported. We want care work to be seen as a worthwhile and rewarding career, in which people of all ages and backgrounds can develop and progress. That’s why we’ve called this strategy ‘great care, great careers’. It has some innovative ideas such as a pilot scheme to test how electric mopeds could help recruit home care workers who don’t have access to a car. We’re responding to the issues that providers have raised and we’ll be taking steps in partnership with them to achieve a workforce sufficient in numbers and skills to be the vital source of care and support in the years ahead.”
The Council’s Workforce Strategy sets out three priorities: being valued, transport solutions and recruitment support. As part of the strategy, the Council is working with partners including Solihull College and University Centre to offer opportunities for young people to develop careers in social care.
The new Workforce Strategy is available to read on the Council website.