A Sector at a Crossroads
Currently, we are seeing and hearing a lot of concern and conversation about the future of many businesses in social care. For the first time, people are suggesting that there needs to be something akin to a strike, and if I’m honest, I’m glad. About time, I say.
Those who know me understand that I don’t mince my words. To be honest, I’ve grown tired over recent years of the mentality within social care. To explain where I’m coming from, we need to rewind a little. Often, to move forward, we must first look back.
The Birth of Modern Social Care
Social care as we know it today was born in 1983 following the Griffiths Report. At that time, the NHS provided long-stay care for many, and I still remember some of those hospitals—Joseph Sheldon, John Connolly, and Rubery Hill, to name a few.
Private businesses saw an opportunity to increase their pension pots. Care homes grew, councils started closing ‘old’ buildings, and new facilities sprang up. My first role was as a carer in a home that used to be a squash club! Stately homes were converted, and wards were created.
Social care was effectively abandoned by the government, and since then, it has become Cinderella—waiting to be rescued by some mystical unicorn in the form of a new government or the next budget. If now isn’t the wake-up call needed to show that no rescue package is coming, I don’t know what is.
The Problem: A Victim Mentality
The sector is driven by rules, and people follow them. Combined with how the sector was established, this has fostered a victim mentality. On top of that, anyone can obtain a registration, which adds to the challenges.
With this context, you can begin to see my frustration with a sector that doesn’t pull together as a force for good—for the good of those cared for and for those who earn a living in roles they love.
A Curveball: Claiming the Glass Slipper
Here’s where I want to throw a curveball: I believe that if the sector chooses to be brave and bold, now is the time to upgrade from being Cinderella. This is the moment it can claim the glass slipper and keep it.
We are in a time when community and connection will grow stronger. Division will diminish, and the way forward is to grasp the nettle and do the things we would never have considered before—things we’ve avoided because we follow the rules and do as we’re told.
The Talent Within the Sector
But this makes me wonder: how painful does the nail have to get for the sector to finally choose to get off it and take control of its future?
The talent and knowledge across the sector are immense. If only it could grow some emotional intelligence and reflect internally, great things could happen.
The Pivotal Moment
This is a pivotal moment for social care. Don’t lose it—because if you do, the sector could disappear altogether.
The question is, will we take this opportunity or let it slip through our fingers? The choice is ours.
By Lucy Buxton – Director / Owner – LJB Coach Consultancy LTD
