Author: Liz Blacklock, RN EN(G), CEO of NACAS, Director of Lapis Care
The word professionalisation comes up a lot in discussions about care. It can sound like something designed for reports or policy documents rather than something that shapes daily working life. But from my experience — as someone who has provided care, managed services, and worked for years to improve standards — it matters. It matters for those providing care, for the people they support, and for how the sector is trusted by the public.
It’s about more than a title or badge.
Professionalisation means putting care on the same footing as other professions where people carry responsibility for lives. I often reflect on my background in nursing. When I trained, registration wasn’t optional — it came with the job. At the time, I didn’t give it much thought. But after decades of being registered, I see its value clearly. Registration shapes how I see my role, how colleagues and the public see me, and the trust placed in my work. That’s what professionalisation brings to care: clear standards, appropriate support, and recognition for the skill and judgement the role demands.
Care is far more than assisting with personal tasks. It involves noticing small changes that could signal something serious, managing risk, supporting people emotionally, and making decisions in the moment. This work requires knowledge, attention to detail, and resilience. In most fields where people hold that level of responsibility, they have a professional structure behind them. That is what care is missing — and what professionalisation aims to provide.
Professionalisation is not about limiting choice; rather, it provides an additional layer of safeguarding and protection for those receiving care. It strengthens assurance for both care professionals and those they support by embedding clear, accountable standards within practice. With strong structures and defined expectations in place, care professionals are better equipped to exercise sound judgement, adapt to individual circumstances, and respect personal preferences. It creates the conditions for high-quality, person-centred care without constraining discretion or flexibility.
Importantly, professionalisation is not about pushing people to do more than they wish. Not everyone seeks additional qualifications or management roles, and that is entirely appropriate. What matters is that, wherever someone chooses to be, their work is recognised, supported, and valued. Providing safe, kind, and reliable care is essential and deserves to be treated as such.
Accountability is another key part of professionalisation. Registration provides clear expectations and gives professionals the confidence that comes with working to an agreed standard. For example Accurate documentation demonstrates reasoning behind decisions and records the steps taken to protect those receiving care. It supports communication, helps identify patterns, and provides protection if actions are later scrutinised.
When you value your role, these responsibilities do not feel burdensome. Being accountable, maintaining accurate records, and working to recognised standards are simply part of doing the job well. This work has real impact. It contributes directly to people’s safety, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Professionalisation provides a structure that supports consistent, high-quality care — and gives the public confidence in the services they depend on.
