The National Care Forum (NCF) – the leading association for not-for-profit social care and support has responded to the publication today of the government’s response to the Fair Pay Agreement consultation for adult social care in England. 

 

The response: 

• Confirms the establishment of the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body (ASCNB) as an advisory non-departmental public body, operating at arm’s length from DHSC and overseen by an independent chair. 

• Confirms the Care Provider Alliance (CPA) as the coordinating organisation for employer representation on the ASCNB, with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) coordinating worker representation. 

• Confirms equal representation for employers and workers on the ASCNB, with each side responsible for determining its own voting arrangements. 

• Confirms that adult social care staff employed directly by local authorities and the NHS will be excluded from the ASCNB’s initial coverage, reflecting their existing national bargaining arrangements (NJC and Agenda for Change). This will be reviewed after 3 years. 

• Sets out a formal, non-voting role for local government in negotiations, including provision of affordability evidence and advisory input to the chair. 

 

• Confirms the implementation timetable: regulations will be laid and the ASCNB established in 2026, the first round of negotiations will begin around April 2027, and the first Fair Pay Agreement is expected to take effect from April 2028. 

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of NCF commented: “The publication of the Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) consultation response, setting out the government’s approach to establishing a new negotiating body as part of the first ever adult social care FPA, marks a significant new chapter for adult social care. It also marks a considerable step towards the creation of a National Care Service. The principles behind an FPA resonate strongly with the values-led ethos of our membership and their commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for the people they support. 

“We are pleased that the CPA has been confirmed to coordinate employer representation on the Negotiating Body. It is essential that providers of every type, size and specialism have a genuine voice in shaping an agreement that will affect them directly, and we will work as part of the CPA to ensure that voice is heard. 

“Published alongside the response, part 3 of the Care Workforce Pathway introduces 10 new role categories, including a brand new recognition of Care Technologists, which NCF and our members have been at the forefront of developing and testing through our Care Technologist pilot and training programme. We know that care and support increasingly utilises digital innovation. Care Technologists have an important part to play in maintaining independence and supporting people to access the benefits of technology-enabled care. 

 

Vic Rayner continued: “Whilst a considerable step forward on the journey towards better pay, terms and conditions for our skilled care workforce it is important to recognise that these announcements are framed by the publication of two key reports this week – the ADASS Spring Survey 2026 report and the CQC’s report from its first national assessment programme of local authorities. The reports offer timely reminders of the environment in which a Fair Pay Agreement will need to be implemented, highlighting both the challenges and the levers that can be pulled to enact positive change.  

“Evidence presented in the ADASS Spring Survey resonates with the experiences of our members, including the impact of rising costs, including those associated with Employment Rights changes, growing complexity of need and increasing numbers of people awaiting assessments. 

“Meanwhile, the CQC report outlines the necessity of effective partnership working, leadership and commissioning practice forming the essential ingredients for the success of adult social care delivery in their area. 

“As a leading voice for the not-for-profit care and support sector, we also welcome the CQC’s recognition of the key role of VCSE partners in effective community-based prevention. 

In conclusion, Vic Rayner stated: “The ambition to improve pay, terms and conditions for the workforce is absolutely the right one and the starting gun has been fired on the building a National Care Service. We have been clear from the outset that this must be fully funded and protected to ensure that this ambition is realised. Successful delivery of a National Care Service requires: 

 

• Not-for-profit care and support to be at its heart 

• Investment in our exceptional social care workforce to ensure those working in care and support are properly valued 

• Adoption of new technology and innovation – ensuring care for the future is both smarter and greener 

• A care system which embeds rights, fairness and choice for people 

 

“With a new prime minister due next week, we look forward to collaborating with government, employers, trade unions and partners across the sector to ensure the Fair Pay Agreement and the new workforce pathway deliver meaningful benefits for the workforce, providers and, most importantly, the people who rely on care and support every day.”