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Care in Crisis: New Report and Conference Urge Rethink on Homecare Support 

The annual Scottish Care at Home and Housing Support Conference & Exhibition is scheduled to take place on Friday 16 May 2025 at Radisson Blu in Glasgow. Organised and hosted by Scottish Care, the leading representative body for the independent social care sector, supporting providers, their workforce and individuals accessing care and support. This conference is the only national event to focus specifically on homecare in Scotland.

This year’s theme, ‘Compassion in Crisis’, will bring together over 200 key stakeholders from across the sector, including independent care providers, frontline staff, academics, local authorities, NHS, and Scottish Government representatives. The event aims to tackle the most pressing challenges facing care at home and housing support services and to spark critical conversations that shape the future of social care in Scotland.

The agenda features a Fireside Chat with representatives from some of Scotland’s major political parties, and a diverse range of speaker sessions and workshops on topics such as:
  • Dementia-inclusive resources
  • The ‘home to assess’ model
  • Technology and AI in care
  • Medication safety and collaboration
  • Workforce skills and qualifications

The conference will offer vital sector insight into the impact of increased Employee National Insurance Contributions and the UK Government’s proposal to scrap the social care visa route, alongside other key issues.

As part of the event, Scottish Care will launch an updated version of its Myth-Busting Report, which aims to dispel common misconceptions about the independent care sector. The report provides evidence-based insights into current sector pressures and highlights the reality facing providers and staff delivering vital services in communities across the country.

Key findings from the report include:  

  • The independent sector delivers the majority of adult social care in Scotland, providing 87% of care homes, 86.9% of homecare services, 81.6% of all adult care services, and employing 76.7% of the sector workforce.
  • The economic contribution of the adult social care sector is substantial, generating £5.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) – equivalent to 2.9% of Scotland’s total GVA in 2023.
  • The independent care home sector now provides 90% of all registered places in Scotland, yet has seen a 34% decrease in residents since 2014, amid ongoing financial pressures and reduced public funding.
  • No Scottish council met the minimum fair price of £26.50/hour for home care in 2023, despite the actual cost now standing at £32.88/hour, exacerbating financial unsustainability.
  • 100% of surveyed providers in 2024 reported late payments over 30 days, with average amounts owed exceeding £300,000 per provider, threatening viability and continuity of care delivery.

In response to these findings, Scottish Care calls for urgent action to address the sustainability of the independent sector, including investment to alleviate funding shortfalls, an updated cost model for care home contracts, and a transparent minimum rate for homecare packages.

Karen Hedge, Deputy CEO of Scottish Care says:   

“This year’s theme, ‘Compassion in Crisis’ reflects the daily reality for many delivering and receiving care in Scotland. Despite relentless pressures, the sector continues to show extraordinary empathy, commitment, and professionalism. But compassion alone cannot sustain a system on the brink.  

Our updated Myth-Busting Report lays bare the challenges and misconceptions that hinder progress. It’s time to move beyond rhetoric and act decisively to protect and support the workforce and services that people depend on every day.”  

The day will conclude with a Care Awards Ceremony, hosted by Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, recognising excellence in the independent homecare workforce. The conference, exhibition, and awards collectively form the largest national event of its kind dedicated to care at home and housing support in Scotland.

Read the Myth-Busting 2025 Report here

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Media Release: Scottish Care Condemns Plans to Scrap Social Care Visas

‘Reckless and Inhumane’: Scottish Care Condemns Plans to Scrap Social Care Visas

Scottish Care has expressed deep concern over reports that the UK Government is considering ending overseas recruitment for social care workers entirely. Such a move would be profoundly damaging to Scotland’s social care sector and fails to recognise the country’s distinct demographic and workforce challenges.

Scotland faces a unique context, with an ageing population, a shrinking working-age population, and one of the lowest birth rates in the UK. Our social care sector is already under immense strain, and international recruitment is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Over 66% of Scottish Care members surveyed are actively recruiting from overseas. In several parts of Scotland, particularly rural and island communities, internationally recruited care workers make up more than 25%, and in some cases nearly 100%, of the workforce. This reliance reflects not policy failure, but the demographic reality of a nation that urgently needs to attract working-age people to deliver essential care and support services.

There is a dangerous assumption that the skilled work of care can be undertaken by anyone – this is not true. Care work requires people who want to care and, who have the compassionate skills and right altitudes to do so.

The biggest impact of these immigration changes will be felt by people who depend on care and support every day. In effect, these proposed changes are a direct assault on thousands of our citizens who rely on care and support to live their lives.

The current UK immigration policies, including the ban on dependents, the increased salary thresholds, and the sharp rise in sponsorship costs, are already undermining the ability of providers to recruit and retain care staff. The proposed removal of the visa route entirely would only exacerbate this crisis, putting vital services at risk and directly harming those who rely on them.

What is needed is an immigration approach that is non-party political, evidence-based, and tailored to Scotland’s demographic needs. The political weaponisation of migration must end. Social care workers are not statistics or burdens, they are skilled professionals who deserve dignity, the right to family life, and the respect of the country they serve.

Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care, said: 

“The UK Government’s direction of travel on immigration continues to reflect a hostile and dehumanising culture that fundamentally contradicts the values of compassion and care that underpin our sector in Scotland. 

The potential ending of the social care visa route would not only be irresponsible, but it would also be reckless. It would put lives, services, and whole communities at risk. 

Scotland needs a workforce immigration policy that is fair, humane, and rooted in the needs of our population, not driven by political headlines or populist sentiment. Anything less fails the people of Scotland.” 

Scottish Care urges the UK Government to urgently reconsider these proposals and engage with Scotland’s social care sector to create a sustainable, rights-based immigration system that truly supports those who care for others.

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Nominations Now Open for the Inaugural Care Tech Assembly Awards 2025

We’re thrilled to launch the first-ever Care Tech Assembly Awards 2025, celebrating the pioneers using technology to transform social care across Scotland.

These awards will recognise innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and real, measurable impact — whether through creative solutions, ethical practices, or increased digital inclusion.

Award Categories:

  1. Inclusive Tech Champion Award – For individuals or teams improving access to tech for marginalised groups.

  2. Care Tech Innovation Award – For innovative technology or practice enhancing care and wellbeing.

  3. Ethical and Green Tech Award – For responsible, sustainable use of tech benefiting citizens and communities.

  4. Care Tech Integration Award – For organisations embedding care tech into everyday practice with measurable success.

📅 Awards Ceremony:
Winners will be announced during the Care Tech Assembly on Thursday 19 June 2025, at The Studio, Glasgow – a key gathering of tech innovators, care professionals, and policy leaders.

📢 The awards are open to both members and non-members of Scottish Care.

Nomination Deadline: Monday 19 May 2025, 5pm
Submit your nomination: https://scottishcare.org/care-tech-assembly-awards-2025/

Care Tech Assembly bookings are now open!

Join us for an inspiring day of innovation, networking, and future-focused discussion.

 Book your place: https://scottishcare.org/care-tech-assembly-2025/

Let’s come together to celebrate innovation, inclusion and impact in Scotland’s care tech sector.

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The National Care Service – Where Now?

Following January’s collapse of proposals to set up a National Care Service through legislation – and ongoing uncertainty about effective next steps – a new paper shares key thinking on the priorities for social care reform. Rooted in the vision set out in Derek Feeley’s highly regarded 2021 recommendations for social care reform, this paper has been developed by six membership organisations representing the interests of people supported by social care, unpaid carers and social care providers. CCPS, the Coalition of Carers, Glasgow Disability Alliance, the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, Inclusion Scotland and Scottish Care want this contribution to help drive much-needed, long-promised reform with full cross-party support, now,  as the 2026 Scottish election approaches and in the next Parliament.

Download the paper

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Bridging the Generational Gap: The Power of Intergenerational Working in Care

In the social care sector, we are acutely aware of the profound impact that human connection has on wellbeing. In a sector often focused on clinical outcomes and care routines, one of the most transformative approaches we’ve seen is also one of the simplest: fostering meaningful interactions between generations. 

The 24th to the 30th of April marks Global Intergenerational Week, an initiative which encourages everyone to embrace intergenerational practice and relationships. It is a time to celebrate and take part in inspiring projects around the world, showcasing their value and giving them the recognition they truly deserve. This initiative is championed by the Generations Working Together organisation, based in Glasgow with partners across the globe.  For more information- https://generationsworkingtogether.org/global-intergenerational-week  

At Scottish Care we recognise that we are living in a time of significant demographic shifts, with so many different interests competing for recognition and protection. It’s more important than ever to take proactive steps in connecting generations. Intergenerational approaches can help tackle pressing challenges that face the social care sector such as ageism and isolation, while also enhancing learning outcomes across all ages. By fostering understanding and collaboration between generations, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

For many older adults, particularly those living in care homes or supported living, loneliness remains a major issue. While staff do everything possible to provide companionship and stimulation, there’s something uniquely uplifting about the varying perspectives that different ages bring. Intergenerational programs—such as school visits, youth volunteering, or shared projects—offer older adults the chance to connect, reminisce, and engage in joyful conversation. This interaction helps reduce feelings of isolation and has been shown to improve mood, memory, and even physical health. In our sector, we witness firsthand how interactions light up an individual’s day. A simple shared activity or story, can prompt laughter, conversation, and a renewed sense of purpose or even unlock long-buried memories and emotions, creating moments of recognition that are deeply meaningful. 

Intergenerational working isn’t a one-way benefit. While older adults gain companionship and connection, younger participants benefit immensely too. They develop empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of aging and disabilities—lessons that are difficult to teach in a classroom. For many providers, intergenerational programs offer a chance to challenge stereotypes and reframe how society views aging. Young people learn that older adults are not defined by their frailty or care needs, but by a lifetime of experiences, humour, resilience, and wisdom. 

When we create opportunities for generations to learn from one another, we foster a culture of mutual respect. These interactions break down social barriers, dispel age-related myths, and cultivate more compassionate future professionals, carers, and citizens. 

Looking Ahead 

As we recognise Intergenerational Week 2025, we’re reminded of the value of bringing generations together—not just as a special occasion, but as a core part of how we deliver care. At a time when society often feels more divided by age, technology, or lifestyle, intergenerational working reminds us of our shared humanity. 

Ifeoluwa Asefon
Policy and Research Officer

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New Report: Overcoming Qualification Barriers in Scottish Social Care

New Report Highlights Critical Barriers to Qualification for Scottish Social Care Workforce

Scottish Care has today launched (24 April 2025) its latest report, “Overcoming Qualification Barriers in Scottish Social Care: A Survey Analysis”. This publication, based on survey data from independent sector social care services, addresses the critical challenges faced by the sector regarding mandatory qualifications for its workforce.

Mandatory registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the requirement for staff in registered roles to achieve a mandatory qualification are legal stipulations widely supported by sector leaders for professionalisation and recognition of the workforce’s vital skills. However, the report highlights that sufficient resourcing from key policy and funding stakeholders has not aligned with the drive for full registration, resulting in substantial barriers to accessing and funding these qualifications.

The report highlights a worrying trend: a significant number of social care workers are considering leaving the sector specifically because of these qualification obstacles. This potential loss of experienced staff poses a serious threat to the sector’s stability, exacerbating existing vacancies and reducing the capacity of care organisations to deliver essential support services at a time of growing demand in both care home and care at home provision.

The report highlights SSSC data that 57% of home care workers and 54% of care home support workers are yet to achieve mandatory registration qualifications. If these large proportions of staff do not achieve their qualifications within the shortened three-year timeframe, they are unlikely to be able to continue in their roles, with massive implications for the workforce and the sector as a whole.

The report serves as a critical step in exploring the impact of registration and qualification requirements. While acknowledging the positive aspects of professional registration and the value of qualifications when they work effectively, it concludes that the current process presents extensive challenges for a diverse workforce.

Scottish Care is clear that registration is essential for safety and professionalism, but the associated qualifications must be a vehicle for acknowledging, validating, and celebrating skills, not an inhibitor to a career in care. The sustainability of care organisations and the journey of their staff depend on a qualification system that supports recruitment and retention.

The report calls for wider buy-in and partnership working among all stakeholders to build on areas of positivity and urgently resolve the worsening workforce crises in the sector .

Scottish Care calls on the Scottish Government and all key stakeholders to urgently invest in the social care workforce. As staff take on increasingly complex roles, they must be supported to gain and maintain essential qualifications. This requires sustainable funding, accessible training pathways, and long-term commitment. Without collective action, there is a serious risk of deepening the workforce crisis and compromising the quality and safety of care across Scotland.

The report is available here

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Finalists Revealed for the 2025 Care at Home & Housing Support Awards!

We’re delighted to reveal the finalists for this year’s Care at Home and Housing Support Awards!

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination – and a massive congratulations to all our incredible shortlisted finalists!

Join us as we celebrate their achievements at the Awards Ceremony, hosted by Michelle McManus and Dr Donald Macaskill, on the evening of Friday 16 May 2025 at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow, following the Care at Home & Housing Support Conference.

Want to book a table for the awards? Click here for more details.

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Hillcrest Futures recognised for creating safe spaces for women in recovery

Hillcrest Futures’ Dundee services that support people with drug and alcohol use have been recognised for their commitment to supporting women by receiving the Welcoming Women Award for their work at South Ward Road.

The services were commended by the Head of Health & Community Care at Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) for their efforts in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for women in crisis.

The initiative was made possible thanks to funding from the Gendered Services Project, secured by Hillcrest Futures staff with support from Gendered Services Project Manager, Heather Wilkins.

The Gendered Services Project is funded by the CORRA Foundation and the Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP). The project, which is driven by women with lived experience of complex trauma, aims to support services to develop a gendered approach to service delivery.

Hillcrest Futures Senior Project Worker, Justyna Zalewska explains: “We know that women accessing our services are often in incredibly difficult situations. Having a space that feels safe, warm and welcoming can make a huge difference to their wellbeing.

“Thanks to the funding and feedback from women supported by our services, we have purchased cosy blankets, wall art, cushions, lamps, plants and other decorative items to make our interview rooms and recovery café feel less clinical. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams in ensuring that women feel supported when they come through our doors.”

Lead Officer, Protecting Team, Sophie Gwyther added: “Seeing more and more services in Dundee achieve the Welcoming Women Award is fantastic. For any woman considering accessing support services, it gives them assurance that the service will respond sensitively to their specific needs as women and any barrier they may be worried about will be addressed. Well done to Hillcrest Futures for this achievement.”

One of the women who accesses support from the services shared her experience: “When I first arrived at the service, I felt so emotional. My project worker showed me to the women’s room and let me cry. I started to feel calmer in the surroundings. Having a blanket to cuddle into and the nice smell of the room also relaxed me. It felt so therapeutic while my project worker listened and let me talk.”

From left- Kelly Robb, Hillcrest Futures project worker; Heather Wilkins, Gendered Services project manager; Pauline McIntosh, Hillcrest Futures operations manager; Justyna Zalewska, Hillcrest Futures senior project worker.

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Arlene Bunton announced as Finalist in Leading Women in Care Awards!

We are thrilled to share that Arlene Bunton, our Independent Sector Lead for East Ayrshire, has been named a finalist in the “Leader of the Future” category at the prestigious Leading Women in Care Awards 2025!

This recognition highlights Arlene’s dedication, innovation, and leadership in driving positive change within the social care sector!

We are also proud to recognise several Scottish Care members on the shortlist – an exceptional achievement that truly showcases the amazing female leadership within social care in Scotland. Good luck to you all!

Voting is now open and will close at midnight on Friday 28 February. Let’s show our support and celebrate the incredible leadership within our sector!

Cast your vote here: Leading Women in Care Awards Voting
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Deadline Extension: Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2025

Deadline Extension: Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2025 – Enter by 10 March!

We are delighted to announce that the Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2025 entry deadline has been extended to Monday 10 March 2025, at 9:00 am.

With our annual Care at Home & Housing Support Conference and Awards taking place on Friday 16 May 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and excellence across the sector.

At a time when the role of social care is more critical than ever, these awards provide a platform to honour outstanding individuals, teams, and services who make a difference every day.

Don’t miss this final chance to recognise and celebrate excellence in homecare – submit your nominations today!

Submit your entry here: https://scottishcare.org/care-at-home-and-housing-support-awards-2025/

Final Deadline: Monday 10 March 2025, at 9:00 am

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of those who make social care exceptional. Get your entries in before the final deadline!