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Immigration Webinar – 26 June 2025

Date: Thursday 26 June 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Online: Microsoft Teams

Scottish Care is hosting a special webinar focused on recent immigration changes and their impact on the social care sector, offering members a chance to gain deeper insights into this complex and evolving topic.

This session will feature input from:

  • Alan Povey, Senior Specialist Lead (International Recruitment), NHS Education for Scotland
  • Mark Templeton, Director and Head of Immigration at Anderson Strathern

Alan will provide a short update on the immigration changes, followed by legal insights from Mark Templeton. The session will then open up for a general Q&A and discussion.

Please note: While we will welcome general questions, this session cannot provide legal advice on individual immigration cases.

This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed on one of the most pressing workforce issues facing social care providers.

Please register for the webinar here

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Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2025 – Winners

Scottish Care’s National Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2025 took place on the evening of Friday 16 May 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, hosted by Michelle McManus and Scottish Care CEO, Dr Donald Macaskill. It was a truly memorable and emotional evening, celebrating the incredible dedication of Scotland’s care at home and housing support workforce.

A massive congratulations to all of our inspiring finalists and winners, and sincere thanks to all our Awards Sponsors for helping make the event possible. Special thanks to Radisson Blu for kindly donating the hotel prize stay and to Anna Houston for kindly donating the Tropics Skincare Bundle for our Prize Draw.  Thanks also to Bluebird Care Edinburgh & Ayrshire for sponsoring the Arrival Drinks and to Ayrshire Care Solutions for sponsoring the Table Wine.

Explore the stories of our finalists and winners in the Awards Programme.

#CelebrateCare #CareAwards25

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Immigration Survey Findings – May 2025

Scottish Care publishes Immigration Survey Findings

A recent survey by Scottish Care has revealed the critical reliance of Scotland’s social care sector on international workers and paints a stark picture of the potential consequences if their recruitment were to cease.

Conducted between May 15th and 19th, 2025, the survey gathered insights from 225 social care organisations across Scotland, representing services including care homes, care at home, and housing support. These organisations collectively provide support to over 46,000 individuals and employ more than 43,000 staff.

The findings demonstrate the significant role international workers play:

  • Participating organisations employ at least 11,294 international staff.
  • International staff making up an average of 32% of responding organisations’  workforce.
  • 7% of organisations report that international workers represent over 90% of their staff, and a further 14% rely on them for over 75% of their workforce.
  • A significant proportion – nearly 7,000 international workers in these organisations – are currently working on a visa.

When asked about the anticipated impact of ending international recruitment, the responses were overwhelmingly negative. Providers repeatedly highlighted the severe challenge of recruiting local staff, with many stating they struggle to find Scottish or British nationals willing to work in care. This makes international recruitment essential for filling vacancies.

The predicted consequences are wide-ranging and severe:

  • Staffing Crisis: Without international workers, providers expect significant shortages, making it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain safe staffing levels.
  • Financial Strain: A heavy reliance on expensive agency staff to cover shifts is predicted, threatening the financial viability of services and potentially leading to closures. Some providers warned their service could close “within a matter of months”.
  • Impact on Care Quality: Concerns were raised that staffing pressures would compromise the quality and continuity of care provided to vulnerable individuals. International workers were praised for their reliability, work ethic, and respectful approach.
  • Rural Challenges: Services in remote areas are expected to face particular difficulties in finding alternative staff.
  • Systemic Crisis: The domestic workforce is widely seen as insufficient to meet current demand, meaning restricting international recruitment would push the entire sector deeper into crisis.

Overall, the survey findings present a clear message: the Scottish social care sector is significantly dependent on international workers. Ending their recruitment would not only create immediate staffing and financial challenges but could also fundamentally threaten the ability to provide essential care services across Scotland.

A full survey results briefing is available here.

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Care Tech Assembly Awards 2025 (Deadline Extended!)

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

DEADLINE EXTENDED: You now have until 5pm on Monday 26 May 2025 to submit your nomination!

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

Award Categories:

  • Inclusive Tech Champion Award – For individuals or teams improving access to tech for marginalised groups.
  • Care Tech Innovation Award – For innovative technology or practice enhancing care and wellbeing.
  • Ethical and Green Tech Award – For responsible, sustainable use of tech benefiting citizens and communities.
  • Care Tech Integration Award – For organisations embedding care tech into everyday practice with measurable success.

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.

Find out more and enter the awards here

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Launch of Social Care Principles

We are proud to launch the principles that will guide the development of our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. These principles reflect our commitment to a social care system rooted in dignity, fairness, and sustainability. Over the coming months, we will work closely with our care home and care at home members to shape specific manifesto requests that respond directly to the realities faced by those who provide and rely on care. These requests will highlight the urgent need for political parties to recognise the true cost of delivering high-quality, person-centred care. From fair pay for staff to sustainable funding for providers, our aim is to influence party commitments that reflect the value of care to individuals and to society. Together, we will ensure the voice of social care is heard clearly in the political debate and contributes meaningfully to Scotland’s future.

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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