Scottish Care welcomes the publication of the latest findings of the Covid Inquiry Module 2 report which covered political decision making during the pandemic.

Prof Donald Macaskill, who gave evidence during this Module commented:

“The publication of the Covid Inquiry’s Module 2 report into political decision making during the pandemic has found that the government did ‘too little, too late’.

We note that it indicated that there was a lack of coordination between the different UK administrations and that this harmed the overall response and risked mistrust amongst the population.

Of considerable concern is its assertion that older people and disabled people were not adequately considered in pandemic planning or decision making.

We note that the Report found that there was a disturbing lack of understanding about the reality of social care provision amongst those who are taking critical decisions.

We further agree with the Report that in the future it is fundamental that those who are delivering social care services at the frontline should be intimately involved in decision-making. Regretfully as far as we can see this has still not become reality in any current planning and preparedness.

Whilst we look forward to the findings of Module Six which are specific to social care, we note that this report highlights the lack of both appreciation of and sensitivity to the particular needs of care home residents and those who were living with conditions such as dementia.

We very much appreciate and recognise the Report’s recommendations that the wider non-physiological impacts of protective measures should be better understood not least as they impact on particular populations such as those living with dementia. We concur with the Report’s assessment that this lack of awareness and sensitivity introduced measures into Guidance which meant that the lives of older people in particular were so negatively impacted.”

Scottish Care is deeply concerned by the Home Secretary’s proposals to extend the qualifying period for settlement for legal migrants, particularly the increase from five to fifteen years for those on health and social care visas. These changes will have a profoundly negative impact on the sustainability and quality of care and support services across Scotland.

Scotland’s care sector is already facing acute workforce shortages, with international colleagues playing a vital role in supporting older and vulnerable citizens. Forcing dedicated care workers to wait up to fifteen years for settlement, and tying their future to restrictive criteria, will deter much-needed talent from staying in Scotland and undermine the sense of security and belonging for all those already here. It is further deeply insulting to the professionalism of care organisations for those who do equivalent jobs as nurses and carers in the NHS to be treated so much better.

Such measures risk destabilising care provision, increasing turnover, and placing additional strain on already stretched services. Their impact especially in Scotland’s remote and rural communities is incalculable.

They also send a damaging message that the invaluable contributions of migrant care workers are not fully recognised or valued. Scottish Care urges the UK Government to reconsider these proposals and to work with devolved administrations to ensure immigration policy supports, rather than hinders, the future of care in Scotland.

We also urgently need Scottish Labour to come to challenge these proposals because they are insensitive to Scotland’s distinct needs and are a fundamental threat to our social care and health systems.

Invitation to Join a Scottish Care and Care Inspectorate joint Event

Ready for Regulation: Equipping Today’s Care Workforce

Wednesday 29th October 2025
 9:30am – 3:30pm
 Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow

Social care regulation through inspection activity is important to support care providers and the ongoing improvement of care services in Scotland.  Current sector challenges and pressures have increased the need for collaborative working between care organisations and the Care Inspectorate.  This is to ensure important standards of care are maintained whilst appropriately supporting an overstretched workforce.

Scottish Care’s Workforce Matters is delighted to invite you to a one-day event bringing together social care providers, regulators, and workforce leaders to explore how regulation is shaping – and will continue to shape – the future of the social care workforce in Scotland.

This event offers a valuable opportunity to:

• Gain insight into current and emerging Care Inspectorate regulatory approaches
• Explore self-evaluation as a driver for service improvement
• Hear directly from the social care workforce and contribute to a discussion around the provider experience of inspection
• Engage with the Care Inspectorate on future regulation, workforce trends, and safe staffing obligations
• Participate in interactive sessions and a panel discussion with Scottish Care members

Please note: While this is a free event, cancellations must be made by 22 October. Non-attendance without notice or late cancellations will incur a £25 fee to cover catering costs.

Download the programme here

Book your place here