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Media Release: ‘A Budget That Cares’

A Budget That Cares’ – Urgent Action Required to Support Scotland’s Social Care Sector

Scottish Care, the representative body of the independent social care sector across Scotland, is calling on both the UK and Scottish Government to take immediate action to protect Scotland’s social care sector. The recent UK Budget, with its increase in National Insurance contributions, will place an unbearable burden on social care providers who are already at breaking point. The Scottish Government must prioritise social care in its upcoming budget to safeguard these vital services, care and support workers, and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Asks

  1. Mitigate National Insurance Impact
    The UK Government’s National Insurance increase imposes severe financial pressure on social care providers, risking closures across the sector.
  • Ask to the UK Government: Exempt social care services from the National Insurance increase.
  • Ask to the Scottish Government: Provide relief funding through upcoming budget to offset costs and prevent sector collapse.
  1. Address Funding Shortfalls
    Current funding levels are insufficient to cover rising costs for wages, energy, food, and insurance.
  • Ask to the Scottish Government: Allocate ring-fenced funding for social care providers to pay their staff a fair wage, meet rising costs, and maintain quality care.
  1. Support the Social Care Workforce
    Social care workers are undervalued and underpaid, resulting in high turnover rates and recruitment challenges.
  • Ask to the Scottish Government: Invest in fair wages, staff differentials, and improved terms and conditions to attract and retain skilled workers.
  1. Reform Commissioning Practice
    Procurement systems often undermine sustainability and fairness in social care delivery
  • Ask to the Scottish Government: Implement ethical commissioning practises that prioritise person-centred care, transparent, and sustainable approaches.

Urgent Need for Action

The UK Budget’s National Insurance increase could have devastating consequences for the social care sector. Almost half of the care home and home care organisations surveyed by Scottish Care indicated that they might have to close services as a result of this increase. This would ripple through the sector, causing widespread job losses and limiting access to care for those who need it most. Underfunded and understaffed providers will struggle to deliver high-quality care, forcing more people to rely on already overburdened NHS hospitals and healthcare services.

A Call for Collaboration

Scottish Care calls on the Scottish Government, opposition parties and all stakeholders to work together to ensure a sustainable future for social care in Scotland. This requires significant investment, structural change, and a renewed commitment to the value of care.

More details are available on the A Budget that Cares: Key Social Care Requirements for the Scottish Budget 2024 Paper: https://scottishcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-Budget-That-Cares.pdf

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Care Home Awards 2024 – Winners Announced!

The Scottish Care National Care Home Awards 2024 took place on Friday 15 November 2024 at the Hilton, Glasgow, celebrating excellence and dedication in the care sector.

Hosted by the wonderful Michelle McManus and Dr Donald Macaskill, the evening was filled with celebration, inspiration, and heartfelt moments.

Huge congratulations to all our amazing finalists and winners!  A special thanks to our Awards Sponsors, for supporting the event, and all who made the night so memorable. Thank you also to the Nursing Partnership for sponsoring the drinks reception and Howden for sponsoring the raffle draw.

Find out more about the finalists in our Awards Programme.

💙 Let’s continue to #CelebrateCare! #CareAwards24

 

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Revolutionising Care: Ethical Commissioning Report Launch at the Scottish Care Home Conference 2024  

Scottish Care is proud to announce the launch of its latest research report, Ethical Commissioning for the Independent Sector: Rights, Respect and Redistribution, set to debut at the Scottish Care Home Conference on Friday 15 November at the Hilton in Glasgow.

With the aim of achieving social care that works for the people of Scotland, Scottish Care has recently concluded its year-long research project into ethical commissioning and procurement. Focusing on the capabilities of commissioned services and the experiences of people and communities, the report identifies a range of best practice alongside current barriers to the implementation of ethical commissioning.

The report affirms Scottish Care’s call for rights, respect and redistribution for the independent sector. This entails a range of necessary supports to include independent social care providers in partnership working and service planning, harnessing and furthering their expertise in rights-based, person-led care, and sustainable provision.

The annual Scottish Care Home Conference & Exhibition, organised by Scottish Care – the leading representative body for Scotland’s independent social care sector –  is the only event of its kind dedicated solely to Scotland’s care homes, providing a unique platform for addressing the critical challenges and innovations in the sector.

Under the theme ‘Care Home Revolution: Building Possibility’, the conference will bring together over 400 stakeholders, including care providers, care home staff, academics, local authorities, NHS representatives and officials from the Scottish Government.  Chaired by Helen McArdle, Health Correspondent at The Herald, the event promises to foster impactful discussions and build connections among stakeholders to drive meaningful change in social care.

A highlight of the agenda is a Fireside Chat with representatives from different political parties, including

  • Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care
  • Dame Jackie Baillie MSP

  • Brian Whittle MSP

  • Gillian Mackay MSP

Additionally, participants will hear from experts on housing design from the University of Stirling, and inputs focused on centring the voices of individuals who access care and support. Former senior diplomat, author, and long-distance charity walker Patrick J. Davies OBE will deliver a keynote address, sharing inspiring reflections on resilience and healing from his latest book, Where Skylarks Sing.

Through diverse insight sessions, delegates can explore vital topics such as ethical commissioning, international recruitment, digital transformation, Anne’s Law, employment law, and LGBTQI+ inclusion.

The day will conclude with an Awards Ceremony hosted by Pop Idol Winner, Michelle McManus, to celebrate the best of the independent care home workforce. The conference, exhibition and care awards are the largest of their kind for the care home sector in Scotland.

Karen Hedge, Deputy CEO of Scottish Care says:   

 “At a time of unprecedented challenge, the Scottish Care Home Conference is more vital than ever. It’s a chance for us to come together, share insights, and advocate for a stronger, more sustainable care system. Our theme, Care Home Revolution: Building Possibility, reflects our collective commitment to creating meaningful change for those working in and receiving care. This year, we’re especially proud to launch our Ethical Commissioning report, which we believe will shape a fairer, more person-led, human rights-based approach to care across Scotland.”

Read the report here

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Media Release: Impact of UK Budget on Social Care Employers in Scotland

IMPACT OF UK BUDGET NATIONAL INSURANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS ON SOCIAL CARE EMPLOYERS IN SCOTLAND

The 2024 UK Autumn Budget announced on 30 October by Chancellor Rachel Reeves includes a 1.2% increase in employer National Insurance contributions, bringing the rate to 15%. The threshold at which employers start paying National Insurance will also be reduced from £9,100 to £5,000 per employee. This is likely to increase costs for all businesses, but especially social care providers whose staffing costs are usually between 80-90% of overall costs. The National Insurance change applies to all employers in Scotland.

A survey conducted by Scottish Care between 5-14 November 2024 of its members found that:

  • The average wage cost increase as a result of the changes across respondents was 4.67%.
  • The average increase to employer NI contributions was 39.54%.
  • Respondents noted a cost of between £19,800 and £15,500,000 per social care employer as a result of the National Insurance changes, dependent on the size of organisation and number of employees.
  • 97.83% of respondents said these changes make their organisation less sustainable.
  • Of those who responded, nearly half (48%) note the very real possibility of service closure as a result of this increase.

Quotes from survey respondents:

“If our home was full but with only Local Authority residents, we would quickly go out of business.” (very small care home employer)

“We will be forced to take on more privately funded care and potentially reduce our service to the council.” (small care at home employer)

“If this increase in costs are not funded not only will homes have to close the facilities will be unsaleable as they are specialised. The organisations will suffer a massive loss on their asset. Employees will be forced to leave the sector.” (very small care home employer)

“The company (and all services) will face immediate closure as soon as NIC and NMW take place without significant additional support.” (small care at home employer)

“I am considering closing my business across 5 councils” (small care at home employer)”

Scottish Care’s analysis

The failure to recognise and account for the impacts of these changes on social care organisations raises further concerns about the lack of value placed on social care and awareness of the perilous sustainability of the sector.

The changes to National Insurance rates and thresholds announced in the UK Budget will create additional financial burdens on independent care providers and further strain already tight operating margins.

Alongside the changes in the National Minimum Wage, these increases are going to have a huge impact on the ability of social care services to remain sustainable and to survive.
NHS services are to be exempt but care homes, hospices and GPs are going to fall foul of this increase, which is wholly inequitable.

The affordability of National Insurance increases in the social care sector must be recognised and the sector exempted, or significant increased funding ringfenced to support its implementation.

The Scottish Government will announce its own Budget setting out its tax and spend plans on 4 December 2024. It must address these impacts in its plans in order to support social care employers, employees and those who rely on support.

Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care, said:

“These additional pressures on social care providers created by the UK Budget announcement are unworkable in the current climate and a solution, either through exemption or funding, must be found in order for the social care sector to be sustained. Scottish Care is incredibly alarmed at the figures presented in our survey, not least around service closures, with many providers indicating that this may very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. It is no exaggeration to say we will lose swathes of social care provision in Scotland unless urgent, practical and resource-based solutions are progressed for the sector. If not, the impact on individuals, communities and public services will be catastrophic.”

The survey and its findings will be discussed further at Scottish Care’s National Care Home Conference tomorrow (Fri 15 November) in Glasgow, which will bring together care home providers, staff and stakeholder from across Scotland. The Conference will also be attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care as well as health & social care spokespeople from opposition parties, where the topic of National Insurance impacts will be addressed as part of a ‘Fireside Chat’ session. Dr Donald Macaskill and deputy CEO Karen Hedge will also give an address, sharing the survey findings and outlining the critical issues facing the care home sector.

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Briefing Paper: Key Impacts of the 2024 Autumn Budget on Social Care in Scotland

Scottish Care has released a summary of the 2024 Autumn Budget and its implications for social care providers. Announced on 30 October, the budget brings changes that could impact costs and funding for Scotland’s social care sector.

Scottish Care calls on the Scottish Government to prioritise social care funding and partner with the sector to address these budget impacts, ensuring sustainability for employers, staff, and individuals who access care and support.

Read the Briefing Paper here 

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Briefing Paper: Potential Implications of the UK Employment Rights Bill’s on social care in Scotland 

Scottish Care has published a briefing to guide members and stakeholders on the potential effects of the UK Employment Rights Bill on Scotland’s social care sector. Introduced on 10 October, the Bill aims to strengthen employee rights across the UK, but Scotland’s care sector may face unique challenges, especially in balancing flexible, person-centred care with new worker protections.

The briefing covers impacts on zero-hours contracts, fair pay, and sectoral bargaining, which could benefit workers but bring financial and operational challenges.

Members are encouraged to review the briefing to stay informed and support the ongoing consultation process.

Read the Briefing Paper here

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Finalists Revealed for the 2024 Care Home Awards!

We are excited to announce that the finalists for the 2024 Care Home Awards have been selected! This year, we received an extraordinary number of entries, all of exceptional quality. The high standard of submissions made the judging process incredibly competitive, highlighting the remarkable work and dedication within our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to our deserving finalists!

As the anticipation builds, we are eagerly counting down to the big reveal of the winners at our Awards Ceremony. This special evening, hosted by Michelle McManus, alongside Scottish Care CEO, Dr Donald Macaskill, promises to be a wonderful celebration of excellence in care.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday 15th November 2024
  • Time: 18:30 – 01:00
  • Venue: Hilton Hotel, 1 William Street, Glasgow

If you’d like to be part of this memorable occasion, awards tables are now available for booking. Secure your spot by filling out this form. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be a fantastic evening!

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National Minimum Wage: Care at Home Webinar – 10 Oct 2024

National Minimum Wage: Care at Home Webinar – Key risks and considerations for employers

Thursday 10 October 2024
2:00 pm
Microsoft Teams

In this session, Scottish Care will be joined by National Minimum Wage expert Gary Henderson (EY) as we discuss some of the most common NMW risks and issues facing Care at Home providers.

Gary has worked in the world of NMW for ten years – first as part of HMRCs NMW compliance teams, and now in supporting employers as part of EY’s NMW specialist team. In that time, he’s been involved in several projects and investigations across the care sector.

In this webinar – we will look at HMRCs current NMW enforcement activity and what to look out for with a new government and a new enforcement body on the horizon . He will also cover some of the common reasons for NMW breach in the sector – and what actions employers can take to improve NMW controls and compliance.

Please note that this webinar is open to both Scottish Care members and non-members. Registration for this webinar is required. Please register using the link below. 

Register for this webinar here

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Deputy CEO Blog: National Care Service Maxims

The process you use to get to the future is the future you get. 

A couple of weeks ago, Scottish Care launched its 5-year strategy, with a new strapline – ‘Social care that works for Scotland’. A shared ambition of many at a time when the opportunity to succeed presents us in the form of the National Care Service (NCS). 

With all my heart and soul driven by a 22-year career of blood sweat and tears in the sector from frontline to board room, I want it to succeed. I, alongside countless others, have felt the brunt of systemic failure by putting process ahead of people and know that to preserve our health, our humanity, our dignity and the contents of our pockets, it needs to succeed. 

The Independent Review of Adult Social Care heralded an opportunity to revolutionise the way that social care and support is commissioned, delivered and accessed. It set a direction for this complex living system to align itself to, with the Scottish Government at the wheel.  

Scottish Care received funding from Scottish Government to involve those 900 organisations who provide around 85% of care and support to contribute to the ethical commissioning component of the NCS (report imminent), yet it is over 2 years since anyone from the team at Scottish Government working on the NCS, has meaningfully met with the independent care sector on any other part of the programme.  

From discussion with other leaders in the system, we are not alone in this experience. Scotland is rich with theorists, system leaders and social care experts, yet all this seems to be set aside as we accumulate experience of unsatisfactory engagement sessions, no clear publication or involvement in the steering or governance process, and now a much-reduced Bill which has lost the original ethos of the IRASC.  

My back-of-a-napkin (because I don’t want to waste yet more time on this) mathematics suggests that those organisations contributing to the NCS by unpicking and trying to make sense of the morsels sent our way, have spent around 3000 hrs this week alone working on it. That’s 156,000 hours a year. If we had a clear and transparent process in place, that time could be reduced significantly, and used much more effectively. <It’s also worth noting that the calculation doesn’t even touch the time incurred by Scottish Government or the Health and Sport committee.> Imagine still that resource was diverted, and we delivered 156,000 hours of frontline care and support instead. Revolutionary indeed.  

The lack of an evidence-based approach to the development of the NCS has limited the opportunity for shared leadership and governance. Instead, the process has created confusion and division underpinned by a fight over where the power lies, and ironically missing that the redistribution of power is one of the main drivers of the NCS in the first place. It should of course ultimately lie with people accessing care and support.  

Living systems theorist Myron Rogers describes 6 maxims. The final one of which is that ‘the process you use to get to the future is the future you get’. Should this be true, we will inherent a system built upon naivety, waste, and bitterness. A far cry from the vision of the IRASC and perhaps the final nail in the coffin for our currently failing wider Scottish health and care system. 

So where do we go from here? Well, a good place to start would be to visit those 6 Maxim’s using them as guiding principles for the work to be undertaken.  

  1. ‘People own what they help create’ – Shared ownership creates a shared responsibility. This is how we get collaboration into action. And where there is collaboration, there is a maximisation of resource and opportunity and a reduction in waste. 
  2. ‘Real change happens in real work’ – we need to stop playing with engagement and start working on collaboration and co-design, not just of the NCS, but of the process we take to get there. 
  3. ‘The people who do the work do the change’ – it has to be a shared process and that is going to take effort and resource to embed culture change 
  4. ‘Connect the system to more of itself’ – YES YES YES! This is the only way we can deliver a seamless person-led experience of health and social care from cradle to grave. And guess what, it will also make better use of what we’ve got saving £££. 
  5. ‘Start anywhere follow it everywhere’ – there is still time to get this right, but we need a coproduced plan as well as a coproduced vision. 
  6. ‘The process you use to get to the future is the future you get’ – this is not a rehearsal; we need to apply methodology to the process and to the governance of the process. 

It’s high time that the continuous improvement methodology being placed into the NCS is applied to the process of designing, developing and leading the NCS. We need an acceptance that we can and must do better, and an immediate application of systems change theory into the NCS process. There is still opportunity for a seismic shift if we all get behind it, especially as Friday saw the deadline for consultation responses for stage 2 of the Bill. 

Only together can we make social care work for Scotland. Who’s with me? 

By  Karen Hedge

Deputy CEO, Scottish Care