Image source: David Woolfall, CC BY 3.0
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has unveiled a plan for a new digital leadership qualification in the domestic social care sector.
It has announced the move as part of a package of measures aimed at developing the sector’s workforce.
This comes amid rising concerns about staff shortages among social care organisations.
DHSC said the new digital qualification – details of which are yet to be made public – will help to equip leaders and managers with the confidence and capability to lead the implementation and use of technology in delivery care.
It will also help to ensure that digital skills are embedded in core training and further support career development.
Backed by £50 million
It will be launched alongside a new level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, to be delivered in conjunction with the workforce development organisation Skills for Care. The move will be supported by over £50 million in funding and could support up to 37,000 individuals in relevant roles.
Other measures in the package are: the launch of a care workforce pathway with a national career structure; an investment of over £20 million in apprenticeships; and subsidised training places through the Workforce Development Fund.
Minister for Social Care Helen Whately said: “The workforce is the heartbeat of the social care sector and staff should be given the recognition and opportunities they deserve. These changes will give brilliant care workers the chance to develop rewarding careers in social care.
“There are also many talented people across the country who would thrive in care work but haven’t seen it as a career choice. We’re changing that; our new career path and qualifications recognise social care as the skilled profession it is.”
