BASW England statement on the Care Quality Commission's State of Care 2022/23 Report

BASW England Statement

The revelations in the Care Quality Commission's State of Health Care & Adult Social Care in England 2022/23 report are not just alarming, they are indicative of systemic failures rooted in decades of underfunding in the social care sector. The challenges outlined, particularly in access to care and the quality of services, underscore the urgent need for substantial investment and a fundamental shift in our approach to social care in England.

The longstanding issues in access to care are deeply connected to the years of underfunding. The strain on services, the struggles in recruiting and retaining staff, and the disparities faced by ethnic minority communities are all symptoms of a system that has not been adequately supported for far too long. The impact of this chronic underfunding reverberates across every aspect of the care sector, affecting both service quality and staff well-being.

It is imperative to break the cycle by shifting our focus from managing crises in hospitals and residential care to preventing them. We must also remember and acknowledge the impact and ongoing legacy of Covid for citizens and the workforce . Preventive measures, community-based interventions, and early support can significantly reduce the pressure on acute services. Social workers, at the forefront of these initiatives, play a pivotal role. Their expertise in addressing the root causes of issues and providing holistic, person-centred care is invaluable in preventing situations from escalating to a point where hospitalisation or residential care becomes the only option.

This is the first year that the Care Quality Commission report on their duties and responsibilities for the quality assurance of Local Authorities. The role and contribution of social workers under the Care Act 2014, the quality of assessments and care planning are key as is the recognition that people’s outcomes are significantly affected by assessment of need and care planning.

Sadly the report falls short on specific reference to social work and the importance of quality in assessing need and care planning, crucial to people’s outcomes. The Equality and Human Rights Commission Inquiry – Challenging Adult Social Care Decisions in England and Wales (2023) highlights one of the main reasons for complaints was people feeling their involvement in assessment and care and support planning was tokenistic, their views and wishes ignored in decision making, resulting in care and support that did not meet their needs properly. Further evidence of the issues associated with the quality of assessment of need and care planning are reflected in NICE (Social Work with Adults Experiencing Complex Needs) and BASW England Ethical Approach to meeting need.

The section within the report on complex needs highlights the potential drawbacks to any reduction in social work support. Social work stands as a linchpin in a transformative approach. Social workers, with their deep understanding of individuals and communities, are uniquely positioned to facilitate preventive strategies. By investing in social work, we invest in prevention. Adequate funding for social work services ensures that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need, when they need it, preventing crises and preserving their dignity and independence.

Addressing the challenges highlighted in the report requires immediate and sustained action from government. Adequate funding, targeted at preventive measures and social work services, is not just an investment in the well-being of individuals, it's an investment in the resilience and sustainability of our entire healthcare system. We urge the government and policymakers to recognise the urgent need for increased funding, value the critical role of social workers, and commit to a future where quality care is not a privilege but a fundamental right for every individual in England.

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The full report can be found here.