Kent chief predicts new era of professionalism

There will be fewer social care professionals in the future, but
they will be paid more, Kent’s social services director said
last month at the national social services conference.

Peter Gilroy described the gradual “civilianisation”
of the workforce in his area as taking on more non-qualified staff.
He added that a key part of Kent’s strategy was the
introduction of self-assessment by clients, avoiding the need for
staff visits.

“That has implications for the number of practitioners you
employ – you might need less,” Gilroy told a session on
the future of social care.

Employers must make it clear they value their staff and will
look after them, he said.

Gilroy emphasised it was no use trying to provide a quality
service using large numbers of agency staff. It was important to
build an experienced team “and pay them well if you want them
to do the business”.