Review of social care sector skills in Wales launched

The Welsh assembly government has launched a review of the skills needed to work in the country’s children and adult social care services.

Health and social services minister Brian Gibbons, announcing the review last Friday, said the social care sector skills review, which covers staff in direct care settings, was required because of a “widespread skills gaps” in the workforce.

He said only 41 per cent of social care staff held the recommended qualification for their function.

The review will focus on four main areas: qualifications and assessment, recruitment and retention, funding, and quality.

It follows the 10-year draft strategy for social care in Wales, Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities published earlier this month.

The social care sector currently employs around 72, 000 people in Wales, four per cent of the country’s total workforce.

The skills review is out to consultation until 3 November.