Burstow calls on sector to shape social care reforms

Care services minister Paul Burstow has called on the social care sector to help shape its forthcoming White Paper in a three-month consultation launched today.

By Jeremy Dunning on September 15, 2011 in Adults, Disability, Mental Health, Workforce

Care services minister Paul Burstow has called on the social care sector to help shape its forthcoming White Paper in a three-month consultation launched today.

Leaders from councils, the voluntary sector and financial services have been recruited to lead discussions in six areas: quailty, personalisation, prevention, integration, the role of financial services and shaping the care market.

Setting out his ambitions for the White Paper, due next spring, Burstow said: “I know the current care system needs to change. People tell me that it is unfair, confusing and unpopular, which is why we need to act and ensure the system is sustainable for the long term.”

The engagement exercise will examine the proposals to reform social care funding and law from the Dilnot commission and the Law Commission respectively.

“Clearly it’s important that the government takes on board the views of social workers when looking at the future of care services – and we know that ministers do want to hear the views of the profession,” said a College of Social Work spokesperson. “We are already in discussions with civil servants about how the College will enable social workers to contribute to the engagement process.”

The appointed sector leaders will hold discussions with users, carers, providers, charities and professionals on the commissions’ proposals and ways in which care and support can be improved. They are:-

• Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond, who will lead the quality theme.

• Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes (personalisation).

• Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Peter Hay (shaping the market).

• Naaps chief executive Alex Fox (prevention).

• Hammersmith and Fulham chief executive Geoff Alltimes, who will work with GP Dr Robert Varnam on integration.

• Association of British Insurers assistant director Nick Kirwan (the role of financial services).

Besides their discussions, the DH is seeking views from the sector on the shape of the White Paper. The engagement exercise runs until 2 December.

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