Care workforce pathway
The Care Workforce Pathway (opens new window), launched in January 2024, is the first time the care sector has seen a universal career structure. Skills for Care is now working with adult social care providers to help shape the future of workforce development in the sector by pioneering the Care Workforce Pathway as part of a new support programme building towards national rollout.
What is the Care Workforce Pathway?
The Care Workforce Pathway is a comprehensive framework that clearly defines what a career in adult social care means. It sets out the essential knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality, personalised care and support.
The pathway aims to empower people working in adult social care to develop themselves and their careers by setting out how they can gain skills, access learning and development, and grow in their careers in a way that meets their aspirations.
The pathway currently covers eight role categories in adult social care:
- new to care
- care or support worker
- supervisor or leader
- practice leader
- personal assistant
- enhanced care worker
- deputy manager
- registered manager.
The Care Workforce Pathway was first trialled by 30 organisations as part of an Early Adopters scheme in 2024. These organisations have praised how the Care Workforce Pathway has benefited their organisation and employees:
You can find out more about the experiences of some of these Early Adopter organisations on the Skills for Care website via their blog (opens new window), case studies (opens new window) and podcast (opens new window).