Conference explores care workforce of tomorrow

Experts from across education, workforce development and the care sector have come together in the North East to explore how to attract and develop the next generation of care workers.

The University of Sunderland hosted the Raising the Profile of the Care Workforce International Conference in partnership with Training in Care (TIC), bringing together employers, practitioners, educators, policymakers and people with lived experience.

Held at Hope Street Xchange, the event focused on creating career opportunities, raising the profile of the sector and strengthening routes into higher education and professional programmes.

It also examined how employers and education providers can support career progression as demand for care grows and needs become increasingly complex.

Sunderland University vice-chancellor and chief executive Sir David Bell opened the conference, highlighting the role universities and partner organisations can play in developing a sustainable workforce.

He said: “Being a carer is a noble calling as providing high-quality care is a vital part of a civilized society. 

“I am delighted that the university hosted this international conference focused on the crucial task of attracting more people to consider social care as a career.”

Speakers included Sue Brent, head of the University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dr Angela Brown, founder and chief executive of TIC and The Care People CIC.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and chief executive of TIC and The Care People CIC

Dr Brown, who is also a former social worker and lecturer, added: “The successful delivery of this international conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together carers and those with lived experience; employers; health and care professionals; commissioners and policy legislators; to share ideas, challenge thinking and explore new opportunities.

“By listening to those who provide care and those who draw on care support, we have lessons to learn about creating clear inclusive progression pathways. 

“The event is about recognising the skills knowledge and experience within our workforce and communities, investing in people’s development and working together to build a stronger more sustainable future for the care sector.”

Karen Giles, academic head of education and quality at Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals and principal lecturer at the university, also discussed workforce preparation and professional development.

Karen added: “Developing the future social care nursing workforce is critical to ensuring high-quality, person-centred care for people with increasingly complex health and social care needs.

“By bringing together educators, employers, policymakers and those with lived experience, this conference helps shape the conversations and actions needed to strengthen the workforce for the future.

“As a university, we have a key role in supporting talent development, professional progression and innovation across the sector, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the skills, knowledge and values required to meet future challenges.”

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson contributed via a recorded video, while Dr Derek Watson, associate professor in cultural management, chaired a panel exploring the future of care careers.

Delegates also toured the university’s healthcare teaching facilities to see how students are being prepared for careers across care and health.

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