Social Care News

CFW to launch Academy of Care Practitioners for social care staff

The first body to represent staff in the social care sector is set to be officially launched a week from today in Cardiff Bay on Monday, May 21.

The Academy of Care Practitioners will be launched at a reception at the Senedd hosted by the the Health and Social Services Minister Lesley Griffiths and the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas.

Plans for the Academy were announced by Care Forum Wales on April 20 at a conference at Wrexham’s Glyndwr University.

Speaking at the conference Health Minister Ms Griffiths said she welcomed the creation of the Academy of Health Practitioners – the first such body in the UK –following a successful pilot scheme.

She said: “This development will add to the reputation of social care work as an attractive and challenging occupation making a real difference to the everyday lives of people in Wales.”

Mario Kreft, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: "One of the biggest issues in our view is that vocationally-qualified social care workers are a profession without their own professional body. We believe it's about time that was put right.

"It's really about providing a support mechanism, helping people with their personal and professional development, and gaining added value benefits.

"This innovation will create the first body of its type for social care workers in the UK and it is fitting that it should be created in Wales where we have seen a great deal of innovation in recent years."