Social Care News

Care Forum welcomes plans to recognise care staff professionalism

Care Forum Wales has welcomed a Welsh Assembly Government initiative to
boost the status of staff working in the social care sector.

In a letter to Care Forum Wales on October 20, the Assembly's deputy minister
for social services, Gwenda Thomas, has said that most care home managers
in the independent care sector will need to
register with the Care Council for Wales (CCW) from next June
(2011) as part of the next phase of its plans for professional
recognition of the social care workforce.

Mario Kreft, chief executive of Care Forum Wales, said: "This move is a
precursor to the day when everyone working in social care will be
registered with the Care Council for Wales - a day we look forward to as
this will bring well-deserved professional recognition for staff working
in the independent care sector in Wales.

"This proposal will also mean that nurse managers will have to register
with CCW next year. While there will be some who don't
agree with or fully understand why this is necessary, this is a clear
indication that the Assembly Government is continuing to pursue its aim
of driving up standards in social care and promoting professional
recognition for those working in the sector at all levels.

"Nurses who manage independent care homes make a vital contribution to
the lives of those in their care.

"With this move nurses will be leading the way for all staff to gain
recognition for their hard work. For far too long nurses working in the
independent sector have not had their contribution properly recognised
for their professionalism and the value they bring to services in the
community," added Mr Kreft.

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