The National Care Forum (NCF) – the leading association for not-for-profit social care has responded to the announcement today by the Department of Health and Social Care of an independent commission into social care chaired by Baroness Louise Casey. 

Other plans set out in the announcement are: 

• Government sets out immediate investment and reforms to improve adult social care and support the workforce. 
• Package of support will deliver the government’s Plan for Change by helping to keep older people out of hospital and living at home independently, for longer. 
• Thousands more disabled people to receive home adaptations as government improves technology and data sharing between NHS and social care. 

NCF CEO, Vic Rayner commented: “We welcome the announcement of an independent commission into adult social care to be chaired by Baroness Casey which indicates the beginning of long-term reform for the sector and the development of a National Care Service. It is crucial that the commission includes the voices of people who draw on care and support and those who work tirelessly to deliver it. Only by hearing from those with the biggest stake in a well-functioning and resourced social care system will the commission be successful in its mission of delivering consistency of care that addresses the ongoing needs of older and disabled people. However, the timeframe for the commission must be shorter and we urge Baroness Casey to bring forward the work so these much needed changes can be seen within two years.” 

“Whilst the commission makes ready, the need for urgent support for the sector continues. The commission will need to focus on the long term, however, it is imperative that the Secretary of State and the wider government understand that the pressures laid bare across the social care sector cannot wait. Building a social care system fit for the future can only be achieved by ensuring it is built on solid ground.” 

“We have made our willingness to work with the government clear since the result of the 2024 General Election and we stand ready for that work to begin. Together with our not-for-profit members we want to help government develop a National Care Service built on these essential pillars: 

1. Make social care central to policy making and delivery 
2. Improve the pay, terms and conditions of the workforce 
3. Invest in people, not profit by supporting investment in not-for-profit care provision
4. Create an industrial strategy for adult social care 
5. Support sustainability and decarbonisation in adult social care
6. Enshrine rights, fairness and choice for people in a National Care Covenant”