Turning insight into action: reforming social care

Social care touches millions of lives – yet reform has stalled for decades. Despite repeated commissions, white papers and promises, the system remains fragile, underfunded and undervalued. For people who draw on care and support, for families, and for the workforce, the consequences are felt every day.

What we're doing

What does the public really think about social care?

We begin with a new report exploring public attitudes to social care:

• How well do people understand what social care is and who it supports?

• Where does social care rank among voters’ priorities?

• How does this shape political will – or the lack of it – for reform?

Our analysis highlights a fundamental challenge: while the public deeply values care when it affects them personally, social care often struggles to compete for attention in national debate. This relative invisibility has consequences. Without sustained public pressure, reform drifts – and the system continues to fail those who rely on it.

By grounding the debate in a clearer understanding of public perceptions, we aim to change the conversation and strengthen the case for reform.

Convening leaders to shape the way forward

Research alone is not enough. Alongside our report, we will bring together senior leaders from across social care, policy and politics to reflect on what it will take to break the cycle of delay.

In February we helped to bring 35 of the most influential voices in adult social care together for two days at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor, with the support of The Rayne Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The aim of the session was to consider whether, with the latest independent commission on social care – under the leadership of Baroness Casey – now in full swing, there was a fresh opportunity to break the logjam of reform. 

We have published a blog setting out why this moment matters – and why collective leadership across a ‘fragmented’ adult social care sector is essential if reform is to move from rhetoric to reality.

In June, we will host our first Social care summit: a space to take the temperature of the sector and confront the most pressing challenges, including:

• The state and sustainability of the care market.

• The implications of a proposed fair pay agreement.

• Workforce pressures and provider stability.

• What the sector can do collectively – now – to strengthen its voice and influence.

This summit will mark the start of an ongoing dialogue about shared responsibility and shared solutions.

Building the evidence base for reform

Over the coming months and years, we will publish new research and analysis across the issues that shape social care today and tomorrow.

This includes our annual Social Care 360 report, providing a clear, independent picture of how the system is performing.

At the same time, we will tackle fundamental, long-term questions:

• How do other countries fund and organise social care?

• What lessons can England learn from international models?

• What would a fair and sustainable funding settlement look like?

Ahead of the final report of the Casey Commission, we will bring forward proposals to address these deeper structural challenges – setting out practical options for reform that are politically credible as well as economically sound.

Why this matters now

Social care reform is not a niche policy issue. It shapes the lives of older people, disabled people, unpaid carers and families across the country. It affects the NHS, local government and the wider economy. And it reflects what kind of society we want to be.

For too long, the debate has oscillated between crisis management and postponed ambition. Our programme aims to change that – by combining public insight, independent analysis and sector leadership to build momentum for reform.

The challenge is significant. But so is the opportunity.