The Foundation has published the updated Business Case for a disruptive new approach to nurturing leadership in the social care sector, modelled on other successful graduate schemes such as Teach First. The proposals have been developed by a cross-sector Steering Group, chaired by Professor David Grayson CBE and including key leaders from across the social care sector and beyond.

In recent years, the social care sector has grappled with challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, amidst these adversities, the crisis highlighted the essential nature of the sector’s services, garnering newfound recognition and appreciation for the dedicated professionals providing care and support to vulnerable individuals.

Responding to this shift in public attitudes, leaders from across the social care sector, along with stakeholders in graduate recruitment, convened in May 2022 to advocate for the establishment of a pioneering initiative: the Social Care Leaders Scheme. Drawing inspiration from successful programmes like Teach First, this scheme aimed to leverage fresh talent and inject dynamic leadership into social care.

Since publication of the new initial proposals,, the Foundation has worked with the Steering Group overseeing the development of the proposed Scheme. With additional support from the Rayne Foundation and ongoing assistance from the CareTech Foundation, a full review of the proposals and their costs was recently completed. The validation process reaffirmed support for the Scheme while identifying areas for improvement, such as the need for standardised and quality-assured training, particularly for Registered Managers and within smaller care providers. Moreover, there was agreement on the necessity for a recognised qualification pathway to elevate standards within the sector.

Informed by development insights and stakeholder feedback, the proposals now include a proposition for an expansive pilot programme to test the scheme’s efficacy and viability. This updated proposition, presented to both the Secretary and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, emphasises delivering value for money while nurturing visionary leadership.

Under the proposed pilot programme, spanning two intake cohorts of 150 participants each year, the Scheme will undergo comprehensive evaluation. While the immediate focus is on recruiting and nurturing 300 talented graduates, the long-term vision aims to scale up to accommodate up to 500 participants annually.

The Social Care Leaders Scheme represents a bold endeavour to reshape social care leadership, fostering excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Through collaborative efforts and dedication, this initiative stands poised to chart a transformative course, ensuring a brighter future for the social care sector and the communities it serves.

The Business Case can be downloaded her along with a Summary