An end of year message from Oonagh Smyth

Our CEO, Oonagh Smyth, shares an end of year message to thank everyone working across social care for their dedication and hard work this year.

With the festive season here, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes to the 1.5 million people working across social care and say thank you and well done for the positive impact you’ve made on so many lives this year.

For people working in social care the winter period can be particularly challenging, and I want to acknowledge the hard work that you all continue to do over the Christmas and New Year period, as well as year-round.

I hope that you can also find time to enjoy some relaxation and time with loved ones over the coming weeks.

We know that people choose to work in care because of the reward of supporting others to live gloriously ordinary lives, and that can feel even more special at times such as this.

And it’s been wonderful to see that the social care sector has grown in 2024/2025 with a decrease in vacancy rates and an increase in filled posts. This is really positive news for social care, and something we must continue to build upon in the coming year and beyond.

We must also continue to prioritise learning and development across social care to ensure our current and future workforce is equipped to provide the highest quality care in line with changing needs and demands. That’s why Skills for Care will be kicking off 2026 with our #KeepLearning campaign running throughout January and February to support care providers with planning learning and development for new and experienced staff at all levels.

I’d also like to reflect on some of the exciting developments we’ve seen for social care in 2025 including celebrating one year of the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England, continuing to develop the Care Workforce Pathway – the first ever universal career structure for social care, and the launch of the Government’s Fair Pay Agreement consultation.

I really look forward to continuing to support with these developments and other work to make social care better for those who work in care and those who draw on care and support in 2026.

As the new year beckons, I’d really encourage all of you to reflect on the remarkable work you’ve achieved this year and to be proud of the difference you make for our communities day-in, day-out.

We love to hear your personal stories of achievements and positive impact which we share weekly in our Good News Friday updates and every year in our #CelebratingSocialCare campaign.

Please do continue to share your stories with us by getting in touch with marketing@skillsforcare.org.uk.

So, in the spirit of celebration, I wish you all the happiest of Christmas seasons and a year of more exciting developments and positive impact ahead.

Print this page