Applications now open for free Care Workforce Pathway support programme
Adult social care providers across England are being invited to apply for a free support programme designed to help organisations put the Care Workforce Pathway (the Pathway) into practice and strengthen workforce development.
Delivered by Skills for Care and fully-funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, the programme will provide expert guidance, practical resources and peer learning opportunities to help providers start using the Pathway within their organisation. Applications are now open and close on 5 January 2027.
The Pathway is the first ever universal career structure for adult social care. It sets out the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality, personalised care and support, while providing clear routes for career development and progression across the sector.
The support programme is aimed at adult social care providers that are ready to begin or build on their use of the Pathway. It is designed to fit around day-to-day operations and includes a series of online workshops, action and reflection forums, and ongoing support to help providers turn learning into action.
Through the programme, organisations will:
- get practical, guided support to start using the Pathway in their organisation;
- find out how the Pathway can support existing workforce planning and development activity;
- learn from organisations already using the Pathway;
- develop practical approaches to strengthening recruitment, retention and career development.
Lindsey Dawson, Programme Head, Engagement (Care Workforce Pathway), Skills for Care, says:
The Care Workforce Pathway is an important framework for adult social care because it helps create greater consistency in workforce development, supports career progression and gives employers a practical way to develop and retain their workforce. Our provider support programme gives organisations the tools, knowledge and support needed to begin using the Pathway with confidence. By the end of the programme, providers will have had the opportunity to develop a simple implementation plan, map a role category and start to make positive changes within their organisation. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from others, helping them understand what works in practice and how the framework can support their existing workforce planning and development activity. We would encourage any organisation interested in strengthening its workforce to apply.
To take part, organisations will nominate a Pathway lead, attend three online workshops, develop a simple plan to use the Pathway, map at least one job role against the Pathway role categories and begin making changes informed by the framework. The programme is fully funded and available to eligible adult social care providers in England.
Applications for the January 2027 programme are now open. Providers should apply by 5 January 2027. Find out more and apply now.
Print this page