Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
Just over a year ago I launched the National Office for Care and Support.
In its inaugural year the National Office has:
- established the National Framework for Commissioning Care and Support to support consistent and high quality care services;
- developed new data collection processes to further enhance our understanding of service delivery;
- assessed and implemented policies for fair and equitable charging benefitting both people using services and local authorities;
- made significant progress towards realising our long-term vision of establishing a National Care and Support Service, including progress on drafting a pay and progression framework for social care workers in Wales.
Throughout its work, the National Office has worked collaboratively with delivery partners, including the 22 local authorities, and it has established a Strategic Advisory Group to prioritise co-production, ensure the sector’s voice is heard and initiatives are shaped by those directly affected.
The National Office for Care and Support will soon be publishing their first Annual Report, reflecting on the transitional year since its formal launch in April 2024.
The National Office has established robust foundations for the future. Going forward it will remain committed to promoting national consistency and improvements in social care provision. It will continue to engage with the sector, advocating best practices and innovation to address the evolving needs of our communities. We remain committed to ensuring a sustainable social care sector that effectively serves the people of Wales.