30 October 2023

November marks the 20th anniversary of the West Midlands Care Association - happy birthday to us!


Our CEO, Keiron Broadbent, reflects on the changes over the last 20 years and shares his views and vision below on how the WMCA can support its members going forward.



Happy birthday to us!


It’s amazing to think that West Midlands Care Association is 20 years old.  Actually, that’s not strictly true. Although we were incorporated on 21 November 2003, the Association's history goes back many more years than that.


Around 35 years ago, a group of care homes in Dudley decided to get together to be a representative body when they were dealing with the council. So was born the Dudley Care Association and those founding care homes are still members of the Association today. Over time, groups of providers came together in Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall. These groups joined together and so the West Midlands Care Association was born.


From those first small group of care homes thirty odd years ago we now have over 600 members, representing most elements of adult social care from across the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire.


Over the last twenty years many things have changed. The Association itself has grown as we deliver more care related projects such as Better Security Better Care, the Digital Transformation Fund (DISC), Workforce Development Fund and most recently supporting international recruitment.


Around ten years ago along with some other care association colleagues from around the country we set up the Care Association Alliance (CAA) bringing together a huge network of care providers from across England. Collectively we represent nearly 9,000 providers and have an increasingly powerful and respected voice within Westminster.


I, myself, have been with the Association for six years and have been its Chief Executive for the last two. 


In that time, I have seen many changes in both the political and funding landscape and how care is provided – particularly in the digital realm. What has not changed is our commitment to our members. We continue to offer a range of services and access to information which we hope you continue to find useful.


Birthdays and anniversaries are always an excuse to be reflective but also look to the future, particularly if that anniversary is a significant number. At the moment, it feels like we as a sector are at a crossroads. The political will needed to tackle the care crisis is not there and promises from the current government to fix care once and for all have not materialised. As we head towards a potential change of government, we ask ourselves whether or not it may bring positive change or will it be business as usual. 


The one thing I am confident of though is that the West Midlands Care Association will continue to be that voice for you all, whether that is local or nationally.


Here’s to the next twenty years!"


Keiron Broadbent
Chief Executive
West Midlands Care Association

 


Share

2 May 2025
Terms of Reference for the Baroness Casey Social Care Commission Today (2 May 2025), the government published the Terms of Reference for Baroness Casey of Blackstock’s independent commission into adult social care. The Terms of Reference set out that the commission will report directly to the Prime Minister and will be split over 2 phases: Phase 1, reporting in 2026, will focus on how we can make the most of existing resources to improve people’s lives over the medium term. Phase 2, reporting by 2028, will then consider the long-term transformation of adult social care, setting us on the road to fundamental reform that will build a social care system fit for the future.  An easy read version of the terms of reference will be available soon. Terms of Reference: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference
1 May 2025
Care Sector Events 2025 - Care Roadshow Midlands Attention West Midlands Care Association members! Registration is now open for Care Roadshow Midlands , set to take place at Villa Park Stadium on 15th May 2025 . This is your exclusive invitation to join the vibrant care community! Get your FREE ticket here. Care Roadshows return this May set to support care professionals across the Midlands. As part of the trusted Care Roadshows series, these free events offer essential insights, expert guidance and valuable networking opportunities for those working across the care sector. Since 2011, Care Roadshows have helped care home owners, domiciliary providers, managers and healthcare teams stay informed, connected and inspired. The 2025 events continue this mission - bringing together leading speakers, innovative suppliers and practical solutions at two iconic venues. If you are looking for care sector events in 2025 that deliver real value for your service, Care Roadshow Midlands is not to be missed.
30 April 2025
Revenue and Customs Brief 2 (2025): the use of VAT grouping within the care industry
30 April 2025
Citation: Employment Law Changes - FREE Employment Rights Bill Guide
30 April 2025
Tax update spring 2025: simplification, administration and reform summary The government has announced a package of tax and customs administration and simplification measures that will collectively reduce administrative burdens to save taxpayers and traders time, and will increase certainty, allowing businesses to focus on adding value to the economy. The package covers measures to support economic growth by reducing burdens on employers and increasing certainty for businesses. It aims to modernise and reform HMRC systems and processes to simplify the experience for individuals and traders and covers measures to modernise outdated elements of the tax and customs system and tackle the backlog of reform. Read more here.
30 April 2025
Dignity in Planning Conversations that Matter Online Event - 15th May 2025 - 13.00-15.00
30 April 2025
Care Can't Wait: New Campaign to change the story on Adult Social Care The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has today launched a bold new public awareness campaign called Care Can’t Wait to help change the way the public and politicians view adult social care and support. The campaign will feature powerful short films and photography of people across England whose lives have been transformed by high-quality adult social care. These stories show how care enables people to live the lives they want in their homes and communities. Jess McGregor, incoming ADASS President and Executive Director of Adults and Health at Camden Council , launched the campaign at the Association’s annual conference Spring Seminar. She said: “Social care is about people – people living full, meaningful lives, not just surviving. Good care supports people to do the things they love, to stay connected, and to be active members of their communities. “But delays, underfunding, and misunderstanding are holding us back. Care can’t wait – and neither can the people who depend on it.” Changing the narrative With public polling showing low public awareness and understanding of adult social care, this campaign aims to set the record straight by showing it in fact supports millions of adults, including working-age disabled people, people with mental health challenges enabling them to live their lives on their own terms. By platforming people who draw on care and support and supporting them to tell their stories, the campaign challenges outdated perceptions and shows the positive impact high quality social care can have. The campaign launch features a film of Abbie-Jo Laurence, 36, from Wiltshire, who draws on care and support to live and work independently. She shares her personal experiences and hopes for a system that enables everyone to thrive. Over the coming months, more stories will be shared from across the country, showing the diversity of care and the strength of the people who draw on it. “I want people to see that social care isn’t something that happens to other people,” said Abbie-Jo. “It could be you, your partner, your child, or your neighbour. We all deserve to live well – and care makes that possible.” Engaging the public “This campaign is about changing hearts and minds,” said McGregor. “We want to show the human impact of good care – and what’s at risk when it’s not available. These are real stories from real people, and they deserve to be heard.” As part of the campaign, ADASS is calling on members of the public to visit www.adass.org.uk/care-cant-wait and to: Watch and share the films across social media and with family and friends Sign the campaign hand raiser to support the campaign and receive updates on how to get involved. Talk about social care with friends, family and colleagues Champion reform by urging our leaders to improve and invest in adult social care and support. For further information, contact Vicky Smith, Communications and Public Affairs Officer at ADASS - vicky.smith@adass.org.uk or call 020 7072 7430.
29 April 2025
Last Chance to Book! Fire Prevention in Your Service Users Home Training Event 29 April 2025
Show More