As I write this on the day of the Autumn Budget, we once again find ourselves navigating a political environment where social care remains a perennial football. 

Despite the hope that 2024’s turbulence would pave the way for meaningful reform, we end 2025 much as we began it, with change on the horizon but little structural certainty beneath our feet.

This year has brought a further rise in the National Minimum Wage, following the uplift in April, alongside increases in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions. While these measures are welcome for our workforce, they place growing financial pressure on care providers already operating in an exceptionally challenging environment.

The government’s flagship Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) has now begun its consultation period, and the Employment Rights Bill is starting to reveal its wide-reaching implications. The Bill, due to come into effect next April, represents the most substantial change to employment law in decades. While many provisions will strengthen protections for the workforce, others, such as sick pay from day one and mandatory union recognition may have significant financial and administrative consequences for care providers, particularly SMEs.

The FPA itself promises to reshape our sector more profoundly than anything in recent memory. It will effectively create a mandated minimum wage for social care, set above the National Minimum Wage. Although we wholeheartedly agree that our workforce deserves better pay, the government’s current commitment of £500 million must be seen as a starting point, not a full solution. Sustainable implementation requires sustainable funding, something that remains unclear.

Alongside this, the government has commissioned Baroness Casey to conduct a review of Adult Social Care, reporting in 2028. Whether her findings will differ from the numerous reports already gathering dust in the Department of Health and Social Care remains to be seen.

International recruitment has also undergone significant disruption. The closure of the route for Carers and Senior Carers removed what had become a vital lifeline for many providers over recent years. International recruits have made an enormous contribution to our sector, and the sudden shift, coupled with ongoing uncertainty around wider immigration policy has left many providers struggling to fill vacancies domestically.

Through all of this, WMCA has worked tirelessly to ensure the voices of our members are heard. As a founding member of the Care Association Alliance (CAA), we are represented nationally in discussions with Westminster, ADASS, the LGA, and unions. The CAA represents more than 10,000 members and continues to ensure that the needs of smaller providers are heard as clearly as those of larger organisations. Locally, we continue to collaborate closely with authorities, advocating for our members on both strategic and individual issues.

Despite the political noise, WMCA remains focused on supporting providers to thrive. We’re excited to announce the return of our conference themes from January 2026, centred on the five CQC KLOEs: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led. These events are consistently popular, and we look forward to welcoming a range of inspiring speakers and exhibitors.

We are also launching a suite of in-house training courses, including Care Certificate-focused programmes and the Oliver McGowan Training (Tiers 1 and 2), delivered by our experienced team and supported through LDSS funding. Combined with our many member benefits, including a free legal helpline, free HR helpline, and discounted DBS checks, we continue to ensure our members can spend their time doing what they do best: delivering exceptional care.

On a much brighter note, our 2025 Excellence in Care Awards were our biggest and most uplifting yet. With record nominations, 13 category winners, and a truly celebratory gala evening at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley, it was a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and professionalism that define our sector. Planning is already underway for next year’s awards and we hope to surpass even this year’s achievements.

As we look forward to 2026, we do so with determination, optimism, and a firm belief in the strength of our members and our sector. On behalf of the West Midlands Care Association, I wish all our members a Merry Christmas and a prosperous year ahead — one that brings opportunities, growth, and perhaps even a few pleasant surprises.

Keiron Broadbent

Chief Executive Officer

West Midlands Care Association

A huge highlight of our year was our annual WMCA Excellence in Care Awards event which was held at the Copthorne Hotel in October. Celebrating excellence in care, this prestigious event honoured those who have made significant contributions to improving social care standards. The stories shared by the winners were inspiring and serve as benchmarks for the industry. 

Awards were given out to staff working in the following categories in social care:-

• Carer

• Registered Manager

• Deputy Manager or Team Leader

• Senior Carer

• Activity Coordinator

• Domestic Staff (Cleaner, Cooks, Maintenance)

• Office Staff (HR, Admin, Receptionist)

• Director / Owner

• Newcomer

• Social Care Nurse

• Sponsored Internation Worker

• Dignity In Care

• Outstanding Contribution To Care

Each winner received a £500 cash prize plus a certificate, trophy and a bottle of Prosecco. You can find details of all the winners as well as photos from the event on our website by clicking here.

We are already planning next year’s Care Awards and the nominations window will open in May 2026 so keep an eye on our Newsletter/website for further details.

We are now preparing for next year’s conferences, starting with our conference on 22nd January around the CQC theme “Is Your Care Service Well Led?”

We have limited spaces available for this event, so make sure you book your place.

FREE for WMCA members and £25 for non-members

The Government has introduced a requirement for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered service providers to ensure their employees receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role. This is to ensure the health and social care workforce has the right skills and knowledge to provide safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability. This requirement is set out in the Health and Care Act 2022.

Funding has been made available through the LDSS, WMCA member price is within the funding envelope and therefore fully claimable

Further information can be found via this link

The WMCA is the Local Support Organisation for Better Security Better Care - a national program of support to help you with your digital compliance by completing the Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT).

We have been involved with the roll out of the Digitisation of Social Care program, helping over 80% of local care providers make the transition from paper to digital

Despite the recent rise in the cost of DBS applications, the WMCA remains competitive with its pricing and provides a personal and friendly service as a counter signatory organisation for DBS applications. Our customer support and guidance ensure our DBS customers have a point of contact for a quick and speedy response to any DBS queries they may have.

Digital Health Check – We are offering FREE in person visits as part of the national better security better care programme - further information can be found via this link

Ensure Compliance: A Digital Health Check helps verify that your organisation meets the required data protection standards 

Enhanced Data Security: By reviewing your data security processes, the health check helps identify any vulnerabilities and strengthens your overall protection against data breaches and cyber threats. 

Confidential Report: The health check includes a confidential report that outlines what was found and how to improve, giving you clear steps for action. 

CQC Recognition: The health check provides evidence that can be used to demonstrate proactive efforts in data security and working in partnership, which can support your CQC inspection and potentially help you achieve higher ratings, including "Outstanding." 

Reduced Risk: By identifying issues early, you can prevent potential data breaches or penalties, thus reducing the risk of reputational damage or fines. 

Recognition for Going 'Above and Beyond': Participating in a Digital Health Check shows that your organisation is committed to exceeding basic requirements and striving for excellence in data security.  

Thank you to all our members for your active participation and support.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025 from all the team here at WMCA