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