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Responding to the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) annual report, which called for an increase in the pace of change and greater consistency in the quality of services, Rhian Huws Williams, Chief Executive of the Care Council said:
"We agree wholeheartedly with the CSSIW’s call for increased impetus to improve services, particularly in this challenging financial climate. It is a challenge that all parties responsible for social services and social care must sign up to and face together.
"As the CSSIW report states, partnership working has been successful in delivering a workforce that is larger and better qualified to deliver services. Extension of the groups of workers having to register with the Care Council will have played a part in this, particularly in the number of qualifications secured by managers. However, we must build on this success quickly if we are to make a lasting difference. To do that, we will need to think radically about how we plan, develop and regulate the workforce in the future. There is no time for complacency.
"The Care Council already has a signed agreement with all local authorities in Wales, giving their commitment to share information on matters of public protection. We will want to extend this to ensure the same level of commitment from private and voluntary sector employers, as part of our shared responsibility to safeguard people who use care services.
"The development of training and support for specialist roles, such as those working with children and families is one area that needs urgent action. That is why the Care Council welcomes the fact that this will be one of the priority areas for the Deputy Minister for Social Services Task Group that will focus on the social care workforce, and we look forward to contributing to those discussions.
"We also need to consider how to promote and get greater buy-in from employers in all sectors to the Codes of Practice that include the principles by which social services and social care should be provided in Wales. These are as important for employers as for the people they employ, as the responsibility for delivering effective and high-quality services to vulnerable people is one we all must share," she added.
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If you require further information or wish to arrange an interview with Rhian Huws Williams, please contact Malcolm Williams on 029 2078 0634 or Charmine Smikle on 029 2078 0626. | 
