Cyngor Gofal Cymru / Care Council for Wales

The Care Council’s work has played a major role in achieving significant progress in social care workforce management and policy in Wales over the past 10 years.

That was the verdict of Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas AM, in a recent statement about the achievements of the Care Council on its 10^th anniversary.

The Care Council first opened its doors in October 2001, after being established under the Care Standards Act 2000 as the regulator of the social care profession in Wales.

The Deputy Minister said: "Last year, the social care and social work workforce task group reported that significant progress had been made in workforce management and policy over the last 10 years. I know that the Council’s work has been a major factor in this achievement. The Council has taken forward a comprehensive programme of work that has created a well-respected framework to drive up standards in the workforce.

"This includes regulation of key groups of staff, the development of social work as a profession through regulation, degree level training, continued professional development, and a framework of qualification and training programmes to promote a positive profile of social services and social care."

The Deputy Minister also noted the Care Council’s way of working, in which all key groups had a voice, was a blueprint for citizen-led regulation.

"Its work has been carried out drawing upon this diverse and rich blend of contributions, anchored by the lay majority. Through all of its work, the Council has worked in close partnership with stakeholders in the sector, engaging employers, universities and many others."

Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need to continue reinforcing the key value of the workforce, as a stable, well-trained and qualified workforce, with key professional roles at its heart, was central to ongoing success.

"The Care Council will continue to be a central partner in our work, and I want to congratulate them for the contribution they have made over the last 10 years. I know I can count on their energy and determination in the future," she added.