Understanding what Social Care organisations do to bring more young people into care roles and keep them in the job
This study aims to understand how social care organisations successfully attract and keep young people (under 30) in care jobs in England. Many believe younger workers bring fresh ideas, but they currently make up a small part of the workforce. Researchers will work with a group called Skills for Care to find organisations that are good at hiring and keeping younger staff. They will then interview senior people at these organisations to learn about their methods. Finally, they will share these successful strategies widely to help other care organisations strengthen their teams and ensure a brighter future for social care, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called 'Understanding what Social Care organisations do to bring more young people into care roles and keep them in the job,' is about helping the adult social care sector in England. Adult social care is a really important area that helps people who need extra support with their daily lives. While younger people have a lot to offer, bringing new ideas and energy, it can sometimes be hard for social care to attract and keep them in these jobs. This study wants to find out why.
The main goal is to discover what 'works well' – meaning what attracts young people under 30 to care roles and what makes them want to stay. The researchers will start by looking at national information about the workforce to spot organisations that are particularly good at this. Then, they will chat with senior staff members in these successful organisations to hear first-hand about their strategies and experiences.
After gathering these stories, the study will delve deeper into specific examples to see how these approaches actually work day-to-day. The hope is to gather practical, helpful information. This information will then be shared with many other social care organisations, so they can use these successful methods too. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen the social care workforce for the future, making sure there are enough dedicated people to provide excellent care.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand how to get more young people into social care jobs.
- It will identify what successful care organisations do to attract and keep younger staff.
- Senior staff involved in hiring and staff retention will be interviewed.
- Findings will be shared with other care organisations across England.
- The goal is to strengthen the future social care workforce.
- It is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for specific organisations and senior staff to help. If you are part of an adult social care organisation in England, and your organisation regularly shares information with Skills for Care's Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS), you might be able to take part.
They are particularly interested in hearing from senior staff members who are in charge of hiring new people or making sure staff stay in their jobs. So, if your role involves looking after recruitment or keeping people in their social care roles, your insights would be valuable.
However, some people and organisations won't be suitable. If your organisation doesn't provide data to ASC-WDS, or if it's located outside of England, it can't join. Also, the study isn't for people who provide direct care, care users themselves, their families, or senior staff from children's social care or other health care professionals like doctors or nurses.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your organisation an adult social care provider in England?
- Does your organisation share data with Skills for Care's ASC-WDS?
- Are you a senior staff member responsible for staff recruitment or retention?
- Do you work for an organisation that *doesn't* provide children's social care?
- Are you *not* in a direct care role or a healthcare professional (e.g., nurse, doctor)?
What does participation involve?
This study does not involve patients directly. Instead, it involves adult social care organisations and their senior staff. If your organisation is chosen, researchers will first look at existing national workforce information. Then, senior staff members responsible for hiring or keeping staff in your organisation will be asked to take part in interviews. Following this, some organisations might be selected for more detailed case studies, where researchers will explore how your approaches work in practice. The goal is to understand and share successful strategies to attract and keep younger staff. The study is expected to run from August 2025 to November 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of LeedsApproximateLeeds, England
Common questions
What is 'adult social care'?
Adult social care provides support for adults who need help with daily living because of age, illness, or disability. This can include help at home, in care homes, or in other community settings.
Why is it important to attract young people to social care?
Younger people bring fresh ideas, energy, and different perspectives, which can help improve the quality of care and support. They are also crucial for ensuring there are enough staff in the future.
Who is funding this research?
This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major health research funder in the UK.
What is Skills for Care?
Skills for Care is an independent charity that helps develop the adult social care workforce in England, offering guidance, training, and resources.
Where is the study based?
The study is being run by researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK.
How to find out more
Kirsty Haunch
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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