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Kate Hutchinson
The Care Workforce Pathway was developed in January 2024 by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in partnership with Skills for Care. It is a structured approach to training, developing, and supporting individuals who work in the care sector - particularly in adult social care.
It's essentially a career framework that outlines the progression routes, skills, and qualifications required at each stage of a care worker's career.
What is the aim of the Care Workforce Pathway?
The aim of the Care Workforce Pathway is to help professionalise the sector and improve recognition of adult care roles. It also aims to attract and retain a skilled workforce by setting clear, attractive career paths and development opportunities.
In the UK context, particularly in England, the Care Workforce Pathway is being developed as part of the government’s reform agenda for adult social care.
Key Components of the Care Workforce Pathway
- 1) Attracting New Entrants into Adult Care
Guidance for new starters (e.g. school leavers, career changers)
Clear routes into care roles without prior adult care experience
Induction standards (like the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate)
2) Defined Roles and Levels
Clear description of care roles at various levels, such as:
Care Worker / Support Worker
Senior Care Worker
Care Coordinator / Supervisor
Registered Manager
Specialist roles (e.g. dementia care, palliative care)
Each level and care role includes skills, competencies, and responsibilities.
- 3) Skills and Training
Mapped to national standards set by Skills for Care
Qualifications aligned with each stage (e.g. Level 2–5 Diplomas)
On-the-job training and continuous professional development (CPD) - 4) Career Progression
Support for movement across and up within the care sector
Clear steps to move into leadership, management, or clinical roles
Links to allied health careers (e.g. nursing, social work) - 5) Recognition and Professionalisation
Aiming to raise the status of the care workforce
May include professional registration in the future
Greater focus on reward, recognition, and structured support
In summary, the Care Workforce Pathway looks a little something like this:
|
Level |
Role |
Entry/Progression Path |
Skills Focus |
|
1. Entry Level |
Care Assistant / Support Worker |
No formal qualifications required Completion of Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (within first 12 weeks) On-the-job training |
Person-centred care Basic health and safety Communication and safeguarding |
|
2. Intermediate Level |
Senior Care Worker / Key Worker |
Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Additional responsibilities (e.g. mentoring, administering medication) |
Supervising staff Complex care needs Risk assessment and care planning |
|
3. Supervisory Level |
Team Leader / Care Coordinator |
Level 3 or 4 qualification Experience leading small teams Managing rotas, reporting, coordinating care |
Leadership and delegation Problem-solving Safeguarding oversight |
|
4. Managerial Level |
Registered Manager / Service Manager |
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Registered with CQC (in England) Strategic service responsibility |
Strategic planning Compliance and governance Managing budgets and staff teams |
|
5. Specialist/Advanced |
Dementia Lead / End-of-Life Lead etc. |
Specialist CPD training (e.g. dementia care, learning disability, autism) Mentoring and training others Practice development |
Expert care delivery Staff training and mentoring Leading on best practice |
|
6. Professional Pathways |
Nurse / Social Worker / Policy Lead |
Access via bridging programmes or apprenticeships Transition into clinical, social work, or policy roles |
Advanced clinical knowledge Interdisciplinary collaboration Policy and service innovation |
Why the Care Workforce Pathway Matters
- Improves recruitment and retention by making care a more attractive, respected career.
- Supports quality of care by ensuring staff have the right skills.
- Clarifies career options for individuals and employers.
- Addresses workforce shortages by building a sustainable pipeline.
Where does Realise fit in the Care Workforce Pathway?
As a leading adult care training provider, we are proud to be well ahead of the curve when it comes to government policy and training standards. All of our adult care curriculum is expertly reviewed and aligned to the Care Workforce Pathway – with career progression and staff retention in mind.
What does this look like? Click the link below and see for yourself!
Realise & the Care Workforce Pathway
Looking Ahead
The Care Workforce Pathway marks a vital step forward in recognising, supporting, and professionalising the adult social care workforce. By setting clear expectations, offering structured development opportunities, and aligning training to real career progression, it provides a roadmap for a more skilled, valued, and sustainable workforce.
At Realise, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Whether you’re starting out in care or developing your team for the future, our training solutions are built to support every step of the pathway - helping individuals grow and organisations thrive.
Are you ready to get new skills and progress in your career?
If you’ve been inspired by what you've read, and you’re ready to gain new skills, start your journey today with Realise.
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