We are very happy that Andy Burnham, ten days after becoming Prime Minister, has put social care reform at the front and centre of his priorities for our country.

The Casey review has been seen by the sector as a review led by a credible person, but not necessarily for credible reasons. The review will tell us perhaps emphatically, what we know already, delivered at a time where neither an outgoing nor incoming government would feel obliged to act on its findings. Bringing it forward makes it a credible review, led by a credible person. 

To the Prime Minister’s points around the workforce, OSJCT as a not-for-profit charity has all his aspirations for social care workers engrained within our own strategic ambitions. Our colleagues are some of the most important contributors to our society, making a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people. Their commitment and skill are what make our charity so special, and I’m pleased to see that the Prime Minister has also recognised their vital contribution. 

We strongly support the driving up of standards, perception, and opportunities for the social care workforce. We believe that the responsible management of improved funding for the sector along with the right objectives and intentions from providers, could deliver improvements quickly.

And finally, it should not be in anyway sensational that cross party consensus is required. It’s simply what grown-ups should do. The fact that other, well-intentioned, politicians have not dared to pursue such arrangements shows how low the bar has been set.

Our charity is excited about fair reform of our sector, and we are as impatient as Andy Burnham to see social care recipients receive loving care beyond their expectations, delivered in a well-funded and financially fair way, not leaving families destitute, and we cherish the thought of social care workers occupying a wholly different place in our affections and in their standard of living.

So, we are pleased that Andy Burnham is aiming high, and our charity looks forward to playing an important part in what could be a reform which finally sorts out an issue that we should all be ashamed of.