This month has been a full one, the kind where you look back and realise just how many places you’ve been. I’ve been out and about in Liverpool and London, meeting people, hearing stories and feeling that familiar mix of challenge and hope that comes with working in social care.
I was genuinely delighted to be asked by Motion to attend their dinner in London. It was a lovely chance to connect with organisations who share a passion for making a difference and to see a demo of the updates they’ve made to their activities platform since I last met them. Moments like that remind me how much innovation is happening quietly, steadily behind the scenes.
Much of the background work this month has been spent waiting in anticipation for our new Prime Minister. From what I’ve seen so far since Andy Burnham was appointed, I’m hopeful that social care reform will finally move forward. My hope – and it’s a big one – is that people with learning disabilities and autistic people aren’t forgotten, especially as much of the early conversation has focused on older adults.
I also attended the launch of the ADASS Spring Survey report. Many of the issues raised echo what we’ve found through our Fee Rate work. Local Authorities are under immense financial strain, and the ripple effects are being felt by providers across England. None of this is new, but seeing it laid out so starkly reinforces why our work matters.
Last week, Victoria, our ARC England Policy Lead, and I travelled to Liverpool to meet with colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions. We explored how we can work together to encourage more young people to consider social care as a career and how to support people who are out of work to take up placements. It felt constructive, hopeful, and grounded in real possibility.
We’ve also now set a date in September for our members to share their stories with colleagues from the Department of Health and Social Care about how commissioning is and isn’t working. Watch this space for invitations to members; it’s shaping up to be an important conversation.
As August arrives, I hope everyone manages to take some time away from their desks  whether that’s exploring beautiful places in the UK or heading abroad. It’s important to switch off every now and then. August is usually a quieter month, though this year has been consistently busy with so much change happening at both local and national levels. I see change as an opportunity and, with local government reorganisation on the horizon alongside social care reforms, there’s plenty to keep us focused.
I’ll end with one of my favourite quotes one that feels particularly fitting right now:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Sam Leonard
ARC England Director
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