Working conditions and workforce training in adult social care need urgent improvement, according to a new report from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
The report highlights the need for a national core training offer to close the public health skills gap, support career progression, and improve staff retention across the sector.
Data obtained via a Freedom of Information request to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed that nearly half of recent inspections of care homes and homecare services identified shortfalls. While 58% of providers were rated ‘good’ in supporting people to live healthier lives, deficiencies were noted in 462 of 1,097 inspections.
RSPH argues that stronger training would enable staff to spot health concerns earlier—through blood pressure checks or mental health conversations—helping prevent hospitalisations and easing NHS pressures. The report also calls for investment in staff wellbeing, including better pay, mental health support, and stronger links to health services.
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