National Care Service: factsheet

The focus of our reforms

There has been some disagreement about the best way to improve the system. But the message from people who use and provide services and support has been clear all the way through. They have told us about the changes they need – and these are the areas at the centre of our reforms.

Shifting attitudes to fully value social care

Many people want to see social care become a profession with real opportunities for progression for staff. We have heard many calls for cultural and structural change to put social care support on the same level as healthcare.  

We have also heard calls for better support for unpaid carers, reflecting the important role they play in our communities and protecting their wellbeing.

Access to high-quality support and services for everyone

There must be access to excellent services everywhere in the country. This means setting consistent standards and targeting improvements where they are most needed.   

Embedding human rights

The Feeley Review recommended putting human rights, equity and equality at the centre of all our decision making. This means changing the way we design and deliver support, to embed human rights at every stage.

Participation

People with experience of services and support must have a meaningful part in the oversight of planning and commissioning. The NCS must create clear structures to support participation. It must also make it easier for people to take part in decisions about their own care.

Access to information

It’s difficult for people to see and contribute to information held about them. It’s also difficult for staff from multiple organisations to access consistent information about an individual.  We will establish a scheme for information sharing, so that public health and social care services can be provided efficiently and effectively.

This will lay the foundation for an integrated digital approach to Health and Social Care information sharing and crucially, making it easier for people to access and manage their own information and care. The opportunities that digital approaches offer to improving people’s experience of care and treatment will be crucial.