Cornwall care strategy recognised as national example

Cornwall’s plan for its adult social care workforce has been picked out by two national bodies as an example other areas could follow. The recognition lands during Good Care Month, and it comes with numbers behind it. Turnover across the sector is now the lowest in the south west, and vacancy rates have been falling.

What the strategy set out to do

The strategy covers Cornwall’s independent adult social care sector. It was commissioned by Cornwall Council and developed by Manchester Metropolitan University, and it has now been highlighted by Skills for Care and the Local Government Association as an exemplar approach to supporting and developing the care workforce.

It was created to address the challenges facing the sector and to help make sure local people can keep accessing high-quality care and support. Backing came from £350,000 of Better Care Fund money in 2025/26.

The work is built around eight priority areas: recruitment, retention, training and career progression, health and wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, digital skills, workforce planning and national lobbying.

The numbers behind it

Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna, said more than 14,000 people in Cornwall provide essential support to thousands of residents.

“Since the strategy was launched, significant progress has been made. Vacancy rates across the sector have fallen by more than two percentage points since 2022/23, while workforce turnover is now the lowest in the south west region.”

What has been achieved so far

The Registered Manager Development Programme has seen 42 managers complete the training. Participants reported increased confidence in leadership, culture-building and innovation, and the programme has helped build strong peer networks. Graduates are now actively helping to shape future workforce initiatives and engagement activities.

Proud to Care Cornwall has kept building momentum. After the 2024 and 2025 Care Awards, more than 1,000 nominations have already come in for the 2026 awards.

There has been a push on the future workforce too. Recent research looked at the experiences and perceptions of young people aged 16 to 18. It found barriers still exist around awareness, stigma and how the sector is seen, but that young people are drawn to the chance to make a difference, to flexible working and to clear career pathways. Those findings are now shaping a young care worker network, recruitment resources and campaigns aimed at bringing more young people into care careers.

Digital work is moving as well, including a new Digital Skills and Technology Enabled Care Readiness Assessment being carried out by Plymouth University.

Why Good Care Month matters here

Jim McKenna said Good Care Month is a chance to celebrate the people working across the sector and the difference they make. He pointed to the particular pressures in Cornwall.

“We know the challenges facing the sector are significant, particularly in Cornwall where our ageing population, rural communities and growing demand for care services create additional pressures.

“That’s why I’m particularly pleased that Cornwall’s workforce strategy has been recognised nationally as an example of good practice which reflects the commitment of providers, partners and the workforce itself to finding innovative ways to recruit, retain and develop talented people.

“We remain committed to investing in our care workforce and ensuring that people across Cornwall continue to receive the high-quality care and support they deserve.”

The strategy is published in full on the Proud to Care Cornwall website.