Care England launches the first issue of its new publication, Savings, Solutions, and Sustainability.

The publication is part of a new, exciting collaboration with Care Management Matters (CMM), which has been publishing in the social care sector for 20 years.

Over 14,700 care providers in England will receive the new publication this month, helping them to navigate challenging financial pressures and discover the latest offers and cost-saving solutions to support business operations.

Adult social care providers are facing increased running costs, including food and electricity, with some struggling to pay their staff a wage in line with inflation, affecting recruitment and retention. Care England’s analysis indicates that due to cost pressures, up to 50% of care providers have considered exiting the market in the last 12 months and a growing number believe they may need to exit the market in the next six months to two years if the environment does not change.

Leaders from across the sector have crafted compelling articles and analysis to help providers stay on top of the economic, sustainability and procurement issues hitting the headlines nationally. Savings, Solutions, and Sustainability is leading the way in helping care providers manage their costs and plan for the future.

Christoph Marr, Managing Director at Marr Procurement Ltd, contributed to a feature on the care workforce. Commenting on the launch, Christoph said, ‘We are delighted to be long-time supporters of the work that Care England does for the sector and to participate in this exciting new magazine. We work with care groups all the time to deliver savings with integrity, and we hear first-hand how much the sector needs better buying solutions and clever ways to deliver against ESG and other priorities.

He continues, ‘Our contribution focuses on “how to reduce agency costs”, which is a key cost area for many of our clients. After years spent delivering material agency savings for clients, we are pleased to share some of our key learnings with your readers; we will be happy to offer a free agency cost consultation for any Care England member [contacting us by 15 December 2023].’

The topic of the care workforce appears frequently in the first issue. Considering the social care sector will need 25% more people in posts (440,000) by 2035 if the number of adult social care posts grows proportionally to the projected number of people aged 65 and over in the population, providers will read advice to support them to recruit and retain talent.

The publication has a host of regular features, including ‘Money Saving Updates’; a useful source of offers and savings that care providers can tap into.

Members are at the heart of this publication and the recurring ‘Member Spotlight’ feature shines a light on a Care England member who is either effectively implementing a cost-saving or sustainability solution. Nuno Santos Lopes,​​​​ Director of Research, Innovation and Community Engagement at Nightingale Hammerson, kicks off the feature series and shares how he has worked with researchers to strengthen delivery.

Commenting on his involvement with the publication and its importance, Nuno Santos Lopes said, ‘To lead and manage a social care service can feel quite isolating for either new or experienced leaders. But it is important to feel you are not alone; there are hundreds of other social care professionals feeling the same and you need to know that. You are not alone! The struggle you are facing now might be faced by many others – a reason why we need to share more and more. The Care England magazine is an opportunity to do it, to share positive stories, but also to learn from mistakes on how you can make your service sustainable and cost effective while providing outstanding care.’

James Allen, Chief Executive Officer, National Care Group, said, ‘The headwinds facing the adult social care sector continue and require care providers to review their approach and practices to continue to be viable and sustainable. National Care Group benefits enormously from the technical advice given by Care England, which also draws on wider expertise. This publication gives providers an invaluable insight into so many important issues that need to be tackled.’

Dr Gurpreet Takhar, Founder, Noble Care, said, ‘The landscape care providers operate in is becoming increasingly challenging. Through initiatives such as the energy tender and VAT restructuring, Care England has brought game-changing solutions to the fore which have allowed our organisation to alleviate cost pressures and improve efficiencies. This new publication represents another fantastic step forward for the sector as we look to navigate what will be another challenging year.’

Lisa Werthmann, Director at Care Management Matters (CMM), said, ‘It is fantastic to be part of this new project with Care England. CMM was established to – and will continue to – support social care providers with running their businesses and Savings, Solutions, and Sustainability is an exciting addition to CMM’s portfolio of content.’

Reference: Care England launches new care sector publication – Care Management Matters