Welsh Government sets out £1.5m for National Social Care Academy to boost skills and pay

The Welsh Government has set out £1.5m in funding for the first phase of a new National Social Care Academy. 

The academy will allow care workers across Wales to develop their skills and gain qualifications, building on local models already running in different parts of the country. 

It is designed to make careers in social care more attractive, support workforce development and create clear routes for those wanting to move into senior or specialist roles. 

Local authorities in Wales have seen better staff retention, higher morale and clearer progression opportunities through their own care academies.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden (pictured), said: “Social care workers are skilled and provide dignity and compassion to our most vulnerable people – yet for too long the sector has struggled to offer the career pathways these dedicated professionals deserve. 

“This Academy approach changes that. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there will be a route to develop skills, gain qualifications, and see career development and progression.”

Bowden also set out a consultation on a social care negotiating body to develop fair pay agreements for social care workers in Wales. 

Bowden added: “The social care workforce deserves fair pay and real progression opportunities, the offer of specialist training, and the confidence that social care is not just a job – it can be a lifelong career. 

“Today’s announcements are about making that a reality.”