You are here: Home » Resources »
The Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029 has published its dedicated Adult Social Care Sector Skills Plan, setting out the workforce priorities and actions needed to support one of the region’s largest and most important sectors. Adult social care employs an estimated 54,000 people across Kent and Medway and plays a vital role in supporting residents, communities and the wider health and care system.
However, the sector continues to face significant workforce challenges. Employers report persistent recruitment and retention difficulties, an ageing workforce, high vacancy levels and increasing demand for skills as care becomes more complex and digitally enabled. Around 2,700 posts are currently unfilled, while approximately one in five workers leave their role each year, creating ongoing pressure on service delivery.
Key Priorities for Adult Social Care
The Adult Social Care Sector Plan identifies several priorities that will help strengthen workforce capacity and build a sustainable talent pipeline:
Turning Priorities into Action
The plan sets out a programme of practical activity designed to support recruitment, retention and progression within the sector.
This includes improving careers education and promotion, ensuring adult social care is better represented in schools, colleges and careers services. Employers and providers will work together to create a more visible and coordinated pathway into care careers, helping attract new entrants and improve understanding of the opportunities available.
Recognising the challenges of releasing staff for training, the plan also supports the development of flexible, bite-sized learning delivered through blended and workplace-based approaches. Training will focus on areas identified by employers, including digital care, dementia and delegated healthcare tasks, helping staff build confidence while supporting service delivery.
A significant focus is also placed on leadership and progression. The sector faces growing succession challenges, particularly amongst Registered Managers, and the plan sets out actions to strengthen mentoring, leadership development and progression pathways aligned to the Care Workforce Pathway.
Employer Perspective
Pia Rathje Burton, Locality Manager (London & South East) at Skills for Care said:
“It’s fantastic to see Adult Social Care recognised as a priority sector within the Kent & Medway LSIP, with a clear and ambitious action plan for the next three years. I’m particularly pleased to see the strong emphasis on careers, workforce development and leadership pathways. Thank you for listening to the voices of the adult social care managers throughout this process. As part of Skills for Care, I look forward to continuing our partnership to support the development of a skilled, confident and sustainable social care workforce across Kent and Medway.”
Looking Ahead
The Adult Social Care Sector Plan provides a roadmap for building a resilient, skilled and sustainable workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for care across Kent and Medway. By strengthening recruitment, supporting progression and making training more accessible, the plan aims to improve workforce stability, support career development and ensure high-quality care can continue to be delivered across the region.
Get Involved
The success of the Adult Social Care Sector Plan relies on continued employer engagement. Whether you are interested in supporting careers engagement, offering placements, contributing to curriculum development or helping shape future workforce priorities, we would welcome your involvement.
To find out more about the Adult Social Care Sector Plan or opportunities to support delivery of the LSIP priorities, please contact the Kent & Medway LSIP team at lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk.
Read the full Adult Social Care Sector Skills Plan below and explore the wider Kent & Medway LSIP 2026-2029 on the LSIP website here.
