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Skills for Care has launched a new suite of Practical approach toolkits designed to support adult social care providers and local systems to adopt proven, real‑world methods for tackling workforce challenges.
The toolkits move beyond high‑level case studies, offering a detailed exploration of how successful engagement models have been designed, implemented and embedded over time. By breaking down what works in practice, the resources provide organisations with the insight and confidence to adapt these approaches within their own local context.
We were delighted to be consulted and to contribute to the development of one of these new resources, which highlights our sector‑specific engagement approach and its role in ensuring adult social care providers have a clear, consistent voice in local skills planning through the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
The Practical approach resource explores how our Kent & Medway LSIP model has supported more meaningful dialogue between providers, educators and system partners, helping adult social care gain greater visibility and influence in shaping workforce priorities across Kent and Medway.
Reflecting on why Skills for Care chose to feature this work, Rob Hargreaves, Central Engagement Lead at Skills for Care, said:
“We wanted to shine a light on what KICC has achieved because they’ve demonstrated how practical, thoughtful engagement can make a tangible difference. Their approach makes it easier for providers to contribute and helps ensure the insight gathered truly reflects the realities of the sector.”
Rob highlighted that a key strength of the approach lies in removing barriers to participation:
“KICC worked hard to create environments where providers felt comfortable sharing what’s really happening on the ground. Using trusted networks, familiar formats and protected discussion time meant the conversations were candid, constructive and genuinely useful.”
The resource outlines how structured roundtables, provider‑only sessions and targeted outreach have helped to build stronger relationships and a clearer understanding of workforce challenges and opportunities within the adult social care sector.
Rob also emphasised why this practical model may resonate with other areas:
“What stands out about the Chamber’s work is its focus on what’s realistic and sustainable. This isn’t about large‑scale reform — it’s about consistent, well‑designed engagement that respects people’s time and captures insight that can be acted on. It’s a sensible, achievable model that others could adapt.”
Our decision to recognise adult social care as a distinct sector was also highlighted as a key factor in the success of the approach:
“Separating adult social care from broader health discussions made a real difference. It gave providers space to talk openly and helped ensure that workforce planning genuinely reflected their needs. That clarity has strengthened the impact of the work.”
Looking ahead, Rob explained why Skills for Care was keen to share this example more widely:
“We’re keen to celebrate approaches that bring people together and lead to better decisions. KICC’s work shows what can be achieved when engagement is deliberate, inclusive and rooted in real experience. It’s a great example of sector collaboration done well.”
Early users of the toolkit have described it as clear, practical and highly relevant. They praised its straightforward structure, plain language and real‑world examples, which make the approach feel usable in any area. Many highlighted the value of the resource as a benchmarking tool, helping organisations sense‑check their current practice and spark ideas for more confident, consistent engagement across their local systems.
Why this matters
The approach demonstrated by KICC shows that:
This model offers a practical reference point for organisations seeking to strengthen provider involvement in skills planning and workforce development activity.
Tristram Gardner, Deputy CEO of Skills for Care, said:
“Skills for Care’s Practical approaches toolkits give organisations a clear understanding of how successful workforce models have been developed and embedded. By setting out practical steps and tested methods, they offer a useful resource for anyone looking to strengthen their workforce and improve outcomes for people who draw on care and support. Together, the toolkits provide evidence‑informed learning to help organisations build capability, boost retention and enhance care quality across adult social care. We sincerely thank all the organisations who contributed by sharing their success stories.”
Explore the toolkit step-by-step, or go straight to the sections most relevant to you. Each section includes practical recommendations to support you in applying the approach in practice.
Designed as a concise summary, this brings together the core context, the approach taken, the key decisions behind the model and a clear timeline of how the transformation unfolded.
