Workforce Innovation in Long-term Care: Insights from three UK studies

The Care Economy Research Institute (CERI), in partnership with the La Trobe Business School, is pleased to welcome Serena Vicario. In this seminar, Serena will draw on three UK-based studies to examine:

i) How workforce innovation can be defined and identified within the fragmented long-term care (LTC) sector

ii) The extent and nature of current workforce innovation

iii) Key examples of innovative practices emerging in practice.

Long-term care (LTC) is a labour-intensive sector, and having a sufficient workforce is essential to meet the needs of a growing population requiring care. Yet the International Labour Organization has long warned of a looming global care work crisis. Reflecting this trend, the UK has faced a persistent LTC workforce shortage. In England alone, around 1.8 million people work in the sector, but further 540,000 posts (+29%) will be needed by 2040 (Skills for Care, 2024). Innovation is often promoted as a way to tackle pressing societal challenges, including those affecting LTC. In recent years, UK social policy has shown renewed interest in workforce-focused innovation, mirrored by a growing body of research.