Connect2Hampshire's Review on the Evolving Care Sector

The social care sector continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by new policies, shifting budgets, and changing workforce dynamics. Over the past year, professionals across the sector have witnessed significant developments that are influencing recruitment, retention, and day-to-day practice. In this blog, one of our talented team member has shared their perspectives on key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the social care market today. Whether you’re currently seeking your next role or looking to understand the broader landscape, these insights offer valuable guidance for navigating this dynamic environment.

What changes have you observed in the social care market over the past year?

Lisa:
Over the past year, two key things have really changed the locum market. First, tighter budgets across local authorities have made it harder to get sign-off for locum cover, which has slowed things down. On top of that, the DfE's requirement for candidates to have three years of post-qualification experience (PQE) has shrunk the available talent pool. These two factors combined have made it a lot tougher to find and place the right people.

In what ways have changes to local authority budgets affected recruitment in the past year?

Lisa:
Budget restrictions have definitely had an impact. We’re seeing fewer locum roles available, with a real shift in focus towards permanent recruitment. For locums, it’s really important to be aware of these budget constraints, but also to understand the DfE rules and how their experience level—particularly around the 3 years PQE requirement—can affect the roles they’re eligible for.

What advice would you offer to practitioners currently looking for their next role in social care?

Lisa:
My main tip is to really focus on your CV—make sure it’s clear, accurate, and clearly outlines your experience, especially in relation to the PQE requirement. If you have the right experience and are working with an expert QSW talent partner, they’ll be able to present you with a variety of suitable opportunities.

Looking ahead, what do you believe will be the most significant change in the social care sector over the next year?

Lisa:
I think the DfE implementation date will have a significant impact on the social care market. The sector will need to adapt accordingly, and I believe we’ll gain valuable insights once the changes come into effect across all assignments. It’s likely to reshape how we approach both recruitment and long-term workforce planning.