In an interview with Care Home Professional, Dimensions Chief Executive, Rachael Dodgson expressed her disappointment with the recent budget announcement, particularly regarding unexpected increases in national insurance contributions, despite expected support for an international living wage rise.
Rachael emphasised the urgent need for investment in social care, warning that without appropriate funding, smaller providers may struggle to offer necessary support, adversely impacting those in need and their families.
Rachael shared her involvement in an open letter campaign urging a review of the budget, noting unprecedented unity within the sector across varied provider types and stressed the importance of raising social care issues within government discussions, pointing out the significant interdependence between the NHS and social care services.
Discussing the challenges Dimensions is facing, Rachael pointed out Dimensions efforts to retain staff by paying 90% of our workforce above the real living wage. However, she expressed concerns that the budget constraints might undermine these efforts and result in further workforce depletion as employees might seek opportunities in other sectors.
Reflecting on her personal journey through social care, Rachael shared her extensive experience, including her time at the Care Quality Commission. She noted the evolving complexity of care needs and the increasing digital skills required for support workers.
Despite the prevailing challenges, Rachael remains optimistic about the potential for unity within the sector and hopes for positive changes that could benefit social care in the future.