Natalie Scarimbolo, Project Manager, Skills for Care
Natalie Scarimbolo, Project Manager at Skills for Care discusses why supporting our sector’s registered managers has never been more important.
The role and responsibilities of registered managers is incredibly vast and critical – they are some of the most skilled and committed professionals in our sector and frequently demonstrate a breath-taking balance of technical and legislative knowledge, problem-solving, compassion and empathy, all while providing the best care for the people they support and their workforce.
In 2021/22 there were around 23,500 registered managers in post in the adult social care sector with 78% having been in the sector for 10 years or more.
It is estimated that 7,500 registered managers (32%) are due to retire in the next 15 years. The vacancy and turnover rate of registered managers is high, so we need to think about how we identify and support the managers of the future; succession planning is key to ensuring that services continue to provide well-led, consistent quality care.
At Skills for Care, we are constantly working to ensure that registered managers receive the praise and professional recognition they deserve through various initiatives, including our membership offer. Through membership, we support managers to develop best practice and knowledge, keep up-to-date with sector developments and share ideas with like-minded peers.
Did you know Skills for Care supports over 145 local networks across England? We know that registered managers often feel isolated in their role, and other registered managers are one of the best sources of support, which is why we set up the local networks. The networks are a safe space for managers to come together and connect with peers in their local area, offering support and guidance and a place to discuss challenges and opportunities.
A registered manager told us recently after attending their local network that it is ‘a safe place to network with other managers who share compassion and determination to get through the most challenging of times, an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings whilst supporting each other with constantly changing guidance.’
We also understand the key role that deputy managers provide. Deputies are the managers of the future and supporting them in their role is crucial to the stability and continuity of services. Skills for Care supports a series of regional deputy manager networks to provide deputies, team leaders and aspiring leaders a place to connect and learn with others.
With succession planning in mind, Skills for Care has designed ‘Digital learning for managers’ modules which have been developed for our future managers. It is vital to provide this opportunity for new and aspiring managers to develop and progress their career, and it can also help employers retain their staff.
At the heart of every outstanding service is a manager who’s working hard to ensure that they can create a person-centred culture that delivers great, high-quality care – and their staff are supported, recognised and valued. It is so important that we ensure that our registered managers are supported and have the resources that they need to help them in their role.
