A chance to explore Skills for Care priorities for the year ahead and the progress of the Social Care Workforce Strategy.
The meeting offers members a unique opportunity to meet with Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive at Skills for Care, and Jane Brightman, Director of Workforce Strategy. They will update members about Skills for Care’s current priorities, including the Social Care Workforce Strategy. Additionally, members will have an opportunity to ask questions, including the planned changes to how Skills for Care is funded, its approach to partnerships with the third sector, and the implications for VODG members.


Director of Workforce Strategy, Skills for Care
We welcome questions in advance. Please submit questions by midday on 16 May.
Please note that should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks' notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as a standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Chief Executive , Skills for Care
Oonagh Smyth CBE is Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Care, the strategic workforce planning and development body for adult social care in England. Since joining in 2020, she has led sector‑wide work to strengthen workforce capacity, capability, and sustainability, including leading the development of the first comprehensive Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy for England.
Oonagh holds an undergraduate degree in law, a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law from Queen’s University Belfast and Masters degree in Executive Coaching from Ashridge Business School. She brings extensive experience in strategy, governance, and equality across adult social care, including eight years at Mencap as Executive Director of Strategy and Influence, and a period acting as Chief Executive.
She works closely with national and local partners on system‑wide workforce reform and sits on several advisory groups, including Think Local Act Personal and Coventry University’s Vice‑Chancellor’s Health Advisory Board. Oonagh is a Non‑Executive Director at CU Health and Care Limited, a former Co‑Chair of the Care and Support Alliance, and an accredited executive coach.
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