VODG Responds to the Prime Minister's Speech on Social Care and the Big Conversation in Care

We welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to put social care at the centre of national renewal and the launch of the Casey Commission's Big Conversation on Care. This is a significant opportunity to build the broad public consensus needed to deliver lasting reform and create a care system that enables disabled people of all ages to live independent, fulfilling lives.

VODG and our members have been proud to contribute to the Commission's evidence gathering and have consistently made the case to Government for recognising the vital contribution of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. Every day, our members provide high-quality care and support, innovate alongside communities, create skilled employment, and help reduce pressure on the NHS and wider public services.

Today's announcement must mark the beginning of a genuine partnership with disabled people, families, carers and the organisations that support them. A future National Care Service must be co-produced with those who draw on care and support, may need to in the future, and those who deliver it. It should recognise social care in its own right, as a driver of independence, inclusion and economic growth, not simply a service of last resort or partner to the NHS.

As the Commission's work progresses, VODG will continue to ensure the expertise and experience of VCFSE organisations supporting disabled people is fully represented. Whether shaping a Fair Pay Agreement that strengthens the workforce, improving access to fast-track support for people living with motor neurone disease, helping to develop neighbourhood health frameworks, or championing sustainable investment in community-based support, we stand ready to work with Government to deliver reforms that are ambitious, practical and built to last.

The decisions made over the coming months will shape social care for a generation. We look forward to working with the Government, Baroness Casey and partners across the sector to build a National Care Service that values disabled people, invests in the workforce and recognises the VCFSE sector as an essential partner in delivering better outcomes for people and communities.