Strengthening the voice of Social Care providers

 The National Care Association (NCA) and Registered Nursing Home Association (RNHA), having worked closely together over the past four years, are delighted to announce that we are formalising our strong working relationship by merging the two organisations. The two organisations were formed more than four decades ago and remain the most established representative bodies serving our memberships.

 We have listened to the overwhelming voice of providers that social care needs a united voice to speak for the sector as we continue to face considerable challenges, especially as the Government’s reform agenda for our sector has been postponed again. Our vision is to influence policy and use our collective expertise to continue supporting the providers with:

  •  Regular updates on policy including the integration of health and social care and changes to regulation that continue to generate uncertainty.
  • Support with workforce challenges which include international recruitment.
  • A stronger DBS service.
  • Support from experts in the field on CQC matters and all other queries relating to running a care service.
  • Specific support will be available for: –
  • Nursing Care
  • Learning Disability provision
  • Older people provision
  • Homecare
  • Supported Living
  • Mental Health
  • Members events
  • Regular Webinars
  • Online meetings for members

 The merged organisation will be known as National Care Association: with over 1100 individual members it will be the largest social care trade association in the country. The name of the merged organisation is a reflection of the inclusivity with which all care services can identify. We believe it is crucial that Nursing Homes identify strongly with the new organisation, so the merged Board will have a qualified nurse as the Director of Nursing and other lead Directors to take responsibility for policy areas listed above. These experts will focus on the individual needs of each unique service area whilst being able to bring together common challenges and solutions that affect all service types.

 It has become increasingly clear that all our members face similar challenges, primarily concerning funding and the workforce. The merger will allow us greater ability and depth to support members with policy and operating environment changes.

 Ian Turner, Executive Chairman of RNHA and Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Chairman of NCA, will co-chair the new merged Board. They intend to manage the merger without interruption to current services and activities.

Ian Turner, Executive Co-Chairman, said:

The new NCA is the natural choice for all social care small and medium sized providers. We know our members do not have middle management to translate policy into action within their services; hence, we are used to performing that translation. As small and medium providers, we understand the need for advice and guidance to be practical for small businesses. Together we can strengthen our representation at Government level enhancing the services to our memberships.

 Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Co-Chairman, said: 

In the interest of our memberships, a strong and united force should emerge for all providers. We are facing a further delay in any promise of reform. As we face the challenges of delays, it is vital that we represent the interest of the small and medium providers. We have also heard Government ask for a united voice, and we believe we will be better positioned to deliver that through a merger.”

 Our priorities will be to ensure the workforce challenges are addressed, parity of funding with health is achieved, and support providers to expand digital and e-commerce.

 Current members of NCA and RNHA will automatically transfer to the newly merged entity, and contact points for members will initially remain the same. You will receive updates of any changes to services via email and newsletter. In addition, our new website www.nationalcareassociation.org.uk  is live; please take a look.

 We look forward to working with you to strengthen the provider’s voice and secure the necessary changes to ensure social care providers thrive.

 

Kent Office:
Suite 4 Beaufort House, Beaufort Court,
Sir Thomas Longley Road, Rochester, ME2 4FB.
Tel: 01634 716615
Email: info@nationalcareassociation.org.uk
 
Birmingham Office:
Derek Whittaker House, 50 Tunnel Lane,
Kings Norton, Birmingham. B30 3JN
Tel: 0121 451 1088
Email: info@rnha.co.uk
 
www.nationalcareassociation.org.uk
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