Strong Partnership
National Benchmark standards
Sharing Good Practice









The estimated UK social care workforce now totals 1.8 million job roles which represents 6% of total employment so it is important that we recognise the huge contribution these workers make and that as partners we work together to support their development
National Occupational Standards (NOS) are developed collaboratively by our partner organisations together with social care employers. These are standards of practice that people must achieve when working in certain social service roles and include knowledge and understanding linked to that role.
SfCD partners adhere to shared principles for learning and qualifications in the care sector across the UK. The principles demonstrate how working as a partnership enhances the work of SfCD partners.
For agreed principles and approaches to assessment within qualifications

Care is one of the fastest growing areas of employment in the UK, with more and more people needing our services. Never before have there been so many great career opportunities. If you want to discover whether a job in social care is for you visit our A Question of Care: A career for you site. This is an interactive video challenge to help you to see what a career in care is really like
The economic value of the social care sector Commissioned by Skills for Care & Development and produced by ICF Consulting Limited, this report shows that the adult social care sector in the UK contributes £46.2 billion to the economy so it is a sector that matters enormously to the UK economy.

It represents 6% of total employment and the average earnings are £17,300. The average full time equivalent worker generated £19,700 of value towards the economy.
The report shares the economic impact of a growing sector offering services in 45,000 sites across the UK in 1.8 million job roles.
Separate reports for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have also been published