Skills gaps in social care: A rapid review
Background
In light of the policy ambition to increase the professionalism of the social care workforce, this evidence review examines where gaps in the skills of the social care workforce lie. A skills gap analysis, grounded in a scoping review, explored what skills are deemed essential or desirable, what skills are currently possessed, and if there is a gap between the two. The review focuses on the frontline of care and support. It excludes professionals working in adult social care such as social workers, registered nurses and occupational therapists as these have their own professional competencies.
Purpose of study
The main purpose of the study was to understand where and among whom current skills gaps exist in the social care workforce.
Timescale
November 2021 – April 2022
Funding
NIHR Policy Research Programme
Methods
This was a scoping review of existing evidence.
Principal Investigator
Professor Emerita of Social Work