We spoke to Marlene Kelly, who has been working as a Facilitator for IMPACT on a one-year project looking at recruiting more men working in social care.
My project started with an evidence review (so looking at the research) followed by conversations with men who work in social care, and those who don’t, and many others including individuals using services. We looked to understand the factors influencing this, asking men what they felt the opportunities, barriers and recommendations they had to recruit more men to the sector.
The findings revealed several key barriers:
- Lack of awareness: Many men are unaware of the diverse roles and opportunities available within the social care sector.
- Gender stereotypes: social care is continually associated with femininity, putting men off a career in this field.
- Social stigma: Men who do work in social care may face judgment or stigma, leading to feelings of isolation or shame.
Despite these challenges, many men felt social care offers a rewarding and fulfilling career. It provides opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
It was felt the main points we need to address are:
- Increase awareness: Promote the diverse roles and career paths available within the sector.
- Challenge stereotypes: Advocate for a more inclusive perception of social care.
For more details, please download our summary report.
To address common misconceptions, we have developed a myth-busting tool that can be shared with individuals outside the sector, particularly young people. Additionally, we have created a tool to support organisations in recruiting and retaining men within the sector. You will find links to all these resources here.
We hope this information proves beneficial.