On Tuesday, 19th November 2024, IMPACT officially launched the Recruiting More Men in Social Care Facilitator project at the WHO CARES WINS! National Care Careers Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Hallmark Foundation. Hosted at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the event brought together students, educators, and care professionals to celebrate the opportunities and rewards that come from a career in social care.
The launch marks a significant step for the project forward in addressing the gender imbalance in the care workforce, with the project showcasing practical solutions to increase male representation. Marlene Kelly, the project Facilitator, played a pivotal role in engaging directly with young people and sharing the project’s groundbreaking insights.
Addressing the Gender Imbalance
With men representing only 19% of the social care workforce [Skills for Care Workforce report 2023], IMPACT partnered with Paradise Independent Living in North London to explore barriers to male recruitment. The project aimed to uncover the challenges men face when entering the sector and develop tools to help organisations overcome these issues.
The journey began with an evidence review and continued through conversations with men in social care, those considering the field, and individuals using care services. The findings highlighted key themes such as personal relationships, job satisfaction, and the influence of gender perceptions.
Key Findings from the Project
Personal connections: Many men enter care roles through recommendations or personal experiences. While they many the work environment friendly and the work itself fulfilling, some report challenges like isolation and overwork.
Job satisfaction: Men in social care value the opportunity to make a difference and enjoy meaningful relationships with colleagues and service users, despite emotional challenges and undervaluation
Work condition and prospects: The care sector is seen as an accessible career option, with its flexibility and ‘opportunities to learn’ praised as its best aspects. In contrast however, its low pay, shift work and limited career progression were seen as negative aspects of the job.
Stereotypes as Barriers: The negative perceptions the care sector faces both internally and externally, including the idea that it is “women’s work” and undervalued.
A Milestone Event
The WHO CARES WINS! Conference provided an ideal platform to celebrate the project’s launch. Aimed at inspiring school and college students to explore careers in social care, the event emphasised the need for diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Attendees explored the Facilitator findings and its practical applications for improving male recruitment, through a myth busting activity. The conference highlighted how diverse perspectives, including those of male carers, can bring positive change to the field of social care.
For a closer look at the event, browse the photo highlights in our gallery below.
Building a More Inclusive Care Sector
The launch of the Men in Care Facilitator project is a step toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse care workforce. By addressing stereotypes and misconceptions, the initiative aims to create a sector where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
To learn more about the project and explore its findings, visit the project page here and find the resources, including the myth buster, here.
Health & Social Care Business Consultant, leading break out session at conference
