A Vision of Appreciation, Verification, and Professionalisation
Raj Johal, Liz Blacklock, and Katie Coffey delivered a compelling talk about how they are coming together to support the social care sector in being valued by the community. These driving forces behind this innovation were admired for their commitment to enhancing verification processes and ensuring care workers feel seen and appreciated.
Liz Blacklock, CEO of the National Association of Care and Support Workers (NACAS), began the talk by highlighting the relevance of the Care Professionals Register in light of the recent “Fake Carer” news story.
Raj Johal, Director of Blue Sky Social Care Card, agreed with Liz, stating, “No other sector has to work like this”, as she addressed the lack of verification and professionalism in social care.
Katie Coffey, Engagement Officer at ME Passport, brought compelling anecdotal quotes from users about how the initiative had impacted them. One word stood out from all the feedback she shared: “Seen.”
These initiatives represent more than just technological advancements; they symbolise a transformative shift in how social care can be perceived and supported.
The Care Professionals Register provides a standardised, trusted platform for verifying the credentials and experience of care workers, fostering transparency and trust.
ME Passport empowers care workers to carry a digital record of their qualifications, achievements, and employment history, facilitating seamless career progression and mobility.
The Blue Sky Social Care Card serves as an officially verified ID card for both paid and unpaid carers, offering access to discounts online and on the high street.
Johal, Blacklock, and Coffey also engaged with the audience, answering questions and listening to individual perspectives on how this collaboration could benefit them personally.
These tools are poised to work together to remove barriers, ensuring care professionals can focus on what they do best—providing compassionate support to those who need it most.