The National Care Forum (NCF) has launched a new programme to help not-for-profit care and support providers strengthen employment practices and prepare for major changes introduced through the Employment Rights Act (ERA).
The Leading Better Employment Practice programme will support providers by sharing best practice, helping organisations comply with new legislation, promoting values-led approaches to workers' rights, improving workforce data and benchmarking, and supporting learning and development across adult social care.
Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of NCF, said: "This period has been one of the busiest we have seen in terms of employment rights reform and the government's Make Work Pay agenda, which is introducing a step change in employment law. These changes will directly affect how providers recruit, manage, reward and support their workforce."
She added: "As well as finding ways to be the best employers they can be, our members are also leading the way on use of data to make informed decisions on staff pay, terms and conditions. To further facilitate this, we are pleased that in the coming weeks we will launch the 2026 Social Care Reward Survey."
Phil Orton, Deputy Chief Executive at Making Space and Chair of NCF's HR Community of Practice, said: "It's great to see this proactive leadership from NCF through the Leading Better Employment Practice programme, helping not-for-profit care and support providers navigate the scale of change coming through the Employment Rights Act and making sure the voice of our sector is properly reflected as policy develops."
He added: "Changes to trade union rights and industrial relations will require open, constructive relationships built on trust and respect, with a real focus on engagement with colleagues at a local level."
Hannah Bollard, Senior Associate at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, said: "The Employment Rights Act represents one of the most significant programmes of employment law reform in recent years and will have far-reaching implications for care and support providers. We are proud to support NCF's Leading Better Employment Practice programme, drawing on our specialist knowledge of the sector to help members understand, prepare for and respond to the changes ahead."
The programme will also include webinars to help employers understand the Employment Rights Act, industrial relations and effective workforce engagement.
