It is ten years since the Care Act 2014 came into effect. The act brought in new approaches and intended to modernise adult social care but has this been achieved? New Research in Practice resources explore the impact of the legislation.
The Care Act 2014 was a catalyst for real change. It paved the way for strengths-based practice, advanced adult safeguarding, and established carers as a fundamental resource. It also consolidated existing law relating to adults with care needs and emphasised the importance of wellbeing.
At the 2025 Research in Practice adults Partnership Conference, we heard from a diverse range of professionals who played a role in implementing that change. A series of new videos share a few of those perspectives, considering:
- What implementation meant for different areas, and how the intended shift from risk management towards more strengths-based approaches manifested in reality.
- The way the Care Act 2014 boosted the legal status of the Principal Social Worker role and of adult safeguarding overall.
- The aspirations for the next ten years, and the impact of technological and digital transformation.
The videos highlight the extent to which embracing the act made a difference for those receiving care and support. In a new blog, Lauren Beamish provides an overview of the conference and what was discussed.
Despite some challenges, the legislation has brought forward many positive changes to adult social care.
Ten years of the Care Act and beyond: A range of perspectives
The Care Act 2014 was a catalyst for change across the social work sector. These videos highlight the extent to which embracing it made a difference for those receiving care and support.
Reflecting on the impact of the Care Act over a decade
In this blog, Lauren Beamish reflects on the impact of the Care Act 2014 over the last decade. At the 2025 Research in Practice adults Partnership Conference we heard from a diverse range of speakers.
Ten years of the Care Act 2014
A conversation between Philip Anderson, Strategic Director for External Affairs at the National Children's Bureau and Gerry Nosowska, former chair of the British Association of Social Workers. They focus is 10 years of the act, its development, delivery and unrealised potential.
The Care Act and me: Ten years
Phillip Anderson, Strategic Director for External Affairs at the National Children's Bureau, reflects on the development of the act ten years ago. He shares his thoughts on the thoughtful and passionate ambitions of the landmark legislation, and the myriad of obstacles.
In our short clip below, Sherrelle Parke provides an overview of the legislation.
Ten years of the Care Act 2014
A conversation between Philip Anderson, Strategic Director for External Affairs at the National Children's Bureau and Gerry Nosowska, Director of Effective Practice and former chair of the British Association of Social Workers. The focus is 10 years of the Care Act 2014, its development, delivery and unrealised potential.
The Care Act and me: Ten years and counting
Phillip Anderson, Strategic Director for External Affairs at NCB, reflects on the development of the Care Act 10 years ago. He shares his thoughts on the thoughtful and passionate ambitions of the landmark legislation, and the myriad of obstacles that hindered its progress.