Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support care workers to recognise the signs of domestic violence.

Care Quality Commission regulated providers have a key role in safeguarding adults. All relevant professions are subject to employer checks and controls, and employers in the health and care sector must satisfy themselves regarding the skills and competence of their staff.

In January 2024, the Department published the first part of the Care Workforce Pathway, the new national career structure for adult social care, and linked to this we have also launched the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate. Both the pathway and new qualification cover the learning outcome to reduce the likelihood of abuse, linked to safeguarding.

On 6 September 2024, the Department launched the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme. This scheme allows eligible employers to claim funding for certain training and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff, including the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.