London, 19 November 2025 – The Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords was filled with energy, passion, and purpose as leaders from across health and social care came together for the Voices of Care: A Parliamentary Reception for Social Care Nursing.
Hosted by Baroness Watkins of Tavistock in collaboration with The Outstanding Society (OS) and sponsors Leaders in Care, the event celebrated the vital contributions of nurses in adult social care and called for bold action to support and elevate the profession.
Zoe Fry, representing the OS, shared the organisation’s journey and its role in driving excellence across the social care sector.
From the pioneering work of the Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils (SCNACs) to the groundbreaking Vivaldi study on care home infections, Zoë highlighted how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of care and noted,
"Social care nursing is a profession built on innovation and collaboration. From the SCNACs to the Vivaldi study, we’ve shown what’s possible when we work together. This event celebrates that progress and our commitment to even greater impact for those we care for."
Baroness Watkins delivered a powerful address, sharing her experience of the unique role of nurses in social care and the urgent need for workforce reform. She spoke of the importance of NHS-social care integration.
“As a nurse, I know firsthand the dedication and expertise required to deliver high-quality care. Social care nurses bring clinical skill and compassion to some of the most complex situations, yet their contribution is often overlooked. We must ensure they have the recognition, resources, and career pathways to thrive—because their work is essential to the health of our nation.”
We were delighted that Stephen Kinnock, MP and Minister of State for Care, was able to join us and generously make time to speak despite his other commitments.
Closing the event, England’s Chief Nurse Duncan Burton and Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Professor Deborah Sturdy, championed collaborative work between the NHS and social care as well as showcasing recent milestones, including the launch of the first RCN Foundation Chair in Adult Social Care Nursing and a new preceptorship programme led by Skills for Care. Professor Sturdy said,
"Social Care nursing plays a pivotal role in delivering care and support system-wide. I am delighted that we have seen so much innovation and recognition of this. Research, nurse leadership, nursing prescribing pilots and undergraduate placement strategy are fundamental aspects of building the specialism.
The Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils are playing an important role in ensuring the voice of social care nursing sits alongside that of NHS nurse colleagues. They are proving as equal partners to demonstrate through innovative and creative initiatives change to improve the care and support provided to hundreds of thousands of people”.
The reception was a testament to the power of partnership between social care and the NHS, the strength of the nursing community, and the shared vision for a more integrated, resilient, and respected social care system.
