Are you a Registered Nurse or a frontline team member working in Adult Social Care and passionate about shaping the future of the adult social care sector? If so, joining your Regional Social Care Nursing Advisory Council (SCNAC) could be one of the most rewarding and influential steps in your career.
As someone who understands the unique challenges and strengths of nursing in social care, your voice is needed—now more than ever—to help guide strategy, inform policy, and champion the incredible work happening across our sector every day.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences, particularly those from groups that have been historically underrepresented in leadership roles within social care.
We are committed to ensuring that our council reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Your unique perspective matters, and your voice is essential to shaping an inclusive and equitable future for social care.
Understanding the diversity of the sector
Adult social care is a richly diverse sector that supports people to live independently, safely, and with dignity in a range of settings. This includes domiciliary (home-based) care, where care is delivered in individuals’ own homes; supported living services for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, or physical disabilities; residential care homes offering 24-hour support in a communal environment; and nursing homes, where clinical care is provided by registered nurses. Social care also spans day services, reablement teams, extra care housing, Education and more. Each setting plays a vital role in meeting the varied needs of people in our communities—and we welcome professionals from all corners of this sector to get involved in shaping its future.
The Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan outlines a bold shift in how care will be delivered across the system—with a focus on moving from hospital to community, the Neighbourhood Health Service, from analogue to digital, and from treating sickness to prioritising prevention. For these ambitions to succeed, social care must be at the forefront, not on the periphery. Now is the time for those working in adult social care—across domiciliary care, supported living, residential and nursing homes—to shape and influence these changes. By joining your Regional Social Care Nursing Advisory Council, you can ensure the sector’s voice is central to redesigning a system that works with and for the people we support.
What Is SCNAC?
The Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNACs) are part of a national initiative supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Skills for Care and delivered through The Outstanding Society (OS). Each regional council acts as a vital bridge between frontline social care nursing professionals, our colleagues in the NHS and national decision-makers.
These councils aren’t just discussion groups—they’re dynamic leadership platforms. SCNACs work closely with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Regional Chief Nursing Officers, and national policymakers to ensure that the voice of social care is heard and that the profession’s impact is recognised, supported, and advanced.
Why Join the Regional Council?
Here are five compelling reasons to get involved:
- Be a Voice for Social Care Nursing and the wider sector
SCNACs ensure that those delivering care have direct influence on how care is shaped. As a member or future Co-Chair, you’ll represent frontline experience and help shape regional and national strategies that reflect real-world needs.
- Develop Your Leadership Skills
Whether you’re already in a leadership position or looking to grow professionally, the SCNAC offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with other senior professionals, gain insight into policy-making, and build confidence in your leadership voice.
- Network Across Systems
You’ll engage with a wide range of stakeholders—from local authorities and ICBs to national agencies and fellow care providers. This is a rare chance to broaden your connections and stay at the forefront of sector developments.
- Shape the Narrative
From contributing to newsletters and podcasts to shaping social media and digital content, SCNAC members help tell the story of social care and nursing within the sector. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase best practices, highlight regional successes, and share what matters most to your teams and services.
- Make a Lasting Impact
This isn’t a passive role. SCNAC members help deliver outcomes, guide performance indicators, and influence policies that will affect care for years to come. Your input will help ensure our sector remains sustainable, person-centred, and professionally respected.
Who Can Join?
To be eligible for a Co-Chair position—or even just to get involved as a regional member—you’ll need to:
- Be a Registered Nurse with an active NMC PIN. (For a future co-chair role)
- Currently work within the Adult Social Care sector.
- Have a sound understanding of the social care landscape.
- Be ready to collaborate, lead, and represent your peers.
Leadership experience is a plus, but what’s most important is passion, commitment, and a desire to raise the bar for social care.
The Commitment
While the Co-Chair role formally asks for dedicated time, your broader engagement can be tailored to your availability for membership in each regional council. The regional councils meet once a quarter with further opportunities to take part or lead in task and finish groups. Participation is flexible, meaningful, and fully supported by The Outstanding Society.
Ready to Get Involved?
Joining your Regional SCNAC isn’t just about meetings and minutes. It’s about influence, inspiration, and impact.
Whether you’re considering applying for the Regional Co-Chair role or would simply like to learn more about council involvement, now is the time to step forward. Bring your voice to the table—and help ensure that social care continues to lead, innovate, and thrive.
For more information on the SCNAC and opportunities to get involved, reach out to The Outstanding Society or speak to your regional contacts today.
https://theoutstandingsociety.co.uk/scnac/
Contact Sonia: Admin.SCNAC@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk
