Charity calls for learning disability providers to share their views

Learning disability providers are being encouraged to share their perspective on the last 12 months, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, to build an informed picture of the financial health of the social care sector.

The annual Sector Pulse Check survey, commissioned by the national learning disabilities charity, Hft, opened on Friday (11 December) and will run for two weeks. It aims to provide a yearly snapshot of the financial health of the learning disability social care sector based on analysis of responses from providers.

Since 2016, Hft has been commissioning independent economics and business consultancy Cebr to produce its annual research, which analyses the impact of challenges facing the sector, focusing largely on finances, as well as this year covering the impact of Covid-19 on staff and people they support.

Given the unprecedented challenges faced as a result of Covid-19, Hft is encouraging all learning disability care providers to take part to ensure the report is truly representative of the sector’s experience.

Senior leaders in organisations which provide care for people with learning disabilities, are being asked to complete the survey by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B78H5TK before the closing date of 31 December.

The findings of the Sector Pulse Check report will be published early next year, with the valuable data used to inform conversations highlighting key issues – including the vital question of social care funding – to decision makers over the coming year.

Victoria Hemmingway, Public Affairs and Policy Manager said: “I am delighted that Hft’s Sector Pulse Check survey is now live. This has been a year unlike any other with Covid-19 placing unforeseen pressures on the sector. As parts of the economy struggle as a result of the pandemic, it is vitally important that we gain an understanding of the care sector’s financial health, and how this will impact on the support it provides to some of the most vulnerable adults in society. I would urge all learning disability care providers to take part.”