Implementing the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard in England: Early Observations

The implementation in England of a Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SCWRES), initially confined to social work, started with a first set of eighteen volunteer local authorities (LAs) in 2021. This article discusses a rapid evaluation of the SCWRES during its first year. We used Normalization Process Theory (NPT) to better understand the implementation process of this initiative. Thirty-one interviews were undertaken in 2021. Transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative approach and emerging themes were then mapped onto the NPT framework and its four main constructs. Using these we found some lack of clarity over the aims and data demands of the SCWRES (coherence), but generally substantial personal and employer investment in the intervention (cognitive participation); implementation was assisted by personal support to the LAs from senior managers at national level (collective action); and there was general constructive reflection and positive feedback about the SCWRES (reflexive monitoring). Barriers to implementation of new initiatives might be expected during a global pandemic. However, support for the SCWRES was generally high and participants considered they had learned much in its first six months despite pandemic pressures. This article highlights aspects of implementation to be addressed in any further SCWRES rollout. The Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SCWRES) was implemented in 2021 by eighteen volunteer local authorities (LAs). This article describes an early evaluation of the implementation processes. We conducted video-recorded interviews with thirty-one key players involved in implementation. Findings revealed strong personal and employer investment from all participants, despite some lack of clarity over aims and data demands required for the SCWRES. Barriers related to implementation related to rolling this out during a global pandemic. Support from senior management at the DHSC to LAs was welcomed and valuable, and there was generally positive feedback about how the SCWRES was received at LA level. Participants considered they had learnt much in the first six months of the initiative and this article highlights what can be applied in further SCWRES rollout.

Automated summary

The Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SCWRES) was implemented in 2021 by eighteen volunteer local authorities (LAs). This article describes an early evaluation of the implementation processes. We conducted video-recorded interviews with thirty-one key players involved in implementation. Findings revealed strong personal and employer investment from all participants, despite some lack of clarity over aims and data demands required for the SCWRES. Barriers related to implementation related to rolling this out during a global pandemic. Support from senior management at the DHSC to LAs was welcomed and valuable, and there was generally positive feedback about how the SCWRES was received at LA level. Participants considered they had learnt much in the first six months of the initiative and this article highlights what can be applied in further SCWRES rollout.