University of Sunderland hosts international care workforce conference

The University of Sunderland, in partnership with Training in Care (TIC), hosted the Raising the Profile of the Care Workforce International Conference at Hope Street Xchange. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including employers, educators, policymakers, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience, to address the challenges of attracting and developing the next generation of care workers.

Discussions focused on creating career opportunities, raising the sector's profile, and establishing clearer routes into higher education and professional regulatory programmes. Participants examined how to support career progression as the demand for care grows and the complexity of needs increases.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, opened the conference by emphasizing the role of universities and partner organizations in building a sustainable workforce. The event also featured contributions from Sue Brent, Head of the University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dr Angela Brown, founder and chief executive of TIC and The Care People CIC. Additionally, a video message from Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson was shared during the proceedings.