For care providers, having the right nursing expertise available is an important part of meeting people’s needs, particularly as services support people with more complex health conditions and work more closely with other professionals.
The nursing workforce is changing, and the latest figures show both progress and challenges for adult social care. Skills for Care’s 2025/26 workforce report, published in October 2026, found that registered nurse posts in adult social care increased for a third consecutive year, while vacancy rates fell. However, growth is slowing, highlighting the importance of attracting and retaining experienced nurses.
Meeting changing care needs
Nursing in social care can involve supporting people with complex physical health conditions, learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. The work often requires close communication between registered nurses, support workers, families and other professionals.
For providers, this makes it important to understand the skills available within each team and where additional expertise may be needed. Staff need clear responsibilities, appropriate supervision and access to learning that reflects the people they support.
Support workers also play an important role in day-to-day care. Where healthcare activities are delegated to them, the responsibilities, training and competency requirements need to be clear. Clinical tasks must only be undertaken when they are appropriately delegated and the worker is competent and authorised to carry them out.
Keeping experienced nurses in social care
Recruiting nurses is only part of building a sustainable workforce. Retaining their knowledge and experience matters too.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council has highlighted the importance of continuing professional development, positive workplace cultures and good practice-learning opportunities in helping nurses remain in social care.
For providers, this means considering whether nurses have the support they need to carry out their roles, develop their skills and contribute to the wider team. Regular professional development, opportunities to share knowledge and clear communication between clinical and care staff can all form part of that approach.
It is also worth considering how nursing students and newly qualified professionals gain experience in social care settings. Exposure to different environments can help people understand the range of nursing roles available beyond traditional hospital settings.
Preparing your workforce for the future
The future of nursing in social care will depend on attracting new professionals, retaining experienced staff and ensuring that teams have the skills to respond to changing needs. For providers, reviewing workforce plans regularly can help identify where expertise is needed, which development opportunities would benefit existing staff and where additional staffing support may be required.
At Halo Staffing, we work with care providers to help meet additional staffing requirements across health and social care. If your service needs temporary cover or you would like to discuss your wider staffing requirements, we can work with you to understand the experience and skills needed.
Need additional staffing support?
Contact our friendly team on 0800 368 9644 or email [email protected] to find out how we can support you and your service.
