Social care training is set to be given a major push after the Liberal Democrats unveiled their plans for revitalising the UK’s care services.

The party have pledged a major push for increased training for those who work with vulnerable groups in social care if elected to government in this year’s General Election. The Coalition government has already made steps to improving the situation, with the introduction of the Care Certificate. Employers throughout the country have been using it since April 1st and it will be passing it will be mandatory for all new healthcare assistants and social care workers.

The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto, however, will take this even further. Social workers will receive specialised training for dealing with issues such as female genital mutilation, while there will be tough new licensing for care home managers, who will be required to undergo compulsory training as part of the licensing conditions.

It also plans on significantly expanding the Social Worker training scheme Frontline, with the ultimate aim of boosting the number of social workers to help fill shortages and improve the quality of care for vulnerable adults and children.

These pledges are just pledges after all. Whether they will be fulfilled will be up to the voters at this year’s General Election.