The Casey Commission is Talking About My Future
Blog by Hannah Reseigh-Lincoln, Support worker and member of the Care Worker Advisory Board and Champions Project
It was 5am on a cold, wet and dark November morning in 2025 when I woke very early to make the 30-minute walk to the train station. I was ready to start my journey to Central London for a morning meeting at the Cabinet Office. It was eerily quiet, not even the dog walkers had ventured out yet. Why was I making such a trip on my only day off in a seven-day week?
I’d been invited by the Care Workers’ Charity (where I currently sit on their Advisory Board) to serve as a care worker representative in an evidence session, which was specifically requested by the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care (aka the Casey Commission), led by Baroness Casey. The purpose was to gather evidence on how the adult social care system currently operates and to generate ideas for meaningful change.
I’ve watched interviews with Baroness Casey and she comes across as very genuine and pragmatic, and she seems positive that change is possible in the sector that I’ve chosen as my profession. It gives me real hope that things can improve for a dedicated care workforce that’s under real pressure with very little reward.
I became a front-line domiciliary care worker four years ago after going through a complete career change. I had spent my first 15 years following graduation in the corporate world. I have learnt that care work is a real calling. The people who do this work are special; they are humble and so hard-working. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted!
To be honest after my first evening out in the field on my own, I almost packed the whole thing in. After eventually finding the houses that I needed in the dark, I couldn’t get the doors unlocked or identify which key I needed (after finally figuring out how to open the key safes!).
I’m so glad I stuck with it as the job has been so rewarding and much more varied than I ever imagined (I’ve taken clients to weekly church services, even once to a wedding). I now work in residential care, supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism. I see every day what an impact even the smallest things that I do can have on their lives. I still visit and write to some of my previous homecare clients who have such a special place in my heart. The stories they share, the gratitude they express made all the long shifts more than worthwhile.
Through my volunteer roles on both the Care Workers’ Charity and Homecare Voices Advisory Board, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of important conversations, lend my knowledge and experience to social care research projects and test out and feedback on training programmes and new technologies.
There is starting to be a real shift in attitudes, with care workers slowly (and rightly!) being included in discussions around policy. Individuals and organisations at a high level are beginning to listen to the valuable voices of care workers. Not in a tokenistic or performative way, but a real desire to understand the challenges we face. So, when I was given the opportunity to attend and share my experiences, I jumped at the chance.
I’d been given some case studies to read ahead of the meeting and we had a clear agenda. The meeting was a short one so I knew I had to think about the key issues I wanted to get across. Those issues that really affect care workers on the front line, day in day out (evenings, weekends and bank holidays included!).
I always feel privileged, excited and slightly nervous being part of these discussions. While I know my views are important, it’s hard not to feel intimidated when you are being escorted to a conference room in London where the Battle of Britain was coordinated!
I met Karolina Gerlich (CEO of CWC) and knew two other care workers from Homecare Voices also taking part (Rachel Kelso and Julie Sansom) – it’s always comforting to see familiar faces. There were around 20 representatives from across adult social care. I recognised Jane Townsend from The Homecare Association. It was disappointing that Baroness Casey herself could not attend but nonetheless we got stuck into the agenda.
During the meeting, we were split into groups to review a case study, brainstorm the issues and focus on solutions. A member from each group was then selected to feedback to the main group.
During the discussion session, I was honest and open about the experiences we face because when time is short, there’s no time to sugar coat the facts. All the feedback and suggestions were collected and will form part of the final review.
I’m hopeful that this review will lead to positive outcomes. As is often the case, things do not move quickly however more information on the meeting and other updates was included in the Casey Commission monthly newsletter link here: https://caseycommission.co.uk/2026/03/march-2026-newsletter/ and you can subscribe to updates from the Casey Commission by signing up here https://caseycommission.co.uk/news/sign-up/
After these types of pivotal meetings, something that I feel is important to reflect on is that while leaders, researchers and directors can return to their important work (that’s well respected and fairly remunerated), I know I must go back to my day-to-day frontline job. The difficulties and injustices that I often try to ignore, are now very much at the forefront of my mind.
It can make it difficult to motivate myself once I return to my reality, hopeful for change but knowing I must keep going in the meantime. I don’t say this to discourage our inclusion, but I think this honest aspect of the experience is important to note.
Something that I hope comes from the Casey commission review is a real change in the way the social care sector is managed. Rather than trying to plaster over the many cracks that exist in a broken system, I would like to see the implementation of a National Care Service. One that would bring consistency, recognition and security to ensure the retention of the workforce. One that will promote and protect the safety and wellbeing of care workers and those that draw on care and support
My plea to those who have made it to the end of this blog (thank you for reading this far) is to continue to encourage the inclusion of frontline care workers in discussions that affect the future of adult social care. Care workers are vital cogs in the social care system. We know what’s not working and our voices can help shape the future, as it’s directly linked to our future.