At The Care Workers’ Charity, we regularly engage with incredible leaders in the care sector who are shaping the future of social care. For this edition of Talking Heads, I, Shanna Wells, Head of Marketing and Events at The CWC, spoke with Paul Hayes, CEO of Cornerstone. Paul shared insights into his journey in the care sector, the values driving his organisation, and the importance of supporting care workers through initiatives like The Care Workers’ Charity.
Shanna Wells (SW): Paul, can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current role?
Paul Hayes (PH): Absolutely, Shanna. My journey started when I was 16, working in the kitchen of a nursing home for people with dementia as an after-college and weekend job. I was tasked with collecting crockery after dinner, but I always found myself chatting with the residents—it was the highlight of my day. I fell in love with the work and soon asked to become a care assistant. I even left college, where I was studying A-Levels, to work full-time as a care assistant. That’s how it all began.
What inspired me then continues to inspire me today: working in care is so much more than a job. It’s a vocation. The relationships and bonds we form as human beings are the most important constants in our lives. To be a carer, or to work in health and social care in any capacity, is to make a profound and varied contribution to others’ lives. It’s the most rewarding and motivating career I could imagine.
SW: What is Cornerstone’s mission, and how does your organisation support care workers on a daily basis?
PH: At Cornerstone, we provide care in CQC-registered nursing homes for people with complex needs, including neuro-progressive conditions, mental health challenges, and behaviours that can be difficult to support. Our vision is simple: to be the best we can every day. We aim to provide kind, nurturing care in a safe environment—a home for people who may have experienced instability in their care journey.
Our values include dignity, respect, and being open, fair, and honest. We also encourage everyone to believe in themselves. For our workforce, we work hard to recognise their well-being and ensure we care for them as colleagues in the same way we care for our residents. Care work is tough, and for people to give their best, they need to feel supported. While we may not always get it perfect, every day we try.
SW: How did you first become aware of The Care Workers’ Charity, and what motivated you to get involved?
PH: I’ve been aware of the CWC since its inception and was keen to support its mission from the start. What motivates me is the impact the charity has on care workers’ lives. Many of my frontline workforce have accessed its resources and support, and I’ve seen the difference it makes firsthand.
In my previous role as a CEO, I signed the organisation up as a supporter member, and I’ve done the same at Cornerstone. We support the charity financially, and I’ve had the privilege of participating in initiatives like the Care Workers Advisory Board. Speaking at the recent House of Lords launch was a highlight, and I firmly believe in giving care workers a voice that connects to decision-making at the highest level.
SW: Why is supporting care workers so important, both for your organisation and for society?
PH: Care workers are the backbone of the health and social care system. There are over one million care workers in England alone, and local authorities spend nearly £30 billion annually on adult social care. Yet, we still face significant challenges, like 130,000 unfilled vacancies in adult social care. This gap highlights how critical it is to support care workers.
The role of care workers goes beyond professional duties—it impacts people’s lives at a deeply human level. If we fail to value and sustain this workforce, the consequences for society will be severe, affecting the quality of life for many in the future.
SW: On a personal level, what does The Care Workers’ Charity mean to you?
PH: The Care Workers’ Charity resonates with me deeply. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the struggles care workers face—balancing personal lives with the demands of shift work, emotional pressures, and low pay. While I’ve always strived to provide support through the organisations I’ve led, I know that sometimes additional help is needed. That’s where the CWC comes in.
I’ve referred many colleagues to the charity, and the feedback has always been positive. Knowing the CWC has supported over 12,000 carers and provided more than £6 million in grants is inspiring. It’s a testament to the charity’s invaluable contribution to sustaining and supporting care workers.
SW: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing care workers today, and how can the charity and organisations like Cornerstone address them?
PH: Recruitment and retention remain the most pressing issues. The demand for care workers continues to grow, but attracting and retaining talent is a challenge. We need to address issues like pay, working conditions, and public perception of the profession.
The CWC plays a crucial role in tackling these challenges by offering practical support to care workers and advocating for systemic change. Together, we can work towards creating a sector where care workers feel valued and empowered.
SW: Finally, what advice would you give to organisations considering supporting The Care Workers’ Charity?
PH: My advice would be to get involved as much as possible. Supporting the CWC isn’t just about financial contributions—it’s about recognising the incredible role care workers play in society and helping to amplify their voices. Whether through donations, partnerships, or advocacy, every bit of support helps sustain the people who sustain our care system.
Paul Hayes’ passion for care and his commitment to supporting care workers shine through in his words. His leadership at Cornerstone and his dedication to The Care Workers’ Charity are examples of how organisations and individuals can work together to create a brighter future for care workers and the people they care for.
Want to support The Care Workers’ Charity?
Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved in making a difference for care workers across the UK.