Recruitment Challenges in Social Care — And How to Solve Them

Recruitment Challenges in Social Care — And How to Solve Them

Recruitment in social care isn’t just tough — it’s a full-blown crisis for many providers. Whether you’re managing a care home, a supported living service or a domiciliary agency, you’ve likely felt the strain of trying to hire (and keep!) the right people.

At Kata Care, we work with care providers across the UK every day, helping them navigate the changing recruitment landscape and build stable, high-quality teams.

Here’s what we’re seeing… and what you can do about it.

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The Top Recruitment Challenges in Social Care

1. A Shrinking Candidate Pool

There simply aren’t enough qualified or experienced candidates to go around. Post-COVID career changes, burnout, and perceptions of care work have all played a part.

2. High Turnover Rates

Even when you hire well, holding on to great staff is a challenge. Poor onboarding, lack of development, and high stress environments can all lead to early exits.

3. Competing with Retail & Hospitality

Let’s be real — some supermarket jobs pay more than entry-level care roles, with fewer emotional demands. That’s a tough comparison unless you offer more than just money.

4. Recruitment Admin Takes Over

Managers are stretched thin and can’t afford to spend days chasing CVs, shortlisting, interviewing, and re-interviewing.

5. Poor Cultural Fit

It’s not just about skills. Bringing in someone who doesn’t understand your values or the needs of the people you support can cause long-term damage to your team’s dynamic.

For strategies on HOW to recruit and Retain a High-Quality, CQC-Compliant Workforce, download our FREE Ebook

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So What Can You Do?

1. Work With a Specialist Agency

At Kata Care Solutions, we don’t just push CVs — we take time to understand your service and match you with candidates who actually fit. That includes:

• Permanent managers and senior leaders

• Fast interim managers when you’re in crisis

• Full-time and part-time operational support

2. Improve Your Employer Brand

Candidates check your website, socials and reviews — just like customers do. A professional, caring online presence can make a big difference.

If you need support with this, we offer LinkedIn branding advice and candidate pack design to help you stand out.

3. Make Your Hiring Process Human

Speed matters — but don’t lose the personal touch. Respond quickly, communicate clearly, and treat candidates like the professionals they are.

4. Offer More Than a Payslip

You might not be able to out-pay retail, but you can offer purpose, flexibility, training, and a team culture that makes people want to stay.

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Why Work With Kata Care?

We’re a trusted partner to care providers who want:

• Results-driven recruitment

• Honest advice

• Long-term hires who stick around

Whether you need someone now, or want to build a stronger pipeline for the future, our team is here to help.

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📞 Get Support with Your Social Care Recruitment

📩 Contact us today for a free recruitment health check, or visit our Recruitment Services page to learn more.