Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK

Agnes Turnpenny (Consultant IPC) Eirini-Christina Saloniki, Grace Collins, Catherine Marchand, Ann-Marie Towers and Shereen Hussein.

The UK long-term care workforce has endured difficult working conditions for many years. During the pandemic, the sector faced unprecedented challenges, which further exacerbated these conditions and brought concerns about workplace abuse and violence. Such experiences can vary by personal and work characteristics, particularly affecting minority ethnic groups. They can subsequently impact workers’ wellbeing and the sector overall. Drawing on the first wave of a UK longitudinal workforce survey, this article examined the impact of COVID-19 on social care workers’ working conditions, general health and wellbeing, and intentions to leave the employer and sector altogether.

Download Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK

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How does Ethnicity Affect Children’s Pathways Through Social Care?

This report describes the findings from a short pilot study undertaken in 2025 by IPC and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, supported by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. This pilot project helped us learn how to better support children and families from different ethnic backgrounds. It improved our understanding of the factors that affect a family’s wellbeing and their ability to cope with challenges.

Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

This report was produced by IPC, which independently evaluated the programme commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care. The aim, to strengthen senior commissioners’ ability to address complex commissioning challenges and act as agents of change.

Highlight Report: Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

A two page highlight report of the Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme produced by IPC.

The 6Cs of future-facing commissioning

In this discussion paper, IPC Associate John Bryant explores how commissioners can navigate today’s complex health and social care landscape.

South West Regional Sufficiency Strategy

This Strategy provides an up-to-date regional picture of supply and demand of children’s placements to inform action to tackle challenges which are urgent and widely shared. It will be of interest to both commissioners and providers, as well as other regions developing collaborative approaches to address insufficiency.

IPC Knowledge Exchange Webinar slide deck on West Yorkshire’s collaborative approach to supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and their families

IPC hosted a Knowledge Exchange Webinar in partnership with Barnardo’s West Yorkshire, spotlighting innovative approaches to supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and their families. The event, which was attended by professionals, shared insights, lived experiences, and evaluation findings from the West Yorkshire Keyworker Service and associated initiatives.

New study – Safeguarding in the context of adoption and special guardianship

This study is one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the UK and provides a clear roadmap for improving safeguarding practices and outcomes for children in adoptive and SGO placements. Funded by the Nuffield Foundation in collaboration with Professor Keith Moultrie and colleagues at IPC.

The state of cyber security in adult social care

This report, produced by Ipsos UK and the Institute of Public Care, on behalf of DHSC, provides a strong evidence base for both policy-makers and care providers to better understand the cyber security risk within the care sector.

The John Bolton Papers

John Bolton OBE, has been one of the most influential voices in UK social care and health care. He has been a visiting professor at IPC and a key member of our team. In honour of John’s retirement IPC have gathered some of his key papers.

Evaluation of Adoption England funded Family Finding Events

In a significant step toward improving adoption processes, Adoption England has commissioned IPC to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of family finding events previously funded nationally.

Review of the Prevalence and Implications of Gambling and Gambling Harm in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council Public Health Team commissioned IPC to review the current national policy landscape alongside the prevalence and implications of gambling harms as a public health issue in the county.

Structural Racism Within Social Care

In 2024, IPC was delighted to engage with people working within social care in Wales from the global majority to explore the extent of structural racism.

How does Ethnicity Affect Children’s Pathways Through Social Care?

Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

Highlight Report: Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

A two page highlight report of the Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme produced by IPC.

The 6Cs of future-facing commissioning

In this discussion paper, IPC Associate John Bryant explores how commissioners can navigate today’s complex health and social care landscape.

South West Regional Sufficiency Strategy

IPC Knowledge Exchange Webinar slide deck on West Yorkshire’s collaborative approach to supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and their families

Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK

Download Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK

More Publications

How does Ethnicity Affect Children’s Pathways Through Social Care?

Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

Highlight Report: Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

The 6Cs of future-facing commissioning

South West Regional Sufficiency Strategy

IPC Knowledge Exchange Webinar slide deck on West Yorkshire’s collaborative approach to supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and their families

New study – Safeguarding in the context of adoption and special guardianship

The state of cyber security in adult social care

The John Bolton Papers

Evaluation of Adoption England funded Family Finding Events

Review of the Prevalence and Implications of Gambling and Gambling Harm in Wiltshire

Structural Racism Within Social Care

How does Ethnicity Affect Children’s Pathways Through Social Care?

Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

Highlight Report: Independent Evaluation of the Ignite Pilot Training Programme

The 6Cs of future-facing commissioning

South West Regional Sufficiency Strategy

IPC Knowledge Exchange Webinar slide deck on West Yorkshire’s collaborative approach to supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and their families

New study – Safeguarding in the context of adoption and special guardianship

The state of cyber security in adult social care

The John Bolton Papers

Evaluation of Adoption England funded Family Finding Events

Review of the Prevalence and Implications of Gambling and Gambling Harm in Wiltshire

Structural Racism Within Social Care

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