A voice for adult social care

We are a membership organisation for those working in adult social care.

As a charity we work with professionals, other organisations and people with lived experience to influence decision makers, policy and legislation – from the local to regional and national level.

We raise awareness of the benefits social care can bring to individuals and communities, and aim to ensure all of us who need care and support can live the lives we want regardless of age, ability and background.  

News & campaigns

Adult social care in 2025: What changed, what didn’t and what it means for the year ahead

While 2025 was a challenging year for adult social care, it was also a pivotal one. This article reflects on key moments from the past year and what they mean for adult social care in 2026.
Campaign Article

David’s story: ‘Care is not a commodity, it’s life’

After a serious stroke and a 26-week hospital stay, David, who is 91 and lives outside of London, now needs care and support to help him stay well and active in his community.
Our work

ADASS Autumn Survey 2025

Our annual survey of Directors of Adult Social Services, essential reading for anyone interested in the challenges facing adult social care and implications for the NHS.
Close-up of a woman with her sister who has Down syndrome smiling at each other face to face. They are both wearing warm clothing on a cold winter morning. The park is located in Gateshead.

Care Can’t Wait

Realising the potential of social care so that everyone can live a good life

At its best, adult social care enables hundreds of thousands of us to live meaningful lives at home and in our communities. But it’s not always there for everyone who needs it. That’s why we’re providing a platform for people who draw on care and support to share their story and, together, we’re making the case for improvement and investment – so that it can work for all of us.

A middle-aged man wearing glasses and a green, patterned shirt, facing forward.

About ADASS

We are a membership organisation for those working in adult social care. As a charity we work with professionals, other organisations and people with lived experience to influence decision makers, policy and legislation – from the local to regional and national level.

Membership

Our membership is drawn from serving directors of adult social care employed by local authorities and their direct reports. Associate members are past directors and their direct reports, and since 2019, our wider membership includes principal social workers.

ADASS and the Local Government Association (LGA) are Partners in Care and Health

Supporting councils to improve the way they deliver adult social care and public health services; and helping Government understand the challenges faced by the sector.