ADASS responds to Casey’s speech at Nuffield Trust Summit 2026

Responding to today’s speech by Dame Louise Casey at the Nuffield Trust Summit, ADASS President Jess McGregor said: 

“This speech shines a welcome light on adult social care – an issue that has been missing from our national debate for far too long. It was encouraging to hear these difficult questions addressed directly, including how we support an ageing population and ensure that everyone can access the care and support they need. 

“Many of the issues raised today are ones Directors of Adult Social Services see every day in our communities. When adult social care is overlooked nationally, there are real consequences for people and families who rely on support to live their lives with dignity and independence. ADASS stands ready to work with Louise Casey and her team as they explore practical solutions ahead of their first report. 

“Louise Casey is right to highlight how adult safeguarding has been overlooked by successive governments. In our communities there are tragic examples of abuse, neglect and avoidable harm. This happens when warning signs are missed, vulnerabilities are misunderstood or support arrives too late. An inevitable consequence of an underfunded social care system is that too many people are not protected and come to harm. Too often this critical area of work has received too little national attention, despite the profound consequences. 

“A new national safeguarding board could play an important role in raising the profile of this work, strengthening accountability, elevating the role of social work and ensuring serious concerns about harm are consistently addressed. With the right leadership, resources and partnership across government and local services, we can build a system that better protects and supports people. 

“When so many older people drawing on care and support are living with dementia, it is right that this receives focused national attention. We welcome the focus on new treatments, better services and a new dementia tsar. This could help to improve the lives of people living with Dementia, reduce their need for social care, bring greater visibility and drive a more coordinated approach across government. 

“To make real progress, we also need much stronger collaboration between healthcare and local government. The support people need rarely fits neatly into organisational boundaries, and it works best when the NHS and councils work together with trust, shared purpose and a clear focus on the person needing care. 

“The example of motor neurone disease is a powerful one and highlights that even when faced with serious illness, there are major gaps in people’s health and care treatment including means testing, long waiting lists, and waiting for adaptations to be able to remain at home.  

“At the same time, it is important that access to care and support continues to be based on need. Alongside older people living with dementia, many adults of working age rely on social care to live full and independent lives. The principles of the Care Act remain vital – care and support should enable people to live the life they choose.” 

Read our briefing which sets out ADASS’s position on adult safeguarding as part of the Casey Commission’s deep dive into the future of adult social care.