The carers network is a well-established group meeting bi-monthly to support good practice and improvement for carers across the region. The group has a strong record of collaboration and has had some notable successes in 2025-26 including:
- The Carers' conference 2025 which has led to a working group developing a carers' direct payment toolkit, which is currently being finalised.
- A series of respite workshops to understand and try to improve respite options and processes across the region, the most recent workshop included technology options for respite booking through the Pairly system.
The network works collaboratively to influence national carers policy, through our links with ADASS, and the group produced a comprehensive response to the national ADASS carers policy statement which was very well received.
The network is currently working with the University of Birmingham on improvements to the national carers survey (SACE) and plans for next year include benchmarking of carers assessments.
About the Network
The Network recognises family carers as a key part of building a sustainable care market and social care workforce and works to:
- enable the successful implementation of national policy on health and care
- support carers in building a resilient adult social care and NHS system supporting people to live active and purposeful lives
- promote carers as part of the WM ADASS commitment to promote social justice and narrow the gap in health outcomes for those facing inequalities
The Network is co-chaired by Caroline Potter, a strategic commissioner at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Sue Eagle, a commissioning team manager at Sandwell Council. The network is supported by WM ADASS Associate Anna Walker.