Have Your Say 2026: getting to know our social care managers
03 November 2026
This week we’re putting a spotlight on what managers told us as part of our Have Your Say 2026 workforce survey.
Their responses reveal a workforce with years of experience, a desire to keep learning and ambitions for the future - but also some challenges.
So, what did social care managers tell us about their experiences, working conditions and ambitions?
Experience, voice and development
The responses highlight a workforce with considerable experience.
81 per cent of managers had worked in social care for 10 years or more, while 58 per cent could speak at least some Welsh.
There were also positive findings about learning and workplace processes:
96 per cent said formal processes for staff voice were in place
79 per cent agreed they had the right training to do their job well
95 per cent were aware or very aware of their employment rights
57 per cent wanted a leadership role in the future.
However, the findings also highlight areas where managers’ experiences could be improved.
Although formal processes for staff voice were widely reported, only half (52 per cent) felt their views were taken into account most or all of the time. And while 79 per cent felt they had the right training to do their job well, 43 per cent said they needed more training to progress in their careers.
Understanding the challenges
The survey also explored well-being and workplace pressures.
Three quarters of managers who responded to the survey said they struggled to switch off when they left work. Workload was a source of stress for many (39 per cent), while 37 per cent identified paperwork and bureaucracy as a cause.
These findings help build a fuller picture of managers’ experiences, highlighting both what’s working well and where further reflection may be needed.
Read the full findings
This is just a snapshot of what managers told us through our 2026 Have Your Say survey.
Read the full 2026 Have Your Say workforce survey: here
The survey was carried out by Cardiff University researchers on behalf of Social Care Wales, with support from Care Forum Wales.