From Values Based Recruitment to Cultural Confidence: Innovating Workforce Development in Homecare

Background: The international long-term care sector faces acute pressures, characterised by a transient workforce, high vacancy rates, and a career option hidden from view and poorly understood. In response, values-based recruitment (VBR) has gained prominence. This paper discusses the findings of the Curious about Care study, a values-based recruitment tool and its evolution into a feasibility study for a novel ‘cultural confidence’ framework. Methods: The initial study utilised a citizens’ jury to co-produce a scenario-based VBR tool designed to elicit applicant values. A mixed-methods evaluation followed, involving qualitative interviews with recruitment managers, directors, and care workers across diverse homecare organisations, alongside quantitative analysis comparing VBR scores with data including job performance ratings, personality measures, and intention to quit. Findings: A process evaluation highlighted that Curious about Care was used to evaluate 'person-occupation fit,' but implementation fidelity varied. Organisations frequently repurposed the tool from a selection mechanism to a formative diagnostic for induction and training. International care workers identified the scenarios as a vital mechanism for cultural orientation, facilitating dialogue around delivery norms and inclusive practice. Innovation & Development: Building on these findings and doctoral research into LGBTQ+ inclusivity in social care services, the development of a Cultural Confidence learning tool is being explored. This framework shifts the focus from traditional, static 'competency' models to an iterative process of reflexive practice and relational learning. It addresses the operational challenges of homecare training including the de-prioritisation of non-regulatory learning and the need for accessible, relevant and non-didactic pedagogy. Conclusion: Through cross-institutional collaboration with The Care Work Partnership (King’s College London and University of Leeds) and the University of Northumbria, this work transitions from localised inquiry to a systems-level intervention. The presentation will discuss the research trajectory, illustrating how values-based tools can be evolved to support a diverse, culturally confident workforce within the complex landscape of domiciliary care.