International Men's Day presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of male representation in the social care sector. National Care Group believes it’s important that the workforce reflects the diversity of the communities they serve, so the best level of care and understanding can be given to anyone in need of support.

The Skills for Care 'State of the adult social care workforce in England' data published in October 2023 reports a national average of just a 19% male workforce. National Care Group is proud to be bucking this trend at 28%, but there is still much work to do to encourage more male colleagues to consider the sector as a career choice.

So today lets celebrate NCG's brilliant male colleagues and hear from some of them about the imbalanced employment issue.

National Care Group colleagues were asked:

What would you say to someone who said social care jobs are typically a woman's job?

Tochukwu Okenna Udomba, support worker.

"At first I laughed at the question. Social Care jobs are not gender specific, not a bit. There are people who prefer being supported by a male. There are also people who listen to a male and can be more responsively supported by a male when certain behaviours happen. My role at Regent Road, part of NCG, has opened my eyes to a lot of career possibilities in social care too. At the end of the day, the people we support are human and we owe them a duty of quality care be it from a male or female colleague. All I am concerned about is making a progressive and positive impact in their lives. Happy International Men's Day to all the male people we support and my male colleagues. You guys rock!"

Tom Allen, team leader

"I would say that the job is not gender specific. I find my role at Steps Rotherham supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and other care needs just so rewarding. Just seeing the individuals I support smiling and laughing as a result of anything from the support I have given them, conversations we've shared, or a day trip/community activity. You also meet some amazing people, from colleagues to individuals you support. I like how every day is different and the support you can give someone could change how they are feeling, i.e. if they are having a bad day and you have a conversation to give them reassurance, you can turn their negative emotions into a positive and leads to them having a happy and productive day.

Shaun Smitherman, registered manager

"I would say that's an old-fashioned belief - it's 2023! The role is about caring and supporting which any person of any gender with the right passion and values can achieve. With the current shortage of support workers in health and social care, it would be great to see more males coming forward to build on diversity and fill the crucial gaps."

Nurudeen Adegboyega, support worker

A care role is not just for women. It is a caring role that brings more possibility to life and gives people who need support the hope that they are supported and they have everything they need to live a fulfilled life."

David Ferrol, support worker

"We must lose this misconception. Male support workers can bring different and unique skills to the role that really help people. I'm in the best place of my entire working career in this role."

Rob Rowlands, talent acquisition specialist

"Let's challenge stereotypes and celebrate the diverse contributions men bring to adult social care. The idea that the role of a support worker is exclusively a "women's job" is an outdated stereotype that limits our beliefs of the value that men can play in unlocking the potential of others. I am seeing more and more males apply for support roles at National Care Group and they are contributing some invaluable life skills and helping to personalise the care of the people we support."

Dean Ashby, regional operations manager

"I work alongside many brilliant male colleagues and they are perfect for their roles. Some of the people we support would rather be supported by another man, especially if the care they require is quite personal. A male support worker can also sometimes help to put people at ease, as they may feel more comfortable communicating with someone of the same gender. They bring these and many other valuable skills to the role."

#InternationalMensDay UK (19 November) provides a platform for us all to focus on the wellbeing of men and boys, support charities and hold a positive conversation.