The not-for-profit Aged Care Workforce Industry Council has announced its closure effective immediately due to a changing aged care landscape.
ACWIC launched in January 2019 as an industry collaboration between then provider peak bodies the Aged Care Guild, Aged & Community Services Australia and Leading Age Services to oversee the implementation of the sector’s workforce strategy set out in the report A Matter of Care.
In a statement on 3 August, ACWIC said the board decided to cease operations as of this date in recognition of “significant changes in the landscape of the sector” since the organisation was established.
“The decision to wind up the operations of the organisation was not reached lightly and is not a reflection on the work done by the organisation, its staff and leaders,” reads the statement.
The announcement comes six months after deputy chair Graeme Prior assumed the chair position after the resignation of Libby Lyons, and just over 12 months since ACWIC’s executive policy director Sarah McLelland became and remained interim chief executive officer after Louise O’Neill resigned as CEO.
In the statement, ACWIC acknowledged work being undertaken by the Australian Government including the development of a National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy and ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders to build, train and support the aged care workforce.
“The directors of ACWIC recognise that the transformation of the capacity and capability of the aged care workforce is critical to the delivery of quality care. The board will endeavour to ensure that critical learnings, intelligence, and resources developed by ACWIC are captured,” it said.
ACWIC deputy chair Graeme Prior said the council’s closure provided the aged care sector with an opportunity to take stock of the progress made so far to transform the capacity and capability of the aged care workforce.
“ACWIC’s achievements will continue to benefit the sector for years to come. We are proud of the work our organisation has achieved to deliver continuous improvement, resources and support for the sector,” Mr Prior said.
Those resources include:
- a free online Workforce Planning Tool launched 14 months ago
- access to 10 years of data to support providers with resources to improve care delivery
- a social change campaign to celebrate the great roles in aged care seen by 1.7 million Australians in 2021.
ACWIC is providing employees with support services, such as counselling and career guidance as they consider future employment options.
“We are grateful to ACWIC’s dedicated staff, stakeholders and the sector who have contributed to the work of the organisation and positively supported the aged care workforce to deliver quality care to older Australians and their families,” Mr Prior said.
Follow Community Care Review on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter.
