Shropshire Council is pleased to announce that its Professional Development team has been selected to take part in the prestigious national IMPACT (Improving Adult Care Together) programme during 2026/27. Specifically, the project will focus on promoting a culture where our Adult Social Care team feel genuinely valued, and the development of a dedicated Social Care Academy. Shropshire Council’s project is one of just 24 projects chosen from a longlist of local authorities from across the UK.
Led out of Birmingham University and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Health Foundation, IMPACT is a nationally renowned centre dedicated to transforming adult social care through the implementation of high-quality evidence. The IMPACT team includes academics, people with lived experience of care and support, carers organisations, workforce bodies and other professional partners from across the country.
By being chosen for this prestigious project, council staff will have the opportunity to work alongside these professionals. This will directly benefit our residents, ensuring that adult social care services are continuously improving and that Shropshire people receive the support they need.
Two IMPACT experts will be appointed to work directly with the Professional Development team at the council. Working together, the aim will be to develop a Shropshire Council Social Care Academy that will draw on the excellent work currently taking place within the Professional Development team. Doing so will clarify the many opportunities for development and progression for existing staff, potential employees and students. Once established, the new academy will enable staff to share best practice with other local authorities, NHS Trusts and other social care employers. The project will start in September 2026 and be in place by September 2027.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said:
“This is amazing news, and testament to the ambition of our Professional Development and Adult Social Care teams to keep finding new and innovative ways to improve. We know that a well-trained and committed workforce is essential for staff well-being – and the well-being of the people we care for. This partnership with IMPACT means both our staff and our residents will benefit from the latest practice in adult social care. I’d like to thank everyone involved in securing this project for the council.”
To find out more about the 2026/27 IMPACT projects, visit: IMPACT to run 24 projects across the UK in 2026-27 – IMPACT
