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Season
4
Episode
3
11 Mar 2026
Voices of Care.
Professor Oonagh Smyth CBE
Season
4
Episode
3
11 Mar 2026
Voices of Care.
Professor Oonagh Smyth CBE
Fresh from a CBE and securing a new three-year government contract, Oonagh reflects on what the latest annual workforce report really tells us:
"I think social care has a lot to offer in that neighbourhood space. We see people, people's health through the lens of their whole lives"
Professor Oonagh Smyth CBE
CEO Skill for Care
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Professor Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care, joins Suhail Mirza on Voices of Care for their third conversation — and there's a lot to cover. Fresh from a CBE and securing a new three-year government contract, Oonagh reflects on what the latest annual workforce report really tells us: vacancy rates are falling, but the picture underneath is far more complex. They dig into the demographic pressures heading our way, why investing in training is one of the smartest retention tools providers have right now, and what the shift to neighbourhood-based care means for social care's place in the system. Plus, Oonagh shares the personal story that shaped her lifelong commitment to equality and inclusion — and why she refuses to let up on it.
Professor Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care, joins Suhail Mirza on Voices of Care for their third conversation — and there's a lot to cover. Fresh from a CBE and securing a new three-year government contract, Oonagh reflects on what the latest annual workforce report really tells us: vacancy rates are falling, but the picture underneath is far more complex. They dig into the demographic pressures heading our way, why investing in training is one of the smartest retention tools providers have right now, and what the shift to neighbourhood-based care means for social care's place in the system. Plus, Oonagh shares the personal story that shaped her lifelong commitment to equality and inclusion — and why she refuses to let up on it.
The Voices of Care Podcast.
Don't miss our latest episodes.
We bring together the leaders and innovators of the care industry, who aren't afraid to say it - and fix it. Get insider truths on the uncomfortable questions - no filter, no spin. Hear the bold ideas and radical thinking on what care could, and should be.
Professor Martin Green OBE CEO Care England, Dr Jane Townson OBE CEO Homecare Association
Rhiannon Stokes, Stephanie Fleet, Ann Shearer, Gail Porter and Teresa Shaw
Elliot Howard-Jones
A candid and powerful conversation about why community services must move from the margins to the centre of the NHS
Mark Rowland Chief Executive and Alexa Knight Head of Policy and Influencing
Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP
Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE
In this episode of Voices of Care, M. Suhail Mirza is joined by Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE, acclaimed national GP leader and former Chair of the BMA Council
Prof Nicola Ranger
A powerful conversation on nursing voice and why the future NHS cannot be built by undervaluing the profession that holds care together.
Ross Dowsett, Dr Subashini, Jonathan Finney
The discussion (featuring Aviva, PHIN and Practice Plus Group) looks at the emergence of a more blended health system, where public, private, insured, self-pay and employer-supported care increasingly intersect
Paula Sussex CBE
A powerful conversation on public trust, patient voice, complaints, accountability, NHS reform, systemic learning and why complaints should be treated as a gift for the NHS.
Louise Stead, Vanessa Ford MBE and Cara Charles-Barks MBE
In this episode of Voices of Care, M. Suhail Mirza is joined by three exceptional NHS leaders: Louise Stead, Vanessa Ford MBE and Cara Charles-Barks MBE.
The Voices of Care Podcast.
Don't miss our latest episodes.
We bring together the leaders and innovators of the care industry, who aren't afraid to say it - and fix it. Get insider truths on the uncomfortable questions - no filter, no spin. Hear the bold ideas and radical thinking on what care could, and should be.
Professor Martin Green OBE CEO Care England, Dr Jane Townson OBE CEO Homecare Association
Rhiannon Stokes, Stephanie Fleet, Ann Shearer, Gail Porter and Teresa Shaw
Elliot Howard-Jones
A candid and powerful conversation about why community services must move from the margins to the centre of the NHS
Mark Rowland Chief Executive and Alexa Knight Head of Policy and Influencing
The Voices of Care Podcast.
Don't miss our latest episodes.
We bring together the leaders and innovators of the care industry, who aren't afraid to say it - and fix it. Get insider truths on the uncomfortable questions - no filter, no spin. Hear the bold ideas and radical thinking on what care could, and should be.
Professor Martin Green OBE CEO Care England, Dr Jane Townson OBE CEO Homecare Association
Rhiannon Stokes, Stephanie Fleet, Ann Shearer, Gail Porter and Teresa Shaw
Elliot Howard-Jones
A candid and powerful conversation about why community services must move from the margins to the centre of the NHS
Mark Rowland Chief Executive and Alexa Knight Head of Policy and Influencing
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Say hello 👋
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Whether you're exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to support you, near your location. Fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch—or give us a call for a friendly chat about how we can help.
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