A Leadership View from Shrien Dewani

Why Gratitude, Not Hostility: Must Guide Social Care

By: Shrien Dewani

Shrien Dewani’s Perspective: The Reality Behind the Migration Debate

In moments when political narratives turn cold and dismissive, leadership must become warmer, clearer and more honest. Moreover, the current conversation about “reducing low-skilled migration” overlooks the very people who hold our Health & Social Care system together. Before policy, there is truth: our care homes, hospitals and communities depend on the dedication and professionalism of migrant workers.

This blog sets the record straight, not with defensiveness, but with gratitude, principle and the respect that these individuals have more than earned. I believe leadership must speak with moral clarity when the national tone becomes dehumanising.

A Message from Shrien: Honouring Those Who Answered Our Call

Now, with the Government pushing to “reduce low-skilled migration” and public sentiment drifting towards ingratitude for migrant carers, I choose to take a different stance.

As a leader of a social care provider, Evolve Care Group, and a Director of the Devon Care Home Collaborative, I want to offer my personal and professional gratitude to all those who left their homes to come and fill our vacancies in hospitals and care homes across the country.

The care system relies on skilled, values-driven people who help those we support live safe, happy and fulfilled lives. Our workforce comes from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise too often overlooked, and, in particular, by this Government.

When we could not fill posts in hospitals and care homes, we turned to individuals from around the world to fill this gap, to keep our people safe. Without them stepping forward and taking these roles, many services would have closed and people would have come to harm.

The individuals we urgently recruited from overseas were, in the main, Registered Nurses in their own countries. They came from across the world, gained new skills and became vital parts of our teams. In fact, many have shown such growth that they quickly became supervisors, team leaders and Registered Managers.

Today, those same people are reading headlines that provoke anxiety and hint at changes to the social contract that was made between them and our country. We actively advertised across the world for Health & Social Care professionals to join our services. We thanked them on arrival, and we relied upon them to make our services safe.

Dewani’s Leadership Promise: My Commitment to Every Member of Our Team

To my team, all of my team, across generations, backgrounds and cultures, I say a massive THANK YOU. I say a massive WELL DONE. You will not only always remain welcome, but you will always have my gratitude. We could not be where we are today without you, every single one of you.

I stand firmly behind you, and I will continue to challenge any narrative that diminishes the value you bring to this country.

Want more? Here’s another story: Shrien Dewani: The Real Crisis Behind Brenda’s Story in Social Care