This month The MJ ran an article from Pete Fahy, Vice-Chair and International Recruitment Lead of the West Midlands ADASS branch and Director of Adult Services & Housing at Coventry City Council, exploring how the region is rewriting the future of adult social care workforce planning following the closure of the Health and Care visa route. 

The article examines how 14 local authorities across the West Midlands, working with regional partners, safeguarding leads and community organisations, responded to the sudden disruption facing international care workers — many of whom experienced revoked sponsorships, redundancy and increased risk of exploitation. Rather than simply managing a crisis, the region used the moment to strengthen collaboration and build a more resilient, ethical workforce model. 

It highlights the coordinated International Recruitment Programme, innovative safeguarding practice developed in Sandwell, and investment in sustainable digital platforms with AI-enabled translation and support. The piece also reflects on the wider national opportunity — from embedding ethical recruitment standards to improving workforce data and exploring a more streamlined recruitment approach. 

 With growing workforce pressures and senior leaders nearing retirement across adult social care, the West Midlands' experience offers practical lessons on building cultures of support, belonging and long-term sustainability.