The Overlooked Majority Report – highlighting gender inequality in the care sector

We are delighted to have played a role in the newly released report on gender inequality in care leadership, The Overlooked Majority Report.

Following a number of discussions at the Care England Policy Board, and alongside wider conversations between Elizabeth Finn Homes and Care England’s policy team and CEO, a study was commissioned to explore gender inequality in care leadership and the impact of gendered assumptions on how society values the economic contribution of the care sector.

Our CEO, Olivia Curno, was asked to contribute to this important piece of work and given the opportunity to provide a foreword.  We are also very pleased that our ground-breaking parental leave policy introduced in 2024, has been included as an example of best practice in the sector.

Women make up 78% of the adult social care workforce yet hold only 41% of board-level positions. The report explores what this means for leadership, progression and the future sustainability of the sector. It goes on to explore why addressing gender equality is important and highlights best practices across the sector.

Care is some of the most skilled, complex and important work in our society, yet it is too often undervalued. The Overlooked Majority explores how gendered assumptions continue to influence perceptions of care and the opportunities available to those working within the sector.

It has been a privilege to have been involved with the report, and we feel proud knowing that at Elizabeth Finn Homes we are creating environments where talented people can flourish and lead.