The COVID-19 pandemic has hit social care very hard, with high infection and mortality rates in care homes and changed operational practices across the sector. This panel discussion seeks to take stock of the situation in social care, with a particular focus on learning and innovation. Our three speakers are differentially placed to comment and will draw from their experience to identify the main lessons and challenges.

Our panelists are Rosalind Pearce – Executive Director, Healthwatch, Oxfordshire, Penny Thewlis – Chief Executive, Age UK Oxfordshire and Rachel Pirie – Head of Older People Commissioning & Markets, Oxfordshire County Council. The session will be chaired by Professor Mary Daly, Governing Body Fellow, Green Templeton College and Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford.