Strengthening Partnerships in Social Care: Reflections from Our 2025 Networking Dinner at NCASC

The Hamptons Public Sector team were delighted to host their annual networking dinner following the National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) at The Greenhouse Hotel in Bournemouth. Each year, this exclusive flagship event offers a valuable opportunity for leaders across the sector to connect, reflect, and share insight – and 2025 was no exception, with an opportunity to dine alongside more than 30 senior public sector managers representing local authorities from across the UK. 

For Hamptons, this dinner is an integral part of our commitment to the social care community and the leaders who drive it forward every day. As a recruitment partner specialising in children’s and adult’s services, Hamptons prioritises honest, productive dialogue in order to understand the pressures faced by those who are delivering vital services. Bringing together Directors and Heads of Departments allows us to hear first-hand the opportunities and challenges shaping practice on the ground. 

A shared focus of discussion throughout the evening was the continued importance of sector-wide collaboration – an ethos championed by ADCS and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS). Many attendees emphasised that in an environment marked by workforce shortages, financial pressures, and ongoing service reform, strong partnership working is more important than ever. Events such as our networking dinner help to cultivate that collaborative culture, enabling senior leaders to connect in a relaxed setting and exchange insights with peers facing similar demands. 

There was also positive feedback on the wider NCASC programme. Delegates highlighted the conference’s ongoing value in spotlighting innovation, national direction, and best practice across both children’s and adults’ services. Against this backdrop, our dinner provided a quieter, more intimate space for leaders to unpack key themes and explore how they translate into practical action for their own authorities. 

Throughout the evening, we were reminded why we remain so committed to supporting the sector. The passion and dedication demonstrated by senior managers – and their unwavering focus on improving outcomes for the people they support – continues to inspire our work at Hamptons. By listening carefully to leaders’ reflections on workforce stability, service redesign, and safeguarding excellence, we ensure our recruitment and consultancy solutions align directly with the realities of local authority delivery. 

Reflecting on the event, the Hamptons Resourcing Public Sector Team shared: 

“This years NCASC networking dinner was genuinely one of the most enjoyable evenings we’ve hosted. The atmosphere was warm, the conversations were open and insightful, and it was a pleasure to spend time with so many dedicated leaders who care deeply about the future of social care. 

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us in Bournemouth. Your engagement, honesty, and partnership are what make gatherings like this so meaningful.” 

Hamptons Resourcing champion collaboration, connection, and high-quality staffing solutions across the social care landscape. We look forward to supporting local authorities throughout the coming years – and to hosting many more opportunities to bring inspiring leaders together. You can contact publicsectorteam@hamptonsresourcing.com or visit hamptonsresourcing.com/public-sector to learn more about how we can support you in your social care executive recruitment journey.