This paper examines the impact of statutory regulation on qualification and skills in the social care sector in the UK. It draws on various sources and a set of case studies, first carried out in 2003 and replicated in 2008. The analysis shows that the advent of the statutory regime has had a positive effect on the volume of training and qualifications in the sector. However, few organisations have combined training with a broader set of human resource management practices. This constitutes one of the continuing limits to further skill development. Changes in the regulatory regime risk losing benefits which have been gained.
