Federation of European Social Employers (Social Employers)

The Federation of European Social Employers (Social Employers) serves as the collective voice for social service employers across Europe, advocating for enhanced working conditions, skills development, and comprehensive training within the social services sector. Social services encompass a broad range of care and support services, particularly targeting older individuals, persons with disabilities, children, and other marginalized or disadvantaged groups. (socialemployers.eu ) The primary objectives of the Social Employers include: Strengthening the position of social service employers at both European and national levels. Establishing common positions among members and engaging in negotiations with European trade unions representing social service workers. Influencing European legislation, notably through active participation in European social dialogue structures. Promoting the exchange of best practices among members. (socialemployers.eu ) In July 2023, the European Commission established a European sectoral social dialogue committee for social services. The Social Employers, in collaboration with the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), engage in this committee alongside their trade union counterpart, the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU). This platform facilitates negotiations between social partners at the European level, aiming to ensure decent jobs and working conditions for a skilled workforce, thereby enhancing the sector's attractiveness and ensuring the quality of services provided to individuals with social support needs. (socialemployers.eu ) The Social Employers' membership comprises various national organizations dedicated to representing and defending the interests of social service employers. Notable members include: UNIPSO : The Belgian inter-sectoral confederation of employers in the social-profit sector, representing 31 employers' federations from both private and public sectors. (socialemployers.eu ) NEXEM : The principal representative of not-for-profit employers in France's social services sector, representing 11,000 organizations employing over 330,000 staff. (socialemployers.eu ) APSS CR : The largest professional organization uniting providers of social services in the Czech Republic, with over 987 organizations and 2,345 registered services. (socialemployers.eu ) CEDDD : The Spanish Council for the Defense of Persons with Disabilities and/or Dependency, encompassing 5,000 associations, centers, and units of special education. (socialemployers.eu ) Elisfa : Represents French employers from social and socio-cultural centers, childcare associations, and local social development associations. (socialemployers.eu ) Lares : Focuses on caring for the elderly, dependent individuals, disabled persons, and those at risk of social exclusion in Spain, comprising 17 regional associations with 1,050 centers and services. (socialemployers.eu ) Hexopée : A French employers' organization representing employers in sectors such as youth and popular education, sports clubs and associations, affordable housing for young workers, and affordable holiday stays. (socialemployers.eu ) ActiZ : A Dutch sector organization with over 400 members providing diverse care services to approximately two million clients, including nursing homes, residential care homes, home care, and youth healthcare services. (socialemployers.eu ) Through these collaborative efforts, the Social Employers strive to enhance the quality and accessibility of social services across Europe, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met with professionalism and care.