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Monday 16th February 2026

Welcome to our weekly updates

Ethical Sponsorship Programme Workshops

If you haven’t had a chance to read our recent bulletin about the Ethical Sponsorship Progamme promotion and upcoming events, now’s the perfect time to take a look.

You can view the full bulletin here
Making the Most of Your Sponsorship Workshop for International Sponsored Workers - East Sussex
Kings Centre, Eastbourne
Wed 25 Feb 2026, 10:00AM - Book here

Making the Most of Your Sponsorship Workshop for Care Providers - East Sussex
Kings Centre, Eastbourne
Thu 26 Feb 2026, 10:00AM - Book here

Making the Most of Your Sponsorship Workshop for International Sponsored Workers - Brighton & Hove
Brighthelm Centre, Brighton
Mon 2 Mar 2026, 10:00AM - Book here

Making the Most of Your Sponsorship Workshop for Care Providers - Brighton & Hove
Brighthelm Centre, Brighton
Tue 3 Mar 2026, 10:00AM - Book here

DETAILS:

CARER WORKSHOPS
https://espic.co.uk/international-recruitment-ethical-sponsorship-scheme/#carer-workshops

PROVIDER WORKSHOPS
https://espic.co.uk/international-recruitment-ethical-sponsorship-scheme/#provider-workshops

Other dates for your diary:

Brighton & Hove Registered Managers Forum in partnership with Skills for Care
📅 Wed 18 Feb 2026,
10:00AM - 12:00PM
👉Book Now

Care Managers Well-Being Symposium - Sussex Partners in Care
📅 18 March | 9.30 – 15.30
👉 Book now

From detailed policy briefings and consultations to new themed content and free local events, this edition also includes a wide range of updates designed to keep ES & B&H care providers informed, connected and supported. As always, our focus is on practical value, shared learning and strengthening the voice of care providers across the system.

If you need any specific support or advice around events, professional development or engagement opportunities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Workforce Development

A key priority for the association this year is supporting Workforce Development and Sustainability – i.e. recruitment, retention, skills, and leadership across the sector

We hope you enjoyed our first bulletin introducing FIVE candidates that have just completed the Bootcamp course in care that are looking for employment in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, you can read the full article here. If you have vacancies and are interested to find out more about the candidates, please contact jo.cronin@aal.aldridgeeducation.org

Student Placements ESPIC are also looking for case studies from managers who have recently welcomed students into their services – it would be great to hear from managers about the range of activities they participated and what they enjoyed the most about their placements – we know that attracting more people – especially young people into care is vital for workforce sustainability. Share your experiences to administrator@espic.co.uk

As a Gold Member – don’t forget you can access FREE leadership and deputy leadership courses run by the Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM): Link here - You need to go on the PDF and your ESPiC complementary code on the final page.
Displaced Worker Recruitment Scheme Update
Funding now: £6,000 per worker (up to 6 per CQC-registered location).
Scheme closes March 2026 – APPLY NOW.
Please click here to read SESCA's latest International Recruitment Project Bulletin.

      • FREE Legal Helpline - Now Live
        • 30-minute consultation with Lester Aldridge Solicitors
        • Tel: 01202 786126 | Email: sescahelp@LA-Law.com

      Are your PRN protocols meeting the latest CQC expectations?

      PRN protocols were repeatedly highlighted as a common area of concern. With the CQC updating their recommendations in September last year, expectations have changed for many services.

      To support care homes with this, our Auditing Medicines Masterclass includes an in-depth section on PRN protocols, alongside the other key themes frequently raised during inspections.

      You can also download our free PRN protocol template from our website. It’s a great opportunity to compare it with your current documentation and check whether it gives staff everything they need to deliver safe, person-centred care

      Download the Free PRN protocol
      Lunch & Learn: Getting the Most from Digital Rostering

      Sussex home care providers are invited to a relaxed Lunch & Learn session, delivered in partnership with the Sussex Digital in Reach Team and CareLineLive. The session is designed to help providers get more from digital care systems, whether already using CareLineLive or just starting out.

      This session will focus on digital rostering, exploring how it works in practice and how it can support more efficient, flexible, and compliant home care services. Led by Chris Ryan and Donovan Fourie from CareLineLive, the session will include practical tips, demonstrations, and time for questions.

      Wednesday 25 February | 1:00pm (online) | 45 minutes | Free
      Register Here

      Free Events for Sussex Providers

      NEW: From Self-Assessment to Action (Session 2)
      Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 14.30
      🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-session-2-from-self-assessment-to-action-tickets-1980486099236?aff=oddtdtcreator
      Building on the self-assessment, this session supports providers to turn reflection into practical, proportionate actions. It focuses on identifying realistic next steps, strengthening leadership confidence and embedding digital improvement into everyday practice.

      Managing Personal Devices at Work: A Practical Session
      Thursday 12 February 2026 at 14.00
      🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-personal-devices-at-work-a-practical-session-tickets-1980480235698?aff=oddtdtcreator
      This session helps providers manage the risks of personal devices used for work, balancing flexibility and security. It covers practical controls, statutory responsibilities and how to assess and manage BYOD risks without placing unnecessary burden on staff.

      Your Suppliers, Your Risk: Cyber Security Responsibilities in Social Care
      Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 14.00
      🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/your-suppliers-your-risk-cyber-security-responsibilities-in-social-care-tickets-1980481360061?aff=oddtdtcreator
      A practical session focusing on supply chain cyber security and provider responsibilities. It explains what to expect from suppliers, what regulators look for and how to manage cyber risk through proportionate checks, contracts and ongoing assurance.

      Are You Compliant? Secure Mail Requirements for Adult Social Care
      Thursday 26 February 2026 at 14.00
      🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/are-you-compliant-secure-mail-requirements-for-adult-social-care-tickets-1980478065206?aff=oddtdtcreator
      This session explains the Secure Email Standard (DCB1596) and what adult social care providers must do to comply. It covers recognised email systems, how to demonstrate compliance, links to DSPT and Cyber Essentials and what this means for providers delivering publicly funded care.

      Sussex Digital Team Events

      Hempsons social care buying and selling webinar series 2026

      This programme of FREE webinars will cover:
      • Webinar one: 25 February – An introduction to buying and selling in the social care sector
        Led by Lisa Davison, partner, from our specialist real estate team.
      Click here to see the East Sussex Partners in Care checklist for providers.
      • Webinar two: 10 March – Social care mergers involving charitable providers
        This webinar, led by charities specialist, Martyn Robinson, associate, will cover the following three scenarios: a) a charity-to-charity merger, b) a charity buying a business and c) a business buying the assets of a charity.
      • Webinar three: 17 March – Workforce and TUPE issues in merger and acquisition transactions
        Led by employment law associate Julia Gray.
      Click here to find out more and register.
      New Dementia Resources
      Explore our range of dementia resources to enhance care and support for people living with dementia and their carers. Download here.

      The Care Workforce Pathway
      The Care Workforce Pathway clearly sets out what a career in social care means and the level of knowledge, experience and skills required to deliver high-quality, personalised, care and support. It is the first universal career structure for the adult social care workforce, which sets out the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours needed to work in adult social care. Find out more
      This edition of the MILE newsletter focuses on safeguarding and the importance of keeping it central to everyday practice. We have brought together a selection of training opportunities and resources designed to build confidence, refresh knowledge and support strong safeguarding practice across services.

      Click below to read this week’s newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/18086f25c82a/mile-pathway-9th-february-2026-newsletter

      On the topic of Safeguarding, click here to book a place at our annual safeguarding conference.

      Smarter Prevention: How AI Can Help Care Homes Spot Risks Earlier

      In care homes, prevention is just as important as response. Identifying small changes early — whether in health, behaviour, or wellbeing — can make a significant difference to outcomes for residents. AI has the potential to quietly strengthen this preventative approach.

      Recognising Patterns in Health and Wellbeing
      Care teams gather valuable information every day — from food and fluid intake to sleep patterns, mobility, mood, and vital signs. AI can help identify subtle patterns or gradual changes that may not be immediately obvious, prompting earlier review and intervention.


      Supporting Falls and Deterioration Prevention
      By analysing trends in incidents, mobility changes, or previous risk factors, AI tools can help flag residents who may benefit from reassessment or additional support. This proactive approach can reduce avoidable incidents and improve overall safety.


      Enhancing Nutritional and Hydration Monitoring
      Changes in appetite or fluid intake can quickly affect health outcomes. AI-supported systems can highlight emerging concerns sooner, ensuring action is taken before issues escalate.


      Strengthening Medication Oversight
      AI can assist in tracking medication patterns, missed doses, or timing irregularities, supporting safe administration practices and reducing the risk of oversight.


      Providing Insight for Continuous Improvement
      Beyond individual residents, AI can analyse wider trends across the home — helping managers identify recurring themes, training needs, or process improvements. This supports learning, reflection, and ongoing quality development.


      Importantly, AI does not replace clinical judgement or the experience of care professionals. Instead, it acts as an additional layer of awareness — helping care homes move from reactive problem-solving to proactive prevention.
      In a setting where early action can change outcomes, AI offers another way to protect wellbeing, strengthen safety, and support high-quality care.
      Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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