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Welcome to our weekly updates
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Book Now!
New Speaker confirmed for the Annual Conference
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Wednesday 8th July | Herstmonceux Castle
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Join us at the stunning Herstmonceux Castle for a thought-provoking and informative conference exploring the future of social care and the significant changes shaping our sector.
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As reform, regulation, workforce pressures, and integration with health services continue to evolve, this event will bring together sector leaders, policymakers, and providers to discuss what lies ahead and how organisations can prepare.
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Due to the recent changes brought about by the Supreme Court on deprivation of liberties, we are delighted to share that Flora Jago, Associate from Hempsons will look at the practical implications for providers.
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Supreme Court redefines deprivation of liberty
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In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has altered the definition of deprivation of liberty, highlighting individual needs and consent.
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Flora Jago, Associate with Hempsons, will look at the practical implications for providers and give guidance and tips to address key concerns as the law develops.
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Spaces are going fast so don’t miss out on this landmark update.
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Homecare Providers Themed Forum
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Partners in Care invites homecare providers to join our upcoming themed forum, bringing together expert speakers to share practical guidance, best practice, and sector updates relevant to delivering care in people's homes.
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Medication Management, Safety, and Storage in Homecare (Including Controlled Drugs)
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Susie Ogden – Medication Training Company
An informative session covering safe medication administration, storage requirements, record keeping, and the management of controlled drugs within homecare settings.
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Making the Most of CareLineLive and GP Connect
Discover how CareLineLive and GP Connect can support more efficient care delivery, improve communication between care teams and healthcare professionals, and help providers make better use of digital technology in homecare services.
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Hoarding Awareness and Support
Aimee Parsons – East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS)
Learn how to identify hoarding behaviours, understand associated risks, and access appropriate support to improve safety and wellbeing for people receiving care.
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Delegated Health Activities
A session exploring the delivery of complex care within people's homes, including current guidance and developments relating to delegated healthcare tasks.
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- Gain practical knowledge from sector specialists
- Keep up to date with current guidance and best practice
- Network with colleagues from across the homecare sector
- Strengthen your organisation's approach to safe, effective care delivery
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This event is ideal for registered managers, owners, coordinators, and care professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and stay informed on key issues affecting homecare services.
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Care Business Networking Launch Event at Malmaison Brighton
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Our first event took place last week at Malmaison Brighton, bringing together care professionals from across the sector for an engaging and informative morning. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions, helping to make it such a valuable session.
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A special thank you to our guest speakers:
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We're now looking forward to our next Care Business Networking event in East Sussex which is taking place on Wednesday 15th July 9:30-11:30 at Soverign Harbour Yacht Club Eastbourne.
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We hope you can join us for another opportunity to connect with fellow providers, share ideas, and gain practical insights to support your organisation's growth and success.
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Nominations Closing Soon!
Brighton & Hove: 30th June 2026
East Sussex: 30th August 2026
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If you missed our Webinar on How to Write an Outstanding Nomination, CLICK HERE to watch the recording on our YouTube
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Hold the Date!
Sussex Care Showcase 2026
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Bookings are now open for the Sussex Care Showcase 2026, taking place on 16th September 2026 at Brighton Racecourse.
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The event brings together care professionals, sector leaders, suppliers, and experts from across Sussex for a day of learning, networking, and sharing best practice.
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Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers, explore the latest innovations and services supporting the care sector, and gain valuable insights into workforce development, legislation, training, and service improvement.
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Whether you work in residential care, home care, supported living, nursing services, or the wider social care sector, the Showcase offers something for everyone.
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We look forward to welcoming you to one of Sussex's leading care sector events.
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Supreme Court overturns ruling on deprivation of liberty
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A Supreme Court judgment was handed down on 2 June 2026 overruling the decision in the case known as “Cheshire West” (P v Cheshire West and Chester Council [2014] UKSC 19). The decision in A Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland of a devolution issue under paragraph 34 of Schedule 10 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 [2026] UKSC 16 (“AGNI”) was the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court.
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The Supreme Court ruling says:
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there is "no acid test" for determining a deprivation of liberty in health or social care settings; an asssesment should be based on multiple factors instead
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a person could give "valid consent" to their confinement even if they lacked capacity to make decisions about their residence and care within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
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This is expected to have a significant impact on decisions relating to deprivation of liberty in the community, and the application of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
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East Sussex County Council is actively considering the implications of the judgment while we await a statement and more detailed guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care.
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Providers are advised to take note of the judgment at this stage and the CQC’s statement published on 8 June. We will provide an update once more information is available.
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Manor Group Consulting are back for another term as an ESPiC Sponsor
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Manor Group Consulting offers expert guidance tailored to your organisation’s needs, ensuring compliance and excellence in care delivery.
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MGC provide comprehensive assessments of your current practices, identifying areas for improvement and developing customised strategies for implementation. Their team of experienced professionals offers practical solutions and ongoing support to streamline processes and enhance quality of care that exceeds the expectations of the regulators.
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With their expert support, you can navigate CQC inspections with confidence, demonstrating your commitment to high standards and ensuring the well-being of your residents and clients.
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Are Your Medication Error Investigations Fixing the Right Problem?
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A common mistake we see in care settings is responding to medication errors by fixing the symptom rather than the cause.
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One recent investigation led to the introduction of stock counts. The intention was sound — but errors didn't decrease. They increased. Why? Because the root cause was never identified. When a proper root cause analysis was carried out, the real issue turned out to be happening at the point of administration: staff weren't consistently checking the quantity of medication in the pot against the MAR chart. An extra process had been added that did nothing to address that.
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This is exactly why the CQC expects providers not just to record errors, but to learn from them.If this sounds familiar, the Medication Training Company's next Medicines Masterclass may be worth your time. The session covers how to manage, report, and investigate medication errors properly — treating them as Opportunities to Learn rather than incidents to close. You'll also come away understanding why a high reported error rate can actually signal a healthy, open learning culture.
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Equality Act 2010 — Updated Draft Code of Practice
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The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published an updated draft code of practice setting out how services, charities, and public functions should apply the Equality Act 2010. It is not yet fully in force, but will shape future compliance expectations. Key areas of increased emphasis include disability discrimination, reasonable adjustments, trauma-informed practice, and the lawful use of positive action. The draft also reflects recent Supreme Court rulings on the definition of "sex" under the Act and includes new guidance on single-sex services and spaces. Further legal clarification and sector guidance are expected.
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PIP Review — Workshop in a Box
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The Timms Review has published a workshop-in-a-box toolkit to support engagement with proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment. The resource is available via gov.uk, though no funding has been provided to organisations expected to run the sessions.
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Milburn Review — Over One Million Young People Now NEET
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The Milburn Review has found that the number of young people not in education, employment, or training has exceeded one million for the first time since 2013. The review calls for a reset of the social mobility agenda, with greater investment in local partnerships, youth infrastructure, and trusted community relationships. Organisations working with young people are encouraged to engage with the review and its findings.
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Sussex care providers are encouraged to apply for the SESCA Displaced Worker Recruitment Support Scheme — supporting providers to recruit experienced displaced international care workers already living in the South East, with funding of up to £6,000 available per worker recruited.
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Please click here to read our latest International Recruitment Project Bulletin.
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- Project Update (Displaced Worker Recruitment Support Scheme)
DHSC funding confirmed for 2026–27 (final year of programme). Reduced funding.
- Ongoing Scheme Activity
Providers can still apply; assurance reviews ongoing. Assured providers can continue recruiting from the displaced worker pool. Workers can still apply; however, new applicants are paused from the active pool pending future arrangements.
- SESCA Conference 2026
24 June 2026 | Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher. Guest speaker: Vic Rayner OBE.
Places limited and are filling quickly. Free for Adult Social Care providers in the Southeast.
- Legal Helpline – Extended
Free 30-minute consultation with immigration specialists (Lester Aldridge Solicitors).
Phone: 01202 786126 | Email: sescahelp@LA-Law.com
- CoS application delays continue/CoS Accuracy
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Detailing processing times, The Home Office Priority Service, CoS Renewals, SESCA support and what information to include.
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Workforce Development
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Are Your Sponsored Workers Being Paid Correctly?
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With sponsor licence revocations on the rise — and a growing number linked directly to salary compliance breaches — this is not an area care providers can afford to overlook.
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Aston Brooke Solicitors are running a practical webinar on salary compliance and the April 2026 immigration rule changes, hosted by Kashif, Director and immigration law specialist with nearly 28 years of experience.
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The session will cover the key salary threshold changes, common compliance mistakes, record-keeping and reporting obligations, and practical steps to protect your sponsor licence.
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Thursday 2 July 2026, 2:00 — 3:30pm
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Recommended for Authorising Officers, HR, payroll, finance, and compliance leads at any organisation holding or applying for a sponsor licence.Register here: shorturl.at/B0RF2
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Empower Your Care Team with Mindful Movement Training
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The Brighton Natural Health Foundation is a local charity with over 40 years' experience delivering accessible and inclusive mindful movement programmes that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
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Mindful movement combines gentle exercise with focused awareness, helping to improve balance, flexibility and circulation, while reducing stress and anxiety. Activities can be adapted for people who are standing, seated or lying down, making them suitable for a wide range of abilities.
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Their Train the Trainer programme equips care staff with the skills and confidence to lead sessions in-house, creating sustainable wellbeing support for residents and colleagues. Bespoke training, wellbeing days and regular classes are also available.
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The next Train the Trainer course starts in September 2026 in Brighton, with places available from approximately £350 per person.
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To find out more, visit the Brighton Natural Health Foundation website or contact samhart@bnhf.org.
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Christie & Co will be exhibiting at our Annual Conference. Make sure you visit their stand to meet the team, explore their expertise in the care sector, and say hello.
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We have recently launched our annual sentiment survey, the results of which will be published later this year in our Care Market Review.
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Our market review offers expert insights into the sector, bringing together the views and experiences of care operators from across the UK. It aims to highlight key challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends shaping the future of the care market.
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We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this survey; all responses will be anonymous.
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Christie & Co is also a proud sponsor of Care Home Open Week, which is being held between 15th and 21st June. This offers a unique opportunity for care homes to invite the local community to get involved and raise their profile. Both Christie & Co and Championing Social Care would appreciate your support in encouraging more providers to get involved and celebrate the amazing work of the sector. To coincide with the World Cup, there are resources available to help with ideas of how to get involved, activities to run and resources to help you do so.
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eVisa Workshop Announced for Local Authorities and Health & Social Care Colleagues
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The Vulnerability Team are hosting an eVisa workshop for colleagues in local authorities and health and social care trusts.
About the session
This workshop will provide practical guidance on the eVisa system, supporting organisations to better understand and use digital immigration status.
The session will cover
There will be time for questions and discussion throughout the session.
The session will be hosted via Microsoft Teams on the following dates
Session 2 - Wednesday 8th July 10:00am – 11:00am
It is not necessary to attend each session. We are hosting the same workshop on two dates, for the convenience of attendees. You will only need to attend one session. If you have already attended but know of any colleagues who may be interested, please feel free to forward this email to them.
Who should attend?
This workshop is suitable for:
How to register
Please register via eVisagrants@homeoffice.gov.uk
Joining details will be shared in advance of the session.
If you have any questions ahead of the workshop, please contact eVisagrants@homeoffice.gov.uk
We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your understanding of the eVisa process.
Finally, if there are any specific topics that you would benefit from being discussed, please let us know, and we will try to accommodate you.
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Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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