|
|
|
|
Friday 19th September 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
🔎 Understanding the Fair Pay Agreement in Social Care
|
|
We are pleased to invite you to an important webinar hosted by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). This session will provide clarity on the upcoming Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) and its implications for the social care sector.
|
📅 Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
⏰ Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
📍 Where: Online
|
-
|
What an FPA is, why it’s being introduced, and how it links to the Employment Rights Bill
|
-
|
Key timelines, the development process, and progress to date
|
-
|
Objectives of the consultation and how you can respond
|
-
|
Interactive discussion and Q&A opportunities
|
⚠️ We anticipate high demand for this session, so please book early.
|
|
|
|
🆕 Member Update
📢 AGM Announcement
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th October at 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm at The Relais Cooden Beach. All members are warmly welcome to attend.
|
Address: Cooden Sea Rd, Bexhill, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 4TT
|
📂 Recently Uploaded – In Case You Missed It
The resource pack from our recent session, “Everything You Need to Know About the Court of Protection”, is now available to download. Click here to view.
|
- Presenter Slides
- Recording of the session to watch again,
- Key summary of Court of Protection,
- Useful links; and
- A comprehensive overview of the Court of Protection.
|
Not a member? If you would like to discuss Gold Membership with ES, B&H Partners in Care, please contact Sean Walser, Membership Manager membership@espic.co.uk or Telephone: 07429139752 to find more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
🌟 Get Your Tickets for the East Sussex Care Awards 2025! 🌟
|
|
|
|
The countdown is on! 🎉 Join us on Thursday 13th November 2025 at the East Sussex National Hotel for an unforgettable evening celebrating the incredible people and teams making a difference in adult social care across East Sussex.
|
The East Sussex Partners in Care – Care Awards 2025 will showcase the very best in our sector, with awards recognising innovation, compassion, dedication, and excellence. It’s a night to celebrate achievements, honour care heroes, and come together as a community.
|
The evening includes a gala dinner, an inspiring awards ceremony, and a chance to support a great cause through our charity raffle.
After the formalities, let your hair down and dance the night away with our end-of-evening disco.
|
📅 Date: Thursday 13th November 2025
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Venue: East Sussex National Hotel
|
|
🎟 Tickets are limited — don’t miss your chance to be part of this very special evening!
|
|
|
|
🌟 Care Awards Update
Our judges met on Friday 19th September to review all nominations.
We’re excited to announce the finalists next week – stay tuned!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free Legal Helpline available now!
|
|
The FREE legal helpline is available for you to use! Available until 28th November!
|
Providers are entitled to a Free 30-minute, no obligation, phone consultation with an immigration specialist at Lester Aldridge Solicitors.
|
|
Phone lines are open from 9am-5pm, Mon–Fri (with an answer phone operating outside these hours).
|
You can also email Lester Aldridge using the dedicated address below.
Phone: 01202 786126
Email: sescahelp@LA-Law.com
|
The service is open to all CQC-registered adult social care providers operating in the South-East.
|
|
Recruitmatch Everyday English & Cultural Awareness
|
Designed for carers from overseas.
|
An online course over 6 weeks with a live trainer, 10am - 11.30am, each Wed for 6 weeks, from 15th Oct 2025 - 19th Nov 2025
|
|
This is the training that we have offered to workers registered with the IR scheme in the SE region, and we have had excellent feedback on it.
|
|
Recruitmatch have agreed to offer a special price of £150 to providers who book it for their staff. Providers should contact Recruitmatch directly if they have any questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date: Supported Living Themed Webinar
|
|
|
We’re pleased to announce a brand-new Supported Living Themed Webinar, with full details and speaker lineup to be confirmed soon.
|
📅 Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 pm
📍 Where: Online
|
This free session will explore key issues and opportunities in supported living, with practical insights for providers.
|
|
|
|
No onboarding fees with CareLineLive
|
|
We know that switching management software – or going digital for the first time – can feel like a big step. That’s why CareLineLive, one of our trusted partners, is here to make that process smoother and more supportive for you.
|
As a special offer to our members, CareLineLive is waiving their standard onboarding fee for any new contract signed before 30th September 2025.
|
Whether you're ready to move on from paper, switch from another system or simply want to explore a better way of managing your agency, this is your chance to get started with an award-winning software and genuine human support, with no extra upfront cost.
|
CareLineLive is proud to be the UK’s top-rated home care management software with a 4.8 star rating on Trustpilot. With this offer, they’re taking away the onboarding fee, but keeping the gold-standard support their customers love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that August and September are statistically the months with the most births per year? Many sources cite 26 September as the single most popular birthday date!
|
Do you know what to do if your employees need to go on maternity leave or take time off work to care for a newborn?
|
|
Enter your free Citation HR and Health & Safety advice line. Call 0161 504 0843 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday for free, confidential Health & Safety and HR advice that puts you first.
|
|
Remember to quote ESPiC & BHPiC when you call!
|
|
|
The new Fair Work Agency (FWA), part of the Employment Rights Bill, is set to overhaul how employment rights are enforced, and it’s not just talk. With inspection powers, the ability to charge enforcement costs, and even the authority to bring Tribunal claims, the FWA will be one of the most powerful regulators UK employers have seen.
|
But here’s the important part the FWA isn’t expected to go live until April 2026. That gives businesses time to prepare, but waiting until the last minute could be costly.
|
To help you cut through the noise, our Partner, Citation, has put together a FREE checklist to explain exactly what the FWA will (and won’t) do, and what employers need to know now to stay compliant.
|
This simple, actionable checklist covers:
|
- What the Fair Work Agency is
- Why it matters for your business
- Key employer responsibilities and next steps
- What the FWA won’t do – and why you’ll still need HR and legal support
|
Get expert-backed advice in a quick, easy-to-follow format.
|
|
Citation’s expert team helps businesses across the UK strengthen HR and Employment Law, Health & Safety and Employment Law compliance so you can focus on what matters most. Call Citation on 0345 844 1111 or click here to learn more. Don’t forget to mention RCA East Sussex, Brighton & Hove to access your preferential rates!
|
|
|
|
|
Stay Digital-Ready with the Latest from Digital Care Hub
Discover the latest essential updates on digital, data, and cyber developments in adult social care:
|
-
Digital Care Hub @ Care Show Birmingham 2025
Drop by their stand (B11) for live Q&A on digital systems, innovation, and cybersecurity.
When: Wednesday 8 October | NEC Birmingham
|
-
Critical Cyber Resilience Alert
A recent prepaid card system failure left disabled individuals without funds for personal assistants. It’s a stark reminder: cyber resilience and continuity planning are essential.
|
-
ADASS Spring Survey 2025 Findings
Rising financial pressure, transfer of workload from NHS to social care, and a push from analogue to digital. Explore the key shifts impacting our sector.
|
-
AI Guidance for Adult Social Care
New provider-focused insights offer practical, responsible AI use—enhancing admin efficiency and support quality.
Learn more on the Digitising Social Care site.
|
-
What’s New: AI Webinar Series, DSPT Workshops, & Care Roadshows
From utilising Windows 11 and DSPT tools to understanding AI ethics and green responsibility, a raft of events helps providers stay ahead.
|
|
Ready to stay connected, informed, and inspired?
|
|
Access the full newsletter for expert analysis, toolkits, webinars, and event listings tailored for care providers:
|
|
|
|
Sussex Digital: September 2025 Upcoming Events
|
|
Accessible Technology in Adult Social Care - Part 1of 2
Tue, 23 Sept 2025, 11:00
Event Link
WhatsApp in Care: Safe or Sorry?
Tue, 23 Sept 2025, 14:00
Event Link:
Accessible Technology and Problem Solving in Adult Social Care
Thu, 25 Sept 2025, 14:00
Event Link:
|
|
Don’t miss these valuable sessions to enhance your digital security and compliance this summer!
|
|
|
|
📰 IHM Hub Update – New September Newsletter Out Now
|
|
The latest IHM Hub membership update is live! In this edition you’ll find:
|
-
|
Inspiring stories and case studies from members driving change on the front lines
|
-
|
Reflections on leadership, mentoring, and well-being in the social care world
|
-
|
An overview of short courses available (many CPD-accredited) to help boost your team’s skills
|
-
|
The upcoming Systems Leadership CPD series for 2025
|
Would you like to have your work featured? The Institute is currently looking for providers to share their best practice via case studies. If you’re interested, you can contact Sue Jones (Director of Social Care) at sjones@ihm.org.uk
|
|
|
|
📢 Sussex Campaigns Hub – Resources You Can Use Now
|
|
Did you know there’s a dedicated online space packed with toolkits, graphics, and assets you can use to support your care service? The Sussex Health & Care Campaigns Hub offers resources tailored for health and social care providers across the region. NHS Sussex
|
-
|
Winter Vaccination Toolkits: resources for health & social care worker flu campaigns, RSV, and outreach to travellers. NHS Sussex
|
-
|
Seasonal & Safety Toolkits: Stay Safe in the Heat, Norovirus guidance, and other weather-related engagement materials. NHS Sussex
|
-
|
Mental Health Resources: campaign toolkits around emotional wellbeing, trauma-informed frameworks, and signposting support. NHS Sussex
|
-
|
General Health Campaigns: NHS 10 Year Health Plan, Pharmacy First, Access to Primary Care, and more. NHS Sussex
|
|
If you haven’t visited yet, this could be a great way to find ready-made materials that save you time and boost your service’s communication efforts.
|
|
🔗 Explore all the campaign assets here:
|
|
|
|
|
Skills for Care Nursing Update September 2025
|
|
|
|
Social Care Student Nurse Placement Strategy Launched
|
|
Register now for social care preceptorship sessions starting September 2025
|
This autumn we’ll be running a series of free sessions aimed at supporting your organisation to run a successful preceptorship programme.
|
|
Preceptorship programmes are a vital part of the support required to recruit and retain registered nurses and nursing associates who are new to the NMC register.
|
There are two separate sessions, running through September, October and November, for those people in your nursing team who could carry out the following roles - one would be a preceptorship lead, who would lead on this for the organisation, and then other nursing staff who could act as preceptors.
|
|
For more information and to book your place:
|
|
Global Majority Nursing Network
|
Are you registered nurse or nursing associate from a diverse background? Join our new Global Majority Nursing network which aims to provide you with a place to share insight and experiences, embrace collaborative working and access personal development and leadership opportunities.
|
Date: Monday 22 September 2025 | Time: 10:00 - 12.00 | Location: Online
|
|
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025 | Time: 14:30 - 15.30 | Location: Online
|
|
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025 | Time: 13:00 - 15.00 | Location: Online
|
Date: Tuesday 10 February 2026 | Time: TBC | Location: TBC
|
|
Social Care Network for Students and Early Career Nursing
|
In partnership with and led by the Council of Deans of Health we have also launched the Social Care Network for Students and Early Career Nursing.
|
- If you’re a student nurse or nursing associate or just starting out in your nursing career in social care this is designed for you.
- If you’re a care provider hosting students or an employer of newly qualified nurses and nursing associates then please encourage them to get involved as it is a great opportunity for peer support, developing a collective voice, hearing from others and understanding local and national nursing policy.
Further general nursing information and resources can be found here: Nursing
|
Did you know that the CQC is expected to undertake 3,000 assessments in the next six-months?
Whether you are preparing for your first CQC assessment, striving to deliver outstanding care or needing to improve, we can support you.
|
The popular one-day virtual or face-to-face seminars bring together front-line managers, and compliance leads to learn how to meet or exceed CQC expectations or how to recover effectively if your service has fallen below the required standards.
|
Being prepared for CQC assessment
Dates now available to book in October, November and December
|
Discover why assessment is important, what and how the CQC will assess and learn how to evidence high-quality care and demonstrate your service meets CQC expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating.
|
|
✅ Learn about the CQC Assessment Framework and the latest areas of assessment focus.
|
|
✅ Understand successful approaches to preparing your staff for CQC assessment.
|
✅ Discover what you will need to evidence to demonstrate your service meets or exceeds what the CQC expects.
|
Explore practical ways to be ready for assessment
|
|
|
|
Update from Birdie
|
|
📍 Event: Winning Private Clients – Leicester
Our in-person event is coming to Leicester, helping care providers learn how to attract and retain more private clients.
|
📘 New eBook: Holding Your Own with Local Authorities
Practical guidance on building confidence in negotiations and securing better outcomes with commissioners.
👉 Download the eBook
|
🎓 Training: Holding Your Own with Local Authorities (with the Homecare Association)
A webinar version of the eBook above!
👉 Find out more
|
⚡ Blog: Frankenplatforms – Why Piecemeal Systems Hold Providers Back
Our latest blog explores the hidden costs and risks of juggling multiple disconnected systems.
👉 Read the blog
|
|
|
|
|
This week’s focus is on partnership working. Collaboration across health, social care, and local government continues to shape how support is delivered, demonstrating how stronger connections across our sector can help us meet challenges, share learning, and improve outcomes for the people we support.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AI in Care Homes: Supporting Occupational Health in September
|
During Occupational Health Awareness Week (22–28 September), we’re focusing on how AI can enhance occupational health (OH) for care home staff. Healthy, supported teams are key to delivering good resident care, so tools that help maintain staff wellbeing, reduce burnout, and ensure safe working practices are very relevant.
|
How AI Can Help with Occupational Health in Care Homes:
|
-
Monitoring Staff Wellbeing
|
-
|
AI tools can analyse data from staff check-ins, wearable devices, or feedback surveys to detect signs of fatigue, stress, or physical strain.
|
-
|
Early alerts can prompt managers to offer support or adjust workloads before issues escalate.
|
-
Risk Assessment & Safe Working Environments
|
-
|
AI-powered assessments (for example via smart sensors or environmental monitors) can detect hazards (slippery floors, poor lighting, air quality) in real time.
|
-
|
Enables timely interventions to reduce risk of injury or illness.
|
-
Predicting Sickness Absence and Retention Issues
|
-
|
By analysing patterns in absences, shift lengths, and turnover, AI can help predict when staff may be at higher risk of burnout or more likely to leave.
|
-
|
Allows proactive measures (rest breaks, support programmes, HR involvement) to improve retention.
|
-
Training & Compliance Reminders
|
-
|
AI can keep track of required occupational health training (e.g. manual handling, infection control) and send reminders to staff whose certifications are expiring.
|
-
|
May also suggest relevant learning resources or schedule refresher sessions based on individual needs.
|
-
-
|
AI-driven tools like confidential chatbots or mood-tracking apps can provide staff with outlets for emotional support, resources, or signposting to professional help.
|
-
|
Helps reduce stigma and improves access to help when needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Events and Training
|
|
More events have been added this week! Click here to view all upcoming events.
|
|
|
|
Our Sponsors & Partners
|
|
Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
