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Friday 3rd October 2025

🌟🎉 We Have Our Finalists for the 2025 East Sussex Care Awards! 🎉🌟

Congratulations to all our nominees — every nomination told a story of care at its very, very best. 💙

We’re delighted to announce that the finalists for the East Sussex Partners in Care – Care Awards 2025 have now been chosen.

Full details of the finalists will be available on our website from Monday 6th October.
This is a moment to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and excellence shown by so many individuals and teams across our sector. 🏆✨

👉 Keep an eye on our website for the full announcement!

ESPIC October Upcoming Events

🚨 Last Chance to Book! Fair Pay Agreement Webinar

Understanding the Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) in Social Care
📍 Online | 🗓 Wednesday 15 October | ⏰ 1:30–2:30 PM

Don’t miss this vital session on one of the biggest changes coming to social care. Delivered by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), this webinar will explain:
  • What the Fair Pay Agreement is and why it matters
  • Key timelines and how it links to the Employment Rights Bill
  • How you can respond to the consultation and get involved
⚠️ Spaces are filling quickly — book now to secure your place!

🔗 Book Here

More October Events

Everything You Need to Know About Specialist Training for All Levels of Social Care Staff
📍 Online | 🗓 Tuesday 28 October | ⏰ 12:30–1:00 PM
A focused 30-minute session on training pathways and opportunities available across the sector.
🔗 Book Now

Supported Living Themed Webinar
📍 Online | 🗓 Wednesday 29 October | ⏰ 1:30–3:00 PM
Save the date! This in-depth session will explore key issues and best practice in supported living.
🔗 Book Now

💬 ESPIC CEO Blog – When Care Providers Leave the Market: The Hidden Cost of Unsustainable Pressures

Our CEO has shared a new blog reflecting on the increasing challenges facing care providers and the impact of unsustainable pressures on the sector.

This thought-provoking piece explores what happens when providers are forced to leave the market — and the hidden costs for services, communities, and those who rely on care.

👉 Available exclusively to members in the Members’ Section of our website.
🔗 Read the blog here (Members only)

🌍 International Recruitment Scheme – Applications Still Open

East Sussex Partners in Care (ESPIC) manages the International Recruitment Hub in Sussex, supporting providers to join the scheme and connect with carers seeking new sponsorship.

🔹 Nearly 700 displaced workers in the South East are currently available, all triaged and assessed.
🔹 Support grants of up to £6,000 per worker, per CQC location (up to six workers per location – conditions apply).
🔹 We help match providers with skilled international staff ready to contribute to your workforce.

👉 Applications are still open for providers wishing to join the scheme and sponsor a displaced worker.
Find out more on the SESCA website.

💬 And don’t forget – whether you are already sponsoring workers or just considering it, you can access the FREE Legal Helpline to answer any questions you may have

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.

Click here full details

Recruitmatch Everyday English & Cultural Awareness

Designed for carers from overseas.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/recruitmatch

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.

Your Weekly News, Editorials and Events - Updates from IHSCM

We’re always looking for ways to keep our community updated with the latest insights, editorials, and opportunities across health and social care. That’s why we’re delighted to share the Institute of Healthcare Management’s weekly newsletter – a fantastic resource packed with thought leadership, sector updates, and upcoming events.

👉 Read the latest edition here: Your Weekly News, Editorials and Events
It’s a great way to stay informed, inspired, and connected with the wider care community.

✨ Look out for our feature in CareLine Magazine! ✨

The East Sussex Care Awards 2025 will shine a light on the volunteers, carers, and community champions whose dedication transforms lives every day.

As Jennifer Twist, Chief Executive of Care for the Carers, said:
“I was humbled by the number of nominations we received and the most amazing life stories of the local carers and volunteers we heard about.”

Keep an eye out for the full article in the upcoming edition of CareLine Magazine!
Welcome to the latest edition of ‘Did You Know?’, Hempsons’ publication designed to keep you informed about the latest legal developments, legislation, and noteworthy case law across our sectors.

In this edition, we shine a spotlight on the complexities of NHS continuing care and continuing healthcare, which are the main NHS funding frameworks for adults and children with complex healthcare needs living out of hospital.

Against the background of uncertainty as to who will be providing this critical service under the NHS 10 Year Plan, our Advisory team identify some enduring key concepts within these frameworks and practical considerations for those responsible for this service.

Employment Tribunals: Timeline & Key Documents | Download your FREE guide

Tribunal claims are one of the biggest risks facing UK employers and with the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) and Fair Work Agency (FWA) bringing tougher enforcement, the stakes are rising. Employers who don’t act quickly or have the right paperwork in place could face costly consequences.
That’s why our Partner, Citation, has created a brand-new FREE guide that walks employers through the process from start to finish. Inside, you’ll find:
  • A clear timeline of every stage in a tribunal claim
  • The key documents required (ET1, ET3, case management orders, bundles, witness statements, and more)
  • The critical 28-day deadline to respond to a claim
  • Practical tips to stay organised, protect their case, and avoid costly mistakes
DOWNLOAD HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2uayhhau

Citation’s HR and employment law experts help businesses across the UK prevent tribunal claims where possible and prepare robustly when they happen. From watertight contracts and policies to 24/7 advice and representation, Citation has you covered. Call 0345 844 1111 or click the link here to learn more. Don’t forget to mention RCA East Sussex, Brighton & Hove to access preferential rates!

Sussex Digital Team October Events

FREE EVENTS FOR SUSSEX CARE PROVIDERS
With so much going on, why not follow their eventbrite page to be notified as soon as they launch a new event Eventbrite

Online Safety Foundations
Tuesday, 7 October 2025 11:30
Book Here
An interactive workshop guiding social care professionals through practical cyber security steps with hands-on demonstration

Communication at Work - OneDrive
Wednesday, 15 October 2025 11:00
Book Here
Getting the Best Out of OneDrive - one hour. interactive workshop for social care

Digital Office Skills - Outlook
Wednesday, 15 October 2025 14:00
Book Here
A hands-on workshop for social care staff to learn practical Outlook skills. Bring your laptop & work along with the trainer

Practical IT Skills Workshop - IT Systems and Devices
Friday, 17 October 2025 11:30
Book Here
A hands-on workshop exploring essential IT skills for cyber and data security to safeguard your digital world.

Getting to Grips with ROPA and Information Asset Registers
Tuesday, 21 October 2025 14:00
Book Here
Join us if you want to learn more about your legal obligations as a care provider under The General Data Protection (GDPR)

Artificial Intelligence and CQC AI Strategy
Thursday, 23 October 2025 14:00
Book Here
Exploring what AI and CQC’s early thinking could mean for social care.

Interactive Workshop: Republish Your DSPT
Friday, 24 October 2025 11:00
Book Here
Republish your DSPT, audit your answers, ask questions, and access in-depth support

Republish your DSPT in your lunch hour
Thursday, 30 October 2025 12:30
Book Here
Republish your DSPT to standards met in your lunch hour.

Stay Informed with the Latest from East Sussex County Council

East Sussex County Council has released its latest newsletter, which includes important updates on local services, community news, and future plans for the county. This edition covers proposals for how council services could be delivered in the coming years, opportunities to share your views, and news about projects and support available to residents.

It’s a valuable way to stay up to date with what’s happening in East Sussex and how it might affect you and your community.

👉 Read the full update here: East Sussex County Council Newsletter

The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey is about to close

⏰ Don’t wait - complete the survey

The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey is about to close, and we’ve had far too few responses from nurses and nursing roles. Without your input, the real challenges you face will be ignored.

Your voice is vital to shaping the future of social care. By completing the survey, you will:

✅ Influence government decisions on funding, staffing, training, and support

✅ Provide evidence to tackle urgent issues like recruitment, retention, and wellbeing

✅ Make sure the nursing voice in social care is heard loud and clear

⏰ Don’t wait — time is almost up. Complete the survey today and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

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.
👉 See event details

📘 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
The latest newsletter from Mile Pathway focuses on how we can attract, support, and develop younger workers entering care. Inside, you’ll find resources and opportunities to strengthen recruitment, induction, and career development for the next generation of professionals.

Read this week’s edition here:
https://mailchi.mp/7f8f4fee3011/mile-pathway-29th-september-2025-newsletter

AI in Care Homes: Making Letters and Reports Easier

Care homes often need to produce formal letters, reports, and documentation for regulators, local authorities, healthcare professionals, residents, and families. These tasks can be time-consuming and sometimes daunting. AI tools can make the process quicker and more straightforward, while still leaving staff in control of the final message.

How AI Can Support Written Communication:
  1. Drafting Formal Letters
    • AI can generate first drafts for letters to the CQC, GPs, or local councils, helping staff structure responses clearly and professionally.
  2. Simplifying Complex Topics
    • When explaining policies, medical updates, or procedures, AI can suggest plain-English summaries to ensure families and residents understand.
  3. Templates and Consistency
    • AI can create templates for common correspondence such as complaint responses, incident reports, or policy updates.
    • Ensures consistency in tone and structure across the organisation.
  4. Saving Time
    • Instead of starting from scratch, staff can edit and personalise AI-generated drafts, reducing workload and speeding up turnaround.
  5. Supporting Sensitive Communication
    • AI can suggest wording that balances empathy and clarity in difficult situations, such as delivering bad news or addressing complaints.
AI doesn’t replace the human touch—but it provides a supportive starting point that helps staff communicate more confidently, clearly, and efficiently.

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!
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