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Welcome to our weekly updates
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Book now for our Care Business Networking Event in Brighton!
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We are excited to introduce a brand new initiative — Care Business Networking, a programme designed specifically to support care providers in building stronger, more resilient businesses. The first event takes place on Wednesday 11th June, 09.30 am - 11.30 am at Malmaison Hotel, Brighton Marina, Light refreshments are included and there is free car parking at the Marina.
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Tickets are £30 per person for non-members and FREE for Gold members.
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Gold members please email: membership@espic.co.uk to reserve your FREE ticket.
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The programme strengthens knowledge and confidence in areas such as financial sustainability, workforce planning, compliance, and business growth. For many of the SMEs we work alongside, access to credible, practical expertise is exactly what is needed to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
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This launch event will introduce the programme and give attendees the opportunity to take part in an "Ask the Experts Networking Clinic" covering:
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Financial Planning / Insurance and Risk - Jimmy Johns and Karun Ahluwalia
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The session will also offer valuable time for networking, peer learning, and discussion around the current challenges and opportunities facing the care sector.
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HOLD THE DATE – Wednesday 8 July 2026
ESPIC Annual Conference 2026
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We are delighted to return to Herstmonceux Castle for the ESPIC Annual Conference 2026.
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Join national speakers, local leaders, and sector experts as we explore the major reforms shaping adult social care and the evolving health and care landscape. The conference will focus on the future of care provision, integration, regulation, care market challenges, digital transformation, and the changing role of providers within neighbourhood health and integrated care systems.
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Full programme to be announced shortly.
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FREE to attend for all providers
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Doors open from 8:30am for registration, networking, and breakfast refreshments.
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New Interactive Market Position Statement Now Available
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We are pleased to share that East Sussex County Council has launched a new, refreshed Market Position Statement (MPS) in an updated online format.
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The Market Position Statement provides valuable insight into the current and future adult social care and health landscape across East Sussex. It outlines key trends, challenges, opportunities, commissioning intentions and priorities that will help providers understand local needs and plan for future service development.
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The newly designed format makes it easier than ever to navigate and access information relevant to your sector. Whether you are an established provider or considering future opportunities within the East Sussex market, the MPS offers a comprehensive overview of local demand, emerging needs and the Council's priorities for adult social care and support.
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The MPS is an important resource for all providers, offering a clear picture of current and future market developments and highlighting areas where the Council is seeking to work with providers to develop sustainable, high-quality services that meet the needs of local residents.
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We encourage all providers to explore the new MPS and use it to inform service planning, business development and partnership opportunities.
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Everything You Need to Know About Adopt a Grandparent in Care Homes
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Thinking Ahead to Loneliness Awareness Week (15 -21 June 2026)
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Following an inspiring presentation at the East Sussex Registered Managers Forum, we are delighted to invite you to a special online session:
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Everything You Need to Know About Adopt a Grandparent in Care Homes
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Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 12:30pm – 1:00pm
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Held during Loneliness Awareness Week 2026, this session will explore how the award-winning Adopt a Grandparent programme is helping tackle loneliness among older people living in care homes.
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The charity connects residents with carefully matched volunteers through regular one-to-one video calls, creating meaningful friendships based on shared interests, culture, or language — all through a secure, safeguarded platform and completely free to use.
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- Enhances person-centred care and wellbeing
- Supports positive CQC evidence and resident outcomes
- Offers a valuable companionship scheme for residents
- Creates uplifting stories and community engagement opportunities
- Reduces loneliness and social isolation
- Builds meaningful friendships and connections
- Gives residents something positive to look forward to each week
- Supports emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement
Join us to hear more about how this simple but powerful initiative is making a real difference in care homes across the UK.
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Care Awards Nominations Closing Dates
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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Upcoming Events from us
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Supported Living, Extra Care & Shared Lives Providers Web Forum
Join us Wednesday 10th June from 2 pm – 3.30 pm as we explore the following topics at our online provider forum for Supported Living, Extra Care and Shared Lives providers:
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- Diversifying into Supported Living & Extra Care – property considerations, pitfalls, and best practice
Delivered by Christie & Co (TBC),
- Adult Safeguarding and Closed Cultures in Supported Living – Philip Boyce, Senior Specialist Advisor, Adult Safeguarding and Closed Cultures at CQC
- Understanding VAT Novation 2026 – Keiran & Lynch
- Improving Healthcare Access and Medication Safety for People with Learning Disabilities and Autism (TBC)
Homecare Providers Themed Forum
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A dedicated online forum for Homecare providers to hear the latest sector updates from experts, explore service-specific challenges, and share ideas to strengthen ongoing support.
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CareLineLive is back for another term as an ESPiC Sponsor — and if you run a home care agency, this company is worth knowing about. CareLineLive is an all-in-one cloud-based platform covering rostering, scheduling, care planning, eMAR, payroll and invoicing — used by over 700 providers across the UK and Australia.
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It is ISO accredited, NHS England Assured, and top-rated on Trustpilot. What sets them apart: MOA Benchmarking compliance is built into the subscription as standard, not bolted on as an extra. For ESPiC Gold Members, CareLineLive is offering 2 months free on any new 12-month contract.
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To access this offer you can join ESPiC as a Gold member here
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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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Hempsons and Care England webinar: Influencing outcomes in social care: funding, commissioning behaviour and provider leverage
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Join Hempsons health and social care law specialist Sam Stone, Legal Director for his free session which focuses on the practical reality of funding negotiations and the often difficult relationship between providers and commissioners. Drawing on real-world experience in disputes, procurement challenges and contract negotiations, Sam will set out the practical steps providers can take.
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If you have any issues with your registration or any questions about the event, please contact Care England.
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We are inviting social care providers across the South East to join our session exploring how Cyber Essentials works alongside the DSPT to strengthen your organisation’s cyber security.
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Delivered by a government-accredited Cyber Essentials certification body, the session will cover:
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- How Cyber Essentials complements the DSPT
- The most common cyber threats affecting care providers
- The five key Cyber Essentials security controls
- The difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
- What certification involves and the likely costs
Over the last five years, we have supported many providers with completing and renewing the DSPT, and we continue to believe it is one of the most important tools for protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
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However, cyber threats are continuing to evolve, and care providers of all sizes are increasingly being targeted. Cyber Essentials offers an additional layer of protection and is often more achievable and affordable than organisations expect, with certification for smaller providers starting from around £320 + VAT.
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If you would like to find out whether Cyber Essentials is right for your organisation, we would love you to join us.
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Cyber Essentials for Social Care Providers
Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 2:00 PM
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Workforce Development
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A Smarter Way to Recruit and Upskill in East Sussex
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Finding the right people and keeping your workforce future-ready doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Connect to Work and Skills Bootcamps offer East Sussex employers free or low-cost support to recruit motivated talent and develop existing staff.
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Designed with employers at their heart, both programmes help you fill roles faster, close skills gaps, improve retention and build a workforce aligned to your business needs.
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Connect to Work provides free, inclusive recruitment support, giving you access to a diverse pool of motivated, job-ready candidates. With tailored support for both the employer and the recruit, we can help ensure successful and long-term employment outcomes.
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Skills Bootcamps offer a flexible way to recruit skilled candidates or upskill current employees at a fraction of the usual cost. Employers can access newly trained talent for free or develop staff with a small contribution, supporting progression and long-term capability.
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Accessing Support by sharing your vacancies with the team, you save time and reduce recruitment costs. Suitable candidates are matched to your roles, with initial interest confirmed within 48 hours. Not only is it efficient, it’s free.
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To share vacancies, access candidates, develop staff or just to chat about how these programmes could work for your business email:
📩 employersupport@eastsussex.gov.uk
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Employers Invited to Support Sussex Youth Recruitment Event
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Employers and training providers across Sussex are being invited to take part in a major recruitment event aimed at supporting 18–24 year olds into employment, training, and future career opportunities as part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee commitment.
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The event is designed to connect young people who are currently out of work with employers who are recruiting now or planning future opportunities. Organisers hope the day will inspire attendees by showcasing the wide range of sectors, careers, and pathways available within their local communities.
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Around 1,000 young people are expected to attend throughout the day, creating an excellent opportunity for employers to meet potential future recruits, identify emerging talent, and help address vacancies and skills shortages within their organisations.
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The event will take place at:
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The Wing, Brighton Centre, Brighton
30 June 2026 | 10:00am – 3:30pm
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In addition to meeting prospective employees, the event will also offer networking opportunities with other employers and training providers, alongside access to Jobcentre Recruitment Consultants who can provide information about recruitment support available for businesses and jobseekers.
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As a regional event sponsored by DWP Ministers, organisers expect press interest and media coverage across multiple platforms.
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There is no cost to exhibit at the event.
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Employers interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible by contacting:
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Further details and support information will be shared directly with participating organisations following registration.
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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 1 - Monday 15th June 13:00pm – 14:00pm
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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