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Monday 18th May 2026

Welcome to our weekly updates

New Care Business Networking Programme Launches in Brighton

In 2026, we are introducing a Care Business Networking programme for providers, with our launch event taking place on Thursday 11th June 9.30am – 11.30am at Malmaison Hotel, Brighton Marina.

The programme is designed to help care providers build stronger, more resilient businesses — strengthening their understanding of financial sustainability, workforce planning, compliance, and growth. For many of the SMEs we work with, access to credible, practical expertise is exactly what's missing.

Cost:
  • FREE to Gold Members
  • £30 per person, non-members - To become a Gold Member, Click here
Refreshments included.

The full speaker line-up will be announced shortly.
We look forward to welcoming providers and partners to this exciting new initiative.

Dementia Awareness Week

As part of Dementia Awareness Week, Barchester - Hazel Lodge Care Home is hosting a free community information event on Tuesday 19 May, from 1pm–4pm, offering help, advice, and support for people living with dementia, families, carers, and the wider community.

The event will bring together local community groups and support services to provide guidance, information, and an opportunity to connect with others in a welcoming environment.

Find out more about the event and the home here:
Hazel Lodge Care Home – Barchester Healthcare

We are also pleased to highlight that Dementia Care of the Year is a category in the 2026 Care Awards, recognising excellence and innovation in dementia care across the sector.

Care Awards Nominations Closing Dates

Brighton & Hove: 30th June 2026
East Sussex: 30th August 2026

If you missed our Webinar on How to Write an Outstanding Nomination, CLICK HERE to watch the recording on our YouTube

Click here to view the new and updated Nomination Catagories for this year!

Click here to view our Nomination Guidance

Don't Miss Out! Modern Slavery and Labour Exploitation: Awareness Raising Session

Tuesday 2nd June

Online | Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Join Dr. Akilah Jardine for an informative webinar exploring modern slavery and labour exploitation within the care sector.
The session will cover:
  • Different forms of exploitation in the UK
  • Key signs to look out for
  • How and where to report concerns
As the care sector is increasingly recognised as high-risk for exploitation, this webinar will provide valuable guidance for providers, managers, and frontline staff.

Upcoming Events from us

Supported Living, Extra Care & Shared Lives Providers Web Forum
Online - Book here
Wednesday 10th June 2026
A dedicated online forum for supported living, extra care and shared lives providers to hear the latest sector updates from experts, explore service-specific challenges, and share ideas to strengthen ongoing support.

Homecare Providers Themed Forum
Online - Book here
Wednesday 17th June 2026
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.
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.
Please click here to read our latest International Recruitment Project Bulletin.
In summary:
  • Project Update (Displaced Worker Recruitment Support Scheme)
    DHSC funding confirmed for 2026–27 (final year of programme). Funding significantly reduced; activity under review. Further details to follow in the next Bulletin.
  • 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 – Book Early
    24 June 2026 | Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher. Guest speaker: Vic Rayner OBE.
    Places limited and expected to fill quickly. Free for Adult Social Care providers in the South East.
  • Legal Helpline – Extended
    Free 30-minute consultation with immigration specialists (Lester Aldridge Solicitors).
    Phone: 01202 786126 | Email: sescahelp@LA-Law.com
We’re excited to say that the Home Care Fee Calculator from Quality of Care is nearly ready to launch!

Most providers know the challenge isn’t just calculating an accurate fee…
The real challenge is convincing commissioners to actually pay it.

That’s why the Home Care Fee Calculator has been designed to do two critical things:
• Help you calculate the true cost of delivering care
• Give you the detailed evidence needed to justify those fees with confidence

Because knowing your costs is one thing. Winning sustainable fee rates is another.

You can register for Early Bird Access before 5pm on Friday 22nd May.

Registering:
• Does not commit you to purchasing
• Simply secures your Early Bird eligibility
• Includes a 30-day free trial with no financial risk


Register your Early Bird interest here

Exclusive offer: Gold Members of ESPiC/BHPiC receive 50% discount for the first year on all QoC tools - email membership@espic.co.uk for the discount code.

Workforce Development

Workforce Spotlight: The Future of Adult Social Care Recruitment

A new paper from the Centre for Care explores the growing workforce challenges facing adult social care in the UK, including staff shortages, immigration policy changes, and the increasing pressures on providers.

With more than 111,000 vacancies across the sector, the paper highlights the urgent need for sustainable workforce solutions, improved working conditions, and long-term investment in care.

Read the full article from the Centre for Care.

Energy Market Insights for Charities: Managing Risk & Collective Purchasing

Energy Market Insights for Charities: Managing Risk & Collective Purchasing
📅 11 June 2026 | 🕚 11:00am – 12:00pm
In a volatile energy market shaped by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, charities are under increasing pressure to manage costs effectively while avoiding unnecessary risk.

This free webinar, hosted by Ben Mason, will explore current energy market conditions and provide practical guidance on:
  • Understanding recent energy market movements
  • Reducing procurement risk in gas and electricity contracts
  • The benefits of collective purchasing for charities
  • Practical considerations when reviewing energy agreements
This session is particularly relevant for organisations looking to improve financial resilience and make more informed energy purchasing decisions.

🎟 Register here:
Book your place on Eventbrite

Sussex Digital In-Reach Team - May events

Republish your DSPT in your Lunch Hour
Dates: 19, 26 May
Time: 12:30 – 13:30
Description:
With the DSPT deadline on 30 June approaching, it’s important to get started early. In these sessions, we’ll go through the DSPT step by step, explaining each question and how to complete it. You can also suggest areas you’d like us to cover.
Event link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987984410888?aff=oddtdtcreator

DSPT Support Session Ahead of 30 June Deadline
Date: 21 May
Time: 12:00
Description:
A further opportunity to get support with challenging areas of the DSPT and ask questions. Sessions are shaped around common issues and provider feedback.
Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988269440419?aff=oddtdtcreator

When Cyber Attacks Happen: Real Stories from Sussex
Date: 21 May
Time: 14:30
Description:
Explore real cyber attack cases from Sussex, what happened, and the lessons learned. This session will help you understand risks and how to better protect your organisation.
Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988275727223?aff=oddtdtcreator

DSPT Support Session Ahead of 30 June Deadline
Date: 29 May
Time: 11:00
Description:
Another support session focused on helping you work through difficult DSPT areas ahead of the 30 June deadline.
Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988269469506?aff=oddtdtcreator
This week’s edition of the MILE newsletter brings together resources focused on supporting health and wellbeing in care settings.

From nutrition, hydration and movement to falls prevention and medication management, we’re sharing a range of resources linked to everyday practice that can help support safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives for the people we care for.

Click here to access this week’s edition:
https://mailchi.mp/9988c7ba5149/mile-pathway-18th-may-2026-newsletter
Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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