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Everything Care Providers need to know about Cyber Insurance in 20 mins
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Where: Online
When: Wednesday 5th November 2025 at 12:30pm
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Delivered in partnership with TL Dallas this succinct session will cover all you need to know about cyber insurance.
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Cyber insurance for care providers protects sensitive client data from breaches, ransomware, and cyberattacks. It covers, for example:
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- Recovery
- Legal costs,
- Regulatory fines,
- and Business interruption.
Insurers often require strong safeguards like encryption and staff training. This insurance supports regulatory compliance and helps providers recover quickly while maintaining client/family trust.
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More Upcoming Events From Us:
Home Care Themed Webinar
About:
Focused on the home care sector, this webinar explores current trends, workforce issues, best practices, and upcoming regulatory changes.
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🚀 A great opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and connect with others delivering domiciliary care services.
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✨ Don’t miss your chance to join these targeted sessions — each designed to support providers, managers, and teams in delivering excellent care.
🎟 Click the links above to secure your tickets today!
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Medicines Audit Masterclass for Care Homes – Book Now!
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Don’t miss this practical Medicines Audit Masterclass designed specifically for care homes.
Learn how to achieve outstanding medication audits, improve compliance, and strengthen your medication management processes.
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Delivered by experts, this interactive session will help care home managers and staff gain the confidence and knowledge to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality care.
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📅 Date: Tuesday 12th November 2025
📍 Location: Online
🕒 Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
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Last Chance to Get Your Tickets! 🎟️
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Don’t miss out — Monday is the final day to get your tickets for the Annual Care Awards 2025!
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Tickets are limited and selling fast, so make sure you secure your spot before it’s too late.
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Join us as we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of those working across the care sector. It’s a fantastic evening of recognition, inspiration, and community spirit — one you won’t want to miss.
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📅 Event Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
📍 Venue: East Sussex National Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
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💙 Our Finalists:
Rey Quin • Dragos “Nick” Stefanescu • Tracie Wilson • Nicki Hollywood • Maria Sinclair • Sarah Maskell • Ruby Antony • Bridget Kativu • Dilani Meepanalage • Deshika Jayasundara • Tom Derrick • Paloma Corke • Jon Brunner • Siobhan Cannon • Rhianna Earley • Adam Roberts • Bernadene Williams • Cindy Little • Georgia Slowey • Rebecca Taylor • Amanda Laurence • Grace Walker • Dean Hollobone • Jasmine James • Lou Rumble • Jenny Miles • Chené Jones • Paul McKeown • Martina Zizkova • Ian Schlieder • Caroline Foord • Chi Ling Chan • Manel Ahmed • Yvonne Wiggan • Liz Tehrani • Claire Wheeler • Stuart Draper • Annie Parker • Chona Chatfield • Maisie O'Donnell • Charlotte Anderson • Bartek Romanowski • Victoria Gallagher • Paul Barrett • Jhazmin Cabrera • Megan Jackson • Madel Wrobel • Carl Gibson • Mariana Philipova • Charlene O’Toole • Emma-Louise Rich-Spice
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✨ Every one of these incredible individuals embodies care at its very best — through compassion, skill, and heart.
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🌍 International Recruitment Scheme – Applications Still Open
👉 Applications are still open for providers wishing to join the scheme and sponsor a displaced worker.
Find out more on the SESCA website.
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Please help us improve by sharing your thoughts with the independent project evaluation team - you can do this using a brief online survey found at this link:
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Free Legal Helpline available now!
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The FREE legal helpline is available for you to use! Available until 28th November!
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Providers are entitled to a Free 30-minute, no obligation, phone consultation with an immigration specialist at Lester Aldridge Solicitors.
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Phone lines are open from 9am-5pm, Mon–Fri (with an answer phone operating outside these hours).
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You can also email Lester Aldridge using the dedicated address below.
Phone: 01202 786126
Email: sescahelp@LA-Law.com
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The service is open to all CQC-registered adult social care providers operating in the South-East.
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Everyday English Sessions for Frontline International Care Staff
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These language and cultural adaptation sessions have been highly successful with the sponsored staff SESCA works with through the international recruitment scheme.It is now available for providers to access for any of your employees you believe would benefit in a two session format. The cost is £150 per worker.Please see the attached leaflet for more information, or the booking link which is:https://buytickets.at/recruitmatch/1907198
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FREE International Recruitment Webinar
10:00 – 11:30am, Wednesday 12th November
Following our hugely successful webinar series, our next webinar will be delivered by the immigration experts from Lester Aldridge Solicitors.
Open to all registered providers in the South-East, the webinar will offer practical guidance addressing key challenges including:
• Sponsoring in-country migrant workers
• Undefined CoS applications
• Visa Renewals
• Employing Sponsored Staff on a Secondary Employment Basis
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/880546b7-01e9-47be-a284-29e8b7a6068a@4a23106c-b58c-417e-9bc4-a08e974bff70
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Have Your Say: Open Consultations Now Live 🗣️
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The Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) currently has several important open consultations inviting feedback from across the care sector. This is your opportunity to help shape policy and ensure the voice of adult social care is heard.
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🧩 Adult Social Care Learning & Development Support Scheme (ASC LDSS)
Share your views on how learning and development support for adult social care could be improved and delivered in the future.
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💬 Duty to Inform Workers of the Right to Join a Union
Have your say on how employers should communicate workers’ rights to join a trade union under the proposed Employment Rights Bill.
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🏢 Trade Union Right of Access
This consultation explores how trade unions could gain access to workplaces — physically or digitally — and what rules should apply.
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💐 Leave for Bereavement (Including Pregnancy Loss)
Give your feedback on proposals to strengthen bereavement rights, including new provisions for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
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🤰 Enhanced Protections for Pregnant Women & New Mothers
Input is sought on extending and improving dismissal protections for pregnant employees and those returning from maternity leave.
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💷 Fair Pay Agreement (FPA)
A major consultation on introducing fair pay in the care sector — including who’s covered, how negotiations work, and next steps.
Closing date: 16 January 2026
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Your insight is vital — each response helps influence the future of the care workforce and the wider sector.
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Education & Awareness Event – Join on 4th November!
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Location: Arthur Easton Centre, St Michael's Hospice, St Leonards on Sea
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This event is aimed at those who work in care homes or care agencies in our local community, but other partners are welcome to attend.
This half-day session will explore some of our innovative projects and initiatives that provide enhanced care and support for all those who use our services, including:
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- No One Dies Alone (NODA)
- Bring A Smile Initiative
- Compassionate Conversations
- Dementia Care Home Project
- An education session focusing on frailty as a condition
The morning will conclude with a group drumming session - always great fun and very uplifting!
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Tea and coffee refreshments and a sandwich lunch will be provided.
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Colleagues will be available to chat to about our Income Generation initiatives, our hugely popular Lottery and the Good Grief Festival planned for Hastings (May 2026)
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New Report: The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England 2025
The latest Skills for Care report is now live — offering a comprehensive overview of the adult social care workforce in England.
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This annual publication explores key trends, including workforce size, recruitment and retention challenges, pay and conditions, and the changing shape of the care sector. It’s an essential read for providers, managers, and anyone shaping the future of social care.
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Stay informed, stay inspired — and see how data is driving change in social care.
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Sussex Digital November Events
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Interactive Workshop: Republish Your DSPT
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This 1-hour interactive workshop is designed for those who have already published their DSPT. We’ll guide you through the toolkit, answer any questions, and provide support on auditing and updating your answers.
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WhatsApp in Care: Safe or Sorry?
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Tue, 18 Nov 2025 at 14:30
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This session is for care providers who want to understand:
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- What’s OK and what’s not when using WhatsApp for care communication
- Where the risks lie with confidentiality, safeguarding and GDPR
- Real examples of what goes wrong — and how to avoid being that headline
- Safer alternatives and simple policies you can actually use
- What CQC, the ICO, and your insurance provider expect from you
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Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) and Information Asset Register (IAR)
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Wed, 19 Nov 2025 at 14:00
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Under the Data Protection Act (2018) and GDPR, care providers must lawfully manage personal data. This is done through two key records: the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), which tracks where data comes from, where it goes, and why it’s shared, and the Information Asset Register (IAR), which records what data is held, where it’s stored, and how it’s protected.
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Cyber Attack Simulation: Can Your Care Service Survive These 5 Threats?
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Thu, 20 Nov 2025 at 12:30
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In this 1-hour interactive workshop, you'll gain the practical skills to recognise and respond to phishing attacks and scams that could target you or your organisation. We will walk through real-life scenarios and work together on identifying red flags and implementing effective responses to these threats.
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Artificial Intelligence -safe and practical applications in social care
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Thu, 20 Nov 2025 at 14:30
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Join us for an engaging online event where you'll learn all about the fascinating world of chatbot artificial intelligence.
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Business Continuity Plan - cyber attack survival guide
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Tue, 25 Nov 2025 at 14:30
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This practical session is designed to help providers understand how to test their BCPs effectively, with a focus on real-world digital risks. We’ll walk through examples of how to prepare for and respond to different scenarios
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NHSMail: Essential Tips for Social Care Providers
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Wed, 26 Nov 2025 at 14:00
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Join us for a 30-minute bite-sized session designed for social care providers to improve their NHSmail management. The session will cover how to access and set up shared mailboxes, add or remove users, maintain account security with multi-factor authentication, and make the most of the NHSMail helpdesk. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and get expert support.
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Practical IT Skills Workshop - IT Systems and Devices
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Thu, 27 Nov 2025 at 14:00
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This session is specifically tailored to address challenges that many providers face in completing the IT Systems and Devices section of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). During this session, we'll delve into each aspect of the IT Systems and Devices section of the DSPT toolkit, providing detailed explanations and practical demonstrations on how to do the following:
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- Set up multi-factor authentication
- Track and wipe content remotely from mobile devices
- Encrypt your devices
- Change passwords on networking components such as routers, switches, hubs, and firewalls
- Set up private browsing
- Assess and strengthen your passwords
- Optimise your device performance
- Back up data and conduct thorough testing to ensure its integrity.
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An important update from Towergate Insurance
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We stood by you as Towergate, now we’re standing by you as Everywhen
We’re writing to let you know about an exciting change to Towergate Insurance. We will soon become Everywhen – a name that reflects our commitment to being there for you and your clients ‘always’ or ‘at all times’ (the dictionary definition of ‘Everywhen’).
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While our name is changing, the people behind it aren’t. We’ll still be here to offer the same specialist insight, responsive service and personal relationships our clients have come to rely on.
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The world is evolving and so are we. Our new identity brings clarity to who we are and what we stand for: making the complex simple, supporting our clients through change, and helping people feel confident in their cover, whatever comes their way.
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What does this mean for you?
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If you’re already a client, nothing changes. You’ll continue to benefit from the same trusted team, expert advice and tailored support, just under a new name.
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If you’re not yet insured through Everywhen and want to learn more about what we offer as a specialist broker, we’d love to hear from you.
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You can’t predict everything. That’s why you need Everywhen.
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Have your say on the future of home care – and win £100 or a Clive plushie!
Home care continues to evolve – and our partner CareLineLive want to hear from those making it happen. Building on last year’s findings, the State of Home Care Survey 2025 gathers insights directly from providers about the changes, challenges and opportunities shaping the sector today.
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This year’s survey explores key questions, including:
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- Is innovation improving care delivery?
- Are technology and digital tools being used to their full potential?
- Is government support making a difference?
- Are services sustainable for the long term?
By taking part, you’ll help benchmark progress from 2024 to 2025 and highlight where real change is happening – or still needed.
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Complete the survey for a chance to win one of two £100 prizes or one of five Clive the CareLineLive dinosaur plushies. We’ll also donate to the Care Workers’ Charity for every completed survey.
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Take part today and help shape the future of home care.
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Webinars for social care providers
winter 2025
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Join Hempsons legal specialists for their free social care webinars this winter.
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How to support services that have had regulatory breaches during a CQC inspection
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In this CQC blog series, Philippa Doyle, Head of Social Care at Hempsons, answers the most common questions providers ask when dealing with the CQC. This time, Philippa answers: How can services that have previously had regulatory breaches during an inspection, evidence that strategies have been implemented to address them upon reinspection?
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Sponsored by Hempsons, CMM has launched a new CQC resource page; a one-stop-shop for care providers’ regulatory needs. For breaking news, newly published guidance, informative blog posts, a monthly column from the regulator, advice on preparing for an inspection and more, click here.
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Free webinar: Managing medications safely & efficiently in real-time
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Managing medications across a growing client list can be a huge source of stress – from worrying about missed doses to spending hours on compliance reviews.
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That's why Birdie is running a free online webinar to show you how you can manage medications safely and efficiently, all in real-time.
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❓ What: A 30-minute webinar on how to manage medications safely and efficiently in real-time
⏰ When: Wednesday 5th November, 11:00am - 11:30am
👱♀️ Who: Sarah Calascione, Senior Product Manager at Birdie
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What will the webinar cover?
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Set up schedules with confidence: Learn how to create error-free medication schedules using the integrated NHS database
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Deliver care seamlessly: See how the carer app syncs instantly with the Agency Hub, giving you real-time visibility
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Maintain complete oversight: Explore how to use instant alerts and analytics to track outcomes and stay compliant
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Save a spot - it's free! here.
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🎃 Halloween games: the Frankenplatform challenge
In a bit of a change of pace, we've launched a series of free Halloween-themed games! Released week by week throughout October, they're a bit of fun for when you need a break - and there are prizes up for grabs!
👉 Play the games here
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🧟 Interactive quiz: what monster is in your system?
A 2-minute quiz helping care businesses identify which type of "Frankenplatform" creature might be haunting their operations—from Growth Gremlins to Data Duplicators.
👉 Take the quiz
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State of Care 2024/25
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The annual assessment of health care and social care in England
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State of Care looks at the trends, shares examples of good and outstanding care and highlights where care needs to improve.
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This year's report finds that the health and social care system remains fragmented and under severe strain as it prepares for a major shift from hospital to neighbourhood care.
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📣 Have Your Say: CQC Consultation on Assessing & Rating Providers
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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a public consultation called “Better regulation, better care” to improve how it assesses, inspects and rates health and care providers. cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
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Reintroducing rating characteristics to describe what each rating level (e.g. Good, Requires Improvement) looks like in practice cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
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Developing sector-specific assessment frameworks to better reflect the context of different services cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
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Simplifying the language and removing duplication to make frameworks clearer for all stakeholders cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
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Adjusting how judgements are made — with more emphasis on professional judgement, and changes to rating methods and follow-ups cqc.org.uk+2dacbeachcroft.com+2
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Potential changes in how NHS trusts are rated, including restoring an overall quality rating and reviewing location-level ratings cqc.org.uk+2dacbeachcroft.com+2
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This is your chance to help shape the future of regulation in health and social care — whether you’re a provider, user, carer, or stakeholder. The consultation is open to everyone. cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
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📝 Have Your Say: ESCC Research on ASC Client Payments
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Have your say about paying for adult social care in East Sussex!
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Share your views in East Sussex County Council's research. It is being conducted by independent research agency SMG, and taking part is confidential – East Sussex County Council will not be told you have taken part, and there will be no impact on the care you or your loved ones receive.
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Survey respondents could win a £50 Amazon voucher in the prize draw, and those who take part in an interview will receive a £40 Amazon voucher.
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You can take part if you are responsible for paying for your own care or for the care of someone else. For more information about this research and your rights, see the Participant Information Sheet:
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Collaborate to Strengthen Safeguarding in Social Care Nursing
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We’re inviting nurse leaders and safeguarding champions across social care tin the Southeast to help design a Futures Social Care Nursing Space focused on safeguarding excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to influence national development, share expertise, and strengthen safeguarding culture across the sector.
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- Complete the short survey: Click here or scan the QR code below to answer a few questions to help scope the project
- To drive this important work forward, we are establishing a Task and Finish Group and invite expressions of interest from leaders and safeguarding champions committed to strengthening safeguarding culture and supporting the nursing workforce.
The proposed space will aim to:
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- Provide leadership and training resources on safeguarding policy and best practice
- Facilitate collaborative networks for sharing insight and expertise along with mentorship opportunities
- Explore emerging safeguarding priorities aligned with national frameworks and professional standards
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We would also like to reassure colleagues that the Futures platform is now simple and accessible, providing a central repository for professional connection, knowledge sharing, and ongoing development.
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SSP rules are changing | Free guide
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From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules are changing, and every employer needs to be prepared.
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To help you understand what’s coming and how to stay compliant, Partner, Citation, has created a FREE step-by-step guide that explains:
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• The key SSP changes and what they mean for your business
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• How to review and update your absence management policies
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• Best practices to support employees while staying compliant
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• Practical HR and payroll steps to prepare for April 2026
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• Expert insights to help you implement changes with confidence
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Citation’s HR and Employment Law experts support thousands of UK businesses to stay compliant, reduce risk, and save time so you can focus on running your business confidently.
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Call 0345 844 1111 or click here to learn more. Don’t forget to mention RCA East Sussex, Brighton & Hove to access your preferential rates!
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It’s estimated that around 237 million medication errors are made by the NHS every year (BMJ Quality & Safety, 2021).
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- Tuesday 18 November | 09:30 am – 1:00 pm | Webinar
- Thursday 11 December | 09:30 am – 1:00 pm | Webinar
Course Summary
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This masterclass teaches you how to manage, report, and learn from medication errors by viewing them as Opportunities to Learn (OTLs).
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You’ll gain an understanding of the correct reporting requirements to the relevant care regulator. The CQC in England, or the Scottish or Welsh Care Inspectorates, depending on where you work.
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We’ll also explore why high reported error rates can actually be a measure of success, as they reflect an open learning culture that ultimately reduces errors causing harm.
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Ready to Secure Your Place?
What You’ll Learn
This friendly and interactive session will help you:
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- Recognise, manage, and learn from medication errors
- Respond confidently to Safeguarding Teams and the CQC
- Foster a positive learning culture that reduces risk and promotes safer practice
You’ll Also Receive
- A comprehensive handout to support your learning during and after the session
- A free electronic copy of our medicines incident form and investigation protocols to use in your workplace
Group Bookings & In-House Sessions
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We offer special rates for group bookings and can deliver this masterclass virtually or in-house for your team.
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To discuss your organisation’s needs or request a tailored session, email marissa@medicationtraining.co.uk . We’ll be happy to help you find the best training solution.
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We look forward to supporting your journey towards safer medication practice.
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AI in Care Homes: A Safe & Spooky Halloween 🎃
As Halloween arrives, care homes across the country are bringing a little magic — and maybe a few friendly scares — to residents and staff alike. It’s a wonderful time for creativity, connection, and community spirit. But alongside the pumpkins and costumes, AI can help make celebrations safer, more inclusive, and even more fun.
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How AI Can Help Make Halloween Special (and Safe):
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👻 Smart Planning for Accessible Fun
AI scheduling tools can help staff plan events that fit around medication times, meal routines and mobility needs — ensuring everyone can take part comfortably and safely.
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🕯️ Personalised Experiences for Every Resident
Using AI to understand residents’ preferences and histories, care homes can tailor activities — from spooky storytelling for those who love a scare, to quiet craft sessions for those who prefer calm celebrations.
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🧁 Allergy & Diet-Aware Treats
AI-powered kitchen management systems can flag allergies, dietary restrictions and preferences when planning Halloween menus or baking activities — keeping every resident safe while enjoying the festivities.
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🎥 Digital Memories & Connection
AI-assisted photo and video tools can automatically capture and share moments from Halloween celebrations, creating digital memory books for residents and families to enjoy — especially valuable for those living with dementia.
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🧠 Monitoring Wellbeing During Busy Events
AI sensors and analytics can help track environmental factors (noise, lighting, temperature) and wellbeing indicators, helping staff ensure that celebrations remain comfortable, calm, and enjoyable for all.
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Halloween in care homes isn’t just about decorations — it’s about belonging, joy, and shared experience. AI can take on the practical load, freeing staff to focus on what really matters: being present, laughing together, and helping residents feel part of something special.
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With thoughtful use of technology, we can make sure every pumpkin-lit corner of the care home feels safe, inclusive, and full of warmth — a celebration to remember for residents and carers alike.
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Events and Training
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More events have been added this week! Click here to view all upcoming events.
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Our Sponsors & Partners
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Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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