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Welcome to our weekly updates
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Thank you for attending 'How to Write an Outstanding Nomination for the 2026 Care Awards'
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Thank you to everyone who joined our session last week. We were delighted to welcome so many care professionals committed to celebrating excellence across the sector.
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The session included practical tips and guidance to help you create a strong and compelling nomination for the 2026 Care Awards.
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Click here to view the video on our YouTube channel
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If you are not already signed up for our regular updates, make sure to join via our website to receive awards news, deadlines, and event announcements.
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- Shortlisted nominees receive complimentary places at the Gala Evening
- Team Award finalists receive up to three complimentary places
- Gold Members benefit from discounted ticket prices for additional guests
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Good luck with your nominations, and thank you for supporting our 2026 Awards Programme.
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We’re excited to share that nominations for the Brighton & Hove and East Sussex Care Awards 2026 are open!
Read some words from our 2025 winner in Excellence in Social Care Nursing, and highly commended in Care Leadership of the Year!
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Being named a finalist in last year’s Care Awards was a really special moment for both myself and the team. It meant a lot to have our hard work and dedication recognised, especially in a field where so much goes on behind the scenes.
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The experience had a positive impact on the team, boosting morale and reminding everyone how valuable their work is. It also encouraged us to keep striving to provide the best possible care and support to the people we look after.To anyone thinking of entering this year, I would definitely encourage it.
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It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing work happening across the care sector and to recognise the efforts of individuals and teams who truly make a difference every day. Thank you again for reaching out and for continuing to celebrate the care community.
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Introducing our new sponsor!
Quality of Care
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Quality of Care (QoC) positions itself as a business improvement partner for care providers, not just a software supplier. Their mission is to help care providers build strong, resilient, financially healthy businesses. Their focus sits outside day-to-day care delivery — specifically on financial health, strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, compliance, and leadership. They argue that profit is foundational: without it, even caring organisations become vulnerable.
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Products and Services QoC offer:
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- All tools are cloud-based and come with a 30-day free trial, no obligation.
- Care Fee Calculator (Care Homes) — sets accurate, data-justified care fees; provides a dashboard and analytics showing the financial impact of current and proposed fees; supports fee negotiations.
- Home Care Fee Calculator — launching early 2026, designed specifically for domiciliary care providers.
- Running Cost Calculator — records costs, sets budgets, and provides visibility over spending to support cost control and fee negotiation.
- Training Matrix — launched November 2025; manages staff training requirements, maintains compliance, tracks workforce capability.
- Training and Workforce Support — accredited training provider offering sector-specific training, apprenticeships, and diploma qualifications, plus workshops and coaching.
- Free Resources — a report ("5 Steps to Make Your Care Business Financially Secure"), a cost comparison spreadsheet, and a Business Continuity Plan pack.
ESPiC/BHPiC/WSPiC Gold members receive 50% off for the first year on all QoC tools.
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Email: support@qualityofcare.co.uk
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Our Visit to Care Show London
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Here are a few highlights from our time at the event
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We recently had the pleasure of attending the Care Show London, and what a fantastic experience it was.
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It was a great opportunity to connect with our sponsors, explore new ideas, and see the latest innovations in the sector.
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We thoroughly enjoyed meeting both familiar faces and new contacts, and we’re excited to build on the conversations we had. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us—we look forward to staying in touch!
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Modern Slavery and Labour Exploitation: Awareness Raising Session
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Online | Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
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Join Dr. Akilah Jardine for an informative webinar exploring modern slavery and labour exploitation within the care sector.
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- Different forms of exploitation in the UK
- Key signs to look out for
- How and where to report concerns
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As the care sector is increasingly recognised as high-risk for exploitation, this webinar will provide valuable guidance for providers, managers, and frontline staff.
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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). 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.
- International Recruitment Webinar – URGENT: Book Now!
Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (2:00–3:20pm, Microsoft Teams).
Delivered by Lester Aldridge Solicitors, covering immigration rule changes, compliance risks, and supplementary employment of sponsored workers.
Places limited – early booking strongly advised. Free for Adult Social Care providers in the South East.
- 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
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An update on current international recruitment and sponsorship issues affecting adult social care providers.
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- Recent and proposed changes to the immigration rules – including “earned settlement”
- Compliance and enforcement trends, including common risk areas for sponsors
- Your right to work responsibilities, and the eligibility of workers for supplementary hours
- SESCA Displaced Worker Scheme update – how to sponsor in-country migrant workers and summary of available support funding
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Workforce Development
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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.
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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.
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Dementia Week takes place next week, and we will be sharing a range of information and resources to mark the occasion.
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In the meantime, we would like to highlight an upcoming event that may be of interest to you. Further information and updates for Dementia Week will follow next week.
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Celebrate International Nurses Day with us!
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Tuesday 12 May | 14:00 – 15:30 | Online
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Join us as we celebrate International Nurses Day and recognise the exceptional skill, commitment and impact of our social care nursing workforce.
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This year’s theme, “Empower Nurses, Save Lives,” puts the spotlight on the vital role social care nurses play in leading change, improving outcomes, and shaping the future of care.
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You’ll get to take part in interactive discussions, opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and reflect on the collective strength of our national social care nursing community.
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Sussex Digital In-Reach Team - May events
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Republish your DSPT in your Lunch Hour
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Dates: 12, 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.
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Lock the Digital Door: Going Beyond the DSPT
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Date: 13 May
Time: 13:30
Description:
Following a recent cyber incident in Sussex, this session will raise awareness of risks and practical steps to reduce them. Building on DSPT, it covers common threats and how to respond, using guidance from the South East Cyber Resilience Centre.
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Practical In Person DSPT Workshop for Social Care Providers in Hove
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Date: 14 May
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Location: Freedom Works Creative Hub, BN4 6HA
Format: In-person
Description:
A hands-on workshop offering step-by-step support to help you meet DSPT requirements. Ideal for those who want practical guidance and a clearer understanding of how to complete the toolkit.
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DSPT Support Session Ahead of 30 June Deadline
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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.
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When Cyber Attacks Happen: Real Stories from Sussex
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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.
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DSPT Support Session Ahead of 30 June Deadline
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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.
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Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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