|
|
|
Friday 14th November 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ESPIC Care Awards 2025 – What an Incredible Night!
Yesterday evening, we came together for one of the most inspiring events of the year — the ESPIC Annual Care Awards & Gala Evening 2025 — and what a celebration it was!
We are absolutely delighted with how the night unfolded; the atmosphere, the energy, and the stories shared made it truly unforgettable. It couldn’t have gone better.
|
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. Your support, enthusiasm and dedication to excellence in care is what makes this community so special.
|
|
🏆 Celebrating Our Winners & Highly Commended Finalists
|
|
The heart of the evening was, of course, recognising the outstanding individuals and teams who go above and beyond every single day.
|
A very special congratulations to all of our Winners and Highly Commended finalists — your achievements are exceptional, and it was an honour to celebrate you on stage.
We are so proud of everything you do to raise standards, inspire others, and champion the very best in care.
|
|
📸 Event Photos, Raffle Total & Follow-Up
|
We know many of you are excited to see and share the photos from the evening.
A full email will be sent out soon with event photos, official thanks, and highlights from the night. Feel free to send over any photos to administrator@espic.co.uk we would love to see the night from your POV!
|
We will also be sharing how much was raised for our chosen charity, Age UK East Sussex, through the raffle — thank you to everyone who took part and gave so generously.
|
|
Once again, thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the 2025 Care Awards such a remarkable celebration. We are already looking forward to next year!
|
|
|
|
More Upcoming Events From Us:
|
Free Webinar – Share Your Challenges & Help Shape IHSCM Support for Care Providers
|
About:
Focused on the home care sector, this webinar explores current trends, workforce issues, best practices, and upcoming regulatory changes.
|
🚀 A great opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and connect with others delivering domiciliary care services.
|
✨ 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
🌍 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.
|
|
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:
|
|
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.
|
|
Everyday English Sessions for Frontline International Care Staff
|
|
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
|
International Recruitment Webinar for Homecare Providers
|
10 – 11am – Thursday, 4th December 2025
|
|
Navigating Sponsorship & Staffing: UKVI Insights for Home Care Providers
|
|
Join us for an exclusive webinar in partnership with UKVI, designed specifically for Home Care Providers across the southeast.
|
This focused session will explore:
|
- best practice in compliance
- understand from UKVI most common reasons for revocations
- address key challenges currently facing the home care sector; and
- highlight practical, meaningful solutions to support sustainable recruitment and retention of displaced workers.
Hosted by SESCA, this event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from UKVI, gain clarity on evolving regulations, and ask the questions that matter most to your service.
|
Places are limited and registration is essential – secure your spot today!
|
|
|
|
|
✨ Gold Members — Make the Most of Your Membership!
A quick reminder to our Gold Members: if you haven’t already, take a moment to check your members’ section for the latest updates, exclusive resources, and benefits available to you.
|
|
|
|
📣 Hot off the Press: SAB Monthly Digest – November 2025
|
We’re pleased to bring you the November 2025 edition of the SAB Monthly Digest – your go-to roundup for the latest safeguarding adults updates across East Sussex. Inside you’ll find:
|
-
|
Key themes and initiatives from this month’s safeguarding work
|
-
|
Highlights from multi-agency training, new resources and policy developments
|
-
|
Insightful practice learning and real-life case reflections
|
-
|
Upcoming opportunities for training, collaboration and sector alignment
|
This digest is a must-read if you’re working in care, health or support services — staying updated means better outcomes and stronger partnerships.
|
|
|
|
|
📝 Have Your Say: ESCC Research on ASC Client Payments
|
Have your say about paying for adult social care in East Sussex!
|
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.
|
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.
|
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:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Pay Agreement videos
|
|
|
|
The DHSC are currently undertaking a public consultation on Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) for adult social care. They are delighted to let you know that they have now published some FPA explainer animations. You can access them here:
|
|
Alongside their ongoing engagement programme, they hope these animations will build more understanding of FPAs in the sector and facilitate broader engagement with the consultation.
|
|
|
|
Sussex Skills for Care: Social Care Nursing Webinar
|
|
🗓 Tuesday 19 November
🕛 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (Online)
|
We’re pleased to share an invitation to the upcoming Skills for Care Social Care Nursing Webinar, designed for social care providers across Sussex who want to learn more about:
|
-
|
Offering nurse and nurse associate student placements within their organisations
|
-
|
Supporting and promoting social care nursing as a career of choice
|
|
The session will feature guest speakers from both care providers and the University of Brighton and University of Chichester, sharing insights, experiences, and practical advice on embedding student placements and growing the nursing workforce within care settings.
|
This is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and build confidence in supporting the next generation of nurses in social care.
|
|
|
|
Sussex Digital November Events
|
|
|
WhatsApp in Care: Safe or Sorry?
|
|
Tue, 18 Nov 2025 at 14:30
|
This session is for care providers who want to understand:
|
- 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
|
Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) and Information Asset Register (IAR)
|
|
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 at 14:00
|
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.
|
|
Cyber Attack Simulation: Can Your Care Service Survive These 5 Threats?
|
|
Thu, 20 Nov 2025 at 12:30
|
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.
|
|
Artificial Intelligence -safe and practical applications in social care
|
|
Thu, 20 Nov 2025 at 14:30
|
Join us for an engaging online event where you'll learn all about the fascinating world of chatbot artificial intelligence.
|
|
Business Continuity Plan - cyber attack survival guide
|
|
Tue, 25 Nov 2025 at 14:30
|
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
|
|
NHSMail: Essential Tips for Social Care Providers
|
|
Wed, 26 Nov 2025 at 14:00
|
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.
|
|
Practical IT Skills Workshop - IT Systems and Devices
|
|
Thu, 27 Nov 2025 at 14:00
|
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:
|
- 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.
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
Date: Wednesday 19th November at 11am.
|
Join specialist Social Care solicitors Lester Aldridge for a focused and practical update on the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and what it means for health and social care providers.
|
The Act came into effect in July 2025, with a staged implementation running through to summer 2026. Despite its significance, it has received little attention within the care sector — until now.
|
This essential webinar will explain how the changes will affect your data obligations in practice and what you should do to prepare.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Webinars for social care providers
winter 2025
|
Join Hempsons legal specialists for their free social care webinars this winter.
|
|
How to support services that have had regulatory breaches during a CQC inspection
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
|
Change is a constant in health and social care, and effective leadership can make all the difference in how teams experience and respond to it.
|
Our latest newsletter was inspired by the NHS South East Leadership Academy’s upcoming online workshops on:
|
You’ll find more information about these free sessions in our learning opportunities section.
|
|
Read this week’s edition here:
|
|
|
|
|
|
📣 Have Your Say: CQC Consultation on Assessing & Rating Providers
|
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
|
-
|
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
|
-
|
Developing sector-specific assessment frameworks to better reflect the context of different services cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
|
-
|
Simplifying the language and removing duplication to make frameworks clearer for all stakeholders cqc.org.uk+2cqc.org.uk+2
|
-
|
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
|
-
|
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
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Worried about compliance for your end of year parties?
|
|
We’ve hit November – so the countdown has started for Christmas parties, festive work get-togethers, and the general buzz of excitement as we head towards the New Year.
|
However, these parties need a lot of pre-planning before they can become a reality. For example, when dealing with alcohol, do you know how to keep all your employees safe?
|
|
Enter your free Citation HR and Health & Safety advice line. Call 0161 504 0843 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday for free, confidential Health & Safety and HR advice that puts you first. Remember to quote ‘ESPiC & BHPiC’ when you call!
|
|
|
|
|
Last month, we saw 500+ webinar registrations for “Home Office & CQC: Simplifying Compliance for Providers", a clear sign of how valuable it is to help providers navigate both CQC and Home Office compliance.
Following that success, we’ve created a free checklist with Quality Compliance Systems (QCS), simplifying what providers need to stay compliant and protect their business, staff, and service users.
What’s inside:
|
- The latest CQC Single Assessment Framework updates
- Recruitment and staffing requirements
- Sponsor licence duties and Home Office reporting rules
- Common compliance risks and how to avoid them
- A joint, actionable CQC–Home Office checklist
|
|
|
|
|
It’s estimated that around 237 million medication errors are made by the NHS every year (BMJ Quality & Safety, 2021).
|
- Tuesday 18 November | 09:30 am – 1:00 pm | Webinar
- Thursday 11 December | 09:30 am – 1:00 pm | Webinar
Course Summary
|
This masterclass teaches you how to manage, report, and learn from medication errors by viewing them as Opportunities to Learn (OTLs).
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
Ready to Secure Your Place?
What You’ll Learn
This friendly and interactive session will help you:
|
- 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
|
We offer special rates for group bookings and can deliver this masterclass virtually or in-house for your team.
|
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.
|
|
We look forward to supporting your journey towards safer medication practice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
🧘 Self-Care Week: Supporting Mind & Body – and How AI Helps Us in Care Homes
This week is Self-Care Week, a national campaign encouraging people to take steps that improve their physical and mental wellbeing. In care homes, self-care applies not only to residents, but also to staff and carers who support them every day. As technology continues to grow in our sector, AI is becoming an important tool that helps create safer, healthier, and more personalised care environments.
|
⭐ Why Self-Care Matters in Care Homes
Self-care is central to maintaining independence, dignity and overall wellbeing. In care homes, this includes:
|
-
|
helping residents stay active, hydrated and mentally engaged
|
-
|
supporting staff to manage stress and workload
|
-
|
ensuring individuals’ health needs are recognised early
|
This year’s theme, “Mind & Body,” highlights how closely physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily habits are linked.
|
🤖 How AI Supports Self-Care in Care Home Settings
|
AI is not here to replace human care — it enhances it. When used responsibly, it strengthens self-care for both residents and staff:
|
1. Helping residents maintain daily routines
|
AI-powered reminders or digital assistants can prompt residents to drink water, attend activities, take gentle exercise or complete wellbeing check-ins. This supports independence and reduces anxiety around daily tasks.
|
2. Early detection of changes in health
|
AI monitoring tools (such as wearable devices or smart sensors) can identify early signs of health decline, like reduced mobility, poor sleep, or unusual behaviour patterns. This allows staff to intervene sooner, preventing avoidable illness and promoting better self-management.
|
3. Supporting mental wellbeing
|
AI-driven activities — such as personalised music playlists, cognitive games or reminiscence tools — can help maintain memory, boost mood and provide calm, therapeutic moments for residents.
|
4. Reducing staff stress and burnout
Administrative AI tools (care planning, rota support, digital notes, medication prompts) free staff from repetitive tasks, giving them more time for meaningful resident interaction.
Staff can also use wellbeing apps powered by AI to track stress, build resilience and access support resources.
|
5. Improving communication with families
|
Some care homes use AI-supported digital platforms to keep families updated with resident wellbeing, activities and health indicators. This transparency improves trust and reduces emotional strain for everyone involved.
|
🌿 Activities You Can Do This Week (With AI in Mind)
-
|
Host a “Tech for Wellbeing” demo to show how AI tools are helping residents stay active and safe.
|
-
|
Encourage residents to try AI-based cognitive games or virtual relaxation activities to support mind-body wellbeing.
|
-
|
Use AI-powered wellbeing apps as part of team self-care activities, such as mood tracking or mindfulness prompts.
|
-
|
Review sensor or monitoring insights to spot trends in residents’ sleep, hydration or mobility — then use these insights to plan personalised wellbeing activities for the week.
|
💬 Final Thought
AI doesn’t replace compassion — it strengthens it.
This Self-Care Week, let’s use both technology and human connection to help everyone in the care home community look after their mind and body.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
