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Tuesday 26th May 2026

Welcome to our weekly updates

Don’t Miss Out: Care Business Networking Event Series Launches in Brighton

Care providers are invited to join the first in a new series of Care Business Networking events at Malmaison Brighton on Thursday 11th June 2026, 9:30AM – 11:30AM.

Designed to bring the sector together, the event will focus on workforce challenges, financial sustainability, CQC readiness, innovation, and business continuity — offering practical insight, expert support, and valuable networking opportunities for care professionals across the region.

Cost:
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 Dementia Action Week comes to a close, it has been encouraging to see so many conversations taking place across our communities around dementia awareness and support.

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the 'Inspire to Get Hired' careers event organised by East Sussex College Group and DWP / Jobcentre Plus, which offered an opportunity to speak with people about jobs within adult social care, and at my stand more specifically, we talked about dementia care.

It was a timely reminder that good care starts with people: people willing to learn, to understand, and to make a difference in the lives of others. Dementia care is often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes, yet those working within the sector know the reality is far more complex. Good dementia care requires skill, patience, observation, communication, compassion, innovation, and genuine person-centred thinking. It can change lives quietly every single day.

Positive care cultures, compassionate interactions and meaningful engagements deserve to be celebrated. So, if you know an individual, team, or service delivering excellent dementia care, this is your reminder to submit a nomination.

I have also shared some wider reflections on Dementia Action Week, stigma, careers in care, and why recognition matters in my latest blog: https://refocuswithreece.co.uk/reflections-blog/f/dementia-action-week---recognition-understanding-prospects

As guest judge for the Dementia Care Award category at this year’s Care Awards, Reece is looking forward to seeing individuals, teams, and services recognised for delivering compassionate, innovative, and person-centred dementia care.

If you know a person or organisation making a real difference in dementia support, now is the perfect time to submit a nomination and help celebrate the outstanding work taking place across the care 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.

We're officially launching Borderless CPD Academy

This is a brand-new, expert-led CPD webinar series designed specifically for care providers who have sponsored workers. Across 4 practical sessions, we'll walk your members through everything they need to know about compliant sponsorship — from start to finish.

What attendees will walk away with:
• A clear understanding of the Skilled Worker visa route
• Confidence in their Home Office compliance obligations
• Practical knowledge to manage their sponsor licence effectively
• CPD credits to count toward their professional development

Borderless Academy is built around the real challenges care providers face day-to-day — so every session is practical, relevant, and immediately applicable.

REGISTER HERE


If you'd like more details, or to chat about how we can make this work best for your network, just let me know and we’ll 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.
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.
Delivered by a government-accredited Cyber Essentials certification body, the session will cover:
  • 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.

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.

If you would like to find out whether Cyber Essentials is right for your organisation, we would love you to join us.

Cyber Essentials for Social Care Providers
Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 2:00 PM
Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989173216638?aff=oddtdtcreator

Workforce Development

Employers Invited to Support Sussex Youth Recruitment Event

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.

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.

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.

The event will take place at:
The Wing, Brighton Centre, Brighton
30 June 2026 | 10:00am – 3:30pm

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.

As a regional event sponsored by DWP Ministers, organisers expect press interest and media coverage across multiple platforms.
There is no cost to exhibit at the event.

Employers interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible by contacting:
youthguarantee.southeast@DWP.GOV.UK

Further details and support information will be shared directly with participating organisations following registration.

eVisa Workshop Announced for Local Authorities and Health & Social Care Colleagues

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.

Sussex Digital In-Reach Team - May events

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
Welcome to another edition of What’s New in Adult Social Care, sharing a selection of the latest learning opportunities and resources for health and social care professionals across Sussex.

Read this week's newsletter here:https://mailchi.mp/908222d8251c/mile-pathway-25th-may-2026-newsletter

If you've missed any of our previous editions, you can catch up any time via the MILE Pathway website.
Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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