News and Resources
Please can you complete the survey sent before Christmas, deadline COB Friday 12th January (tomorrow!). We plan to use your feedback for our forthcoming meeting with Somerset Council and expedite some comms to providers in advance of 24/25 financial year. Thanks to all who have already completed. Please see the link to survey HERE: https://forms.office.com/e/6iWG4JaZTf
Please see attached flyer for details.
Last week we circulated details regarding dates of webinars for care providers -please note the free to use website (for public and providers) is currently aimed at care home providers only. DHSC hope to expand this to home care providers in the future. DHSC has asked that only care home providers join the webinars. We understand the platform will go live once they have at least 70% uptake from providers. It’s easy to use and free to post your vacancies, predominantly aimed at self-funder market. The capacity tracker will continue to be used by the LA, CCG, and discharge brokerage teams. The website runs on an opted in basis i.e., you need to register and manually upload your details, developed by NHSE and DHSC following consultation with ASC providers. There are two conditions to meet: providers to update capacity tracker at least every seven days (if no changes, just need to refresh via SAVE function) as a minimum but can update more frequently if required and, there must be submission for adult social care info between the 8th and 14th of every month (data collection window). Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the webinar dates if you missed them last week.
At the recent members’ call we said we would send details of the link to this if you don’t already have it. NHS England » Providing proactive care for people living in care homes – Enhanced health in care homes Please can you let us know if you are having difficulty accessing support around this. We understand that it’s something that CQC will focus on during inspections.
There have been concerns raised by providers regarding transport service’s refusal to take residents/clients in wheelchairs that do not have the new anchorage label. We are informed there will be updates via the next LEM 6th Feb, also please look out for updates via ASC briefings.
Recently we circulated updates regarding the consultation and new legislation coming into force. Please find attached a letter from Director of Adult Social Care Delivery Claire Armstrong, about an update on visiting regulations – The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
Please see attached, also, https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.castos.com/episodes/treating-depression |
Events
- RCPA Data Security Workshop – New free eLearning
Thursday 25th January 2024, 10.30am until 11.00am
Better Security, Better Care have developed new data protection and cyber security eLearning for social care providers. Join RCPA’s Project Delivery Officer, Dan, for an introduction to the training, how to access the training and what to expect from the training.
To register for the workshop, please click here.
- Registered Manager network meetings – save the dates!
The RCPA in conjunction with Skills for Care will be hosting three more meetings until the end of March. Dates for 24/25 will be announced asap. All meetings will now be two hours duration from 13.30-15.30hrs.
- LD/Day/Dom care 31st January via TEAMs
- General RMN 29th February – F2F, venue to be confirmed
- LD/Day/Dom care 13th March – F2F, venue to be confirmed
Skills for Care is seeking feedback on registered and deputy manager networks. This will ensure networks remain relevant, demonstrate their value to the DHSC and raise their profile within the sector. SfC has devised a quick online survey which is available until 22.03.2024 and have asked if providers who have attended network meetings can complete the survey: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/SfCRMDM2023-24
- Members’ call 9th January and February.
Thanks to all who were able to join. We discussed property disregard issues (of which we are hearing a lot about lately – please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk if you are experiencing problems), EHCH, OMMT (about which RCPA is raising awareness regarding access to training), and welcomed our new sponsor Matthew Bond from Borderless (international recruitment portal). Slide presentation attached. Please note a slight change for next month’s call because of clashes with other events and half term, now proposed for Tuesday 20th February 10-11.00hrs. Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the TEAMs link.
Skills for Care resources
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Workforce Development Fund
We are pleased to advise that Skills for Care have extended the deadline for this year’s Workforce Development Fund to 31st May 2024. However, please note if you have not already partnered with us to make claims then you must do so by the end of February and also ensure your ASC-WDS records have been updated by the end of March.
We still have plenty of funds to disburse to social care providers in Somerset and you can claim up to £2,000 per member of staff for training completed between 1st January 2023 and 31st May 2024. This can cover the cost of the course itself or associated expenses such as travel or back-filling staff. The process is very straightforward and if you would like any information then please contact Laura at laura.stooke@rcpa.org.uk
From our Sponsors
We are delighted to introduce our new partner Optimise Workplace Wellbeing, who you may remember held a workshop at our Annual Conference:
Optimise Workplace Wellbeing works with organisations and businesses to plan, implement and deliver wellbeing strategies and training into the workplace. The service you receive is bespoke and tailored to meet the needs of your business and its vision, and our promise is that we continue to support you once we are engaged, completely free of charge.
As a QualSafe Registered Training Centre, we offer OfQual accredited Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Awareness & First Aid in the Workplace qualifications.
We also provide a range of Wellbeing therapies, including but not limited to Massage, Yoga, Relaxation Workshops, Mindfulness, Stress & Anxiety Coaching as well as Executive Coaching, our new Wellbeing Leadership Programme – a 6 module training programme, and our incredible Wellbeing Retreats, focused at Senior Leaders to enable them to appreciate and learn about the benefits of having a robust mental health and wellbeing programme in place.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR RCPA MEMBERS:
FREE Wellbeing Health Check:
Let us look at what you have on offer to support your colleagues’ mental health and wellness and let us help to see how we can help you utilise this for your employees in the most effective way possible. Helping to reduce absenteeism and create a happy, valued team of people within your organisation is our area of expertise.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID QUALIFICATION: £245.00 instead of £295.00
Throughout this 2-day course, learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively promote positive mental health in the workplace by covering a range of topics, including: understanding mental health and its importance, awareness of their own wellbeing as a Mental Health First Aider, common mental health conditions, Learn how to spot the signs and support people that are struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions, including: Depression, Suicide, Anxiety Disorders (including OCD, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and PTSD), Eating Disorders, Psychosis and Self-Injury ad learn how to support those experiencing poor mental health at work with tools such as active listening and non-judgemental support.
Upcoming Course:
Our next MHFA Course is 19th and 26th March at The Ibis Hotel, Bridgwater – lunch, refreshments and training materials provided.
For more information or to book onto a course please contact hello@optimiseworkplacewellbeing.co.uk