LBC News Radio broadcast and NIC!
Our lobbying activity continues and thanks to our very own Chair, Richard Brice, who went on air with LBC this week to highlight the impact of NIC/NLW increases on our members. You can listen to it via the attachment below. Richard spoke for 20 minutes on the subject whilst sadly the final version was shortened to just 1.13 minutes airtime, the message was succinctly conveyed.
News and Resources
We met with DWP this week to find out more as the portal has been refined and upgraded. Free to use for both employers and job seekers and includes apprenticeships, replaces Universal Jobmatch: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/
(We have invited the DWP Strategic Relationship Manager to March’s MNM).
Our lobbying activity continues and thanks to our very own Chair, Richard Brice, who went on air with LBC this week to highlight the impact of NIC/NLW increases on our members. You can listen to it here. Richard spoke for 20 minutes on the subject whilst sadly the final version was shortened to just 1.13 minutes airtime, the message was succinctly conveyed.
You will find more resources and template letters to use if contacting MPs etc on website https://www.providersunite.co.uk/resources-templates/
The RCPA is hoping to get enough numbers for a minibus to London for 25th February event (peaceful protest outside Parliament). There are some limited free places still available. This will be an all-day event with a very early start and late finish – pick up and drop off in Taunton. More details to follow when we know more. Also, please find more information on our FB page https://www.facebook.com/rcpaltd/
Any members interested in joining:
https://healthinnovationsouthwest.com/event/adult-social-care-network-5/
Please see attached flyer around smart technology to help reduce falls.
Recently SWATPRO ran a social media campaign to gain more interest in the Skills Bootcamp for social care providers, currently following up with some interest. Wendy Stevens, owner/manager of Crystal Care in Taunton wants to know if any other members who have senior care co-ordinators needing to upskill, and/or if you are aware of other employers who may be interested in making up a cohort for this training. Please contact wendy@wendystevens.co.uk
Events
New date and time – Wednesday 19th February via TEAMs – more details on our website.
Somerset Council has arranged three Provider Engagement Meetings to provide an opportunity for care and support providers operating in Somerset to hear from Paul Coles, Service Director – Commissioning, and other members of the Council’s Adult Social Care Commissioning Team, about the Council’s proposals for fees for the 2025/25 financial year and ask questions.
Each of the three meetings will have the same content, so care and support providers only need to attend one.
Please select the relevant link below to book your place:
Monday 10 February 3pm to 5pm
Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/somerset-council-adult-social-care-provider-engagement-meeting-tickets-1223315402299?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Tuesday 11 February 9am to 11am
Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/somerset-council-adult-social-care-provider-engagement-meeting-tickets-1223297408479?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Monday 17 February 2pm to 4pm
SfC’s forthcoming regional event, 6th March 10 – 3 at the Albermarle in Taunton.
🚀 Shaping the Future of Social Care – Join Us in Taunton! 🚀
The social care sector is evolving — are you ready to attract, retain, train, and transform your workforce?
Join us on Thursday 6 March (10:00 – 15:00) in Taunton for an inspiring event designed for leaders, managers, and workforce specialists in the Southwest!
🌟 What’s in it for you?
✅ Insights into the workforce strategy for adult social care
✅ Real-life experiences on implementing Government reforms
✅ Practical ways to enhance recruitment, retention & training
✅ Innovations like AI to future-proof your workforce
✅ Expert panel discussions & networking with peers
🔹 If you’re a registered manager, workforce lead, or employer passionate about workforce development, this is THE event for you!
📍 Limited spaces available – secure your spot today!
Register here: Leading social care now and in the future – Attract and retain, train and transform
#SocialCareLeadership #FutureOfCare #WorkforceTransformation #CareSector
If you have any questions or need more information, then please do not hesitate to contact: holly.stockdale@skillsforcare.org.uk
Thursday 13th March 2025 – Canalside Conference Centre, Bridgwater
For more details, please see the poster attached or book here.
Digital News
As part of the wider project funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and Innovate UK’s Cyber Local funding. Digital Care Hub and the South West Cyber Resilience Centre are hosting cyber security webinars to simulate cyber incidents that could affect social care providers. Participants will collectively step into the decision-maker’s shoes using Zoom polls, choosing how to respond at every turn. Each choice will shape the outcome, revealing the real-life consequences of your action
The webinars are open to all adult social care providers and free to attend.
Cyber Simulation: Ransomware Attack in the South West; Wednesday February 19th 14:00 – 15:00 – Click here to register
