News and Resources
- Lobbying
As April looms along with the NIC/NLW increases, we continue to focus our efforts around local and national campaigns. Please join us at next week’s meeting Tuesday 18th March 14.00-15.00hrs (via TEAMs) to discuss next steps, suggestions as to how we can keep the momentum going with this important issue.
TEAMS Link here: Join the meeting now
- NHSE reforms
You will have heard announced on the news yesterday re the reforms with NHSE to be brought back into DHSC; some more info here, in case you missed it:
In summary:
World’s largest quango scrapped under reforms to put patients first
- Major reforms to empower NHS staff and put patients first
- Changes will drive efficiency and empower staff to deliver better care as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change
- Move will reduce complex bureaucracy and undo the damage caused by 2012 reorganisation
Reforms to reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for patients have been set out [Thursday 13 March] by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer. NHS England will be brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care to put an end to the duplication resulting from two organisations doing the same job in a system currently holding staff back from delivering for patients. By stripping back layers of red tape and bureaucracy, more resources will be put back into the front line rather than being spent on unnecessary admin. The reforms will reverse the 2012 top-down reorganisation of the NHS which created burdensome layers of bureaucracy without any clear lines of accountability. As Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the state of the NHS found, the effects of this are still felt today and have left patients worse off under a convoluted and broken system.
- Capacity Tracker reporting window reminder
The March 2025 Reporting window opened on Saturday (8th March) and closes today, Friday 14th March at 11.59pm.
- Displaced international workers looking for work now
The RCPA is exploring some initial work in relation to displaced workers. We are reaching out to inquire about the possibility of your support for individuals who are currently at risk of displacement.
Recently, we have been made aware of care workers in Somerset whose employment agency has ceased trading. Under current sponsorship rules, unless alternative employment or licensing is found within 30-60 days, they will be required to return to their country of origin. ‘Currently aware of two candidates both with UK training and experience in supporting adults with autism and/or have LD:
Care worker A
Female
Mental health nursing background (planning to register with NMC in the future)
Car driver with international licence
Willing to relocate anywhere across Somerset
Several months + UK care experience
Professional references and CV available
Care worker B
Female
Worked in UK since summer 2023
Seeking work in Bridgwater area only; lives in Bridgwater with her family-has links and networks within the area
International driving licence and access to car.
Professional references and CV available.
** Please note that the RCPA’s involvement is limited to connecting displaced candidates with providers; employers must undertake all due diligence and RTW compliance checks as normal and in line with legislation and UKVI.**
Given the challenges they are facing, we are seeking care providers who can offer assistance, whether through employment opportunities, temporary housing, or other forms of support. Your involvement could make a significant difference in their lives and help ensure that they can continue to contribute to the care sector in Somerset.
If you can help or would like more information on how you can support these care workers, please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk or call me on 07393 575 980.
Your generosity and support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for considering this request.
Events
RCPA Members’ Network Meeting via TEAMs
Tuesday 18th March at 2pm
Please find the meeting link below –
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 319 134 990 459
Passcode: QRySBN
Somerset Health & Care Academy Training Days – Hosted by RCPA – 27th March & 28th April – Taunton Racecourse
We are delighted to be hosting two training days for care staff in collaboration with the Somerset Health & Care Academy.
Choose from:
- Oliver McGowan: Build on your knowledge and understanding of the needs for autistic people and people with a learning disability. This is the Tier Two, all-day course, Tier One must be completed first.
- End-of-Life Care: Develop a compassionate understanding of end-of-life care principles (part day course, to be taken alongside BLS).
- Basic Life Support: Master the fundamentals of Basic Life Support with expert instruction.
- Dementia and Delirium: Gain awareness of dementia and take part in an interactive session on solving what and who caused the delirium.
Please note, the Dementia training is only available in April and is to be taken alongside the BLS and EOL training, to ensure full day CPD completion.
For more information about each training day, and to book, please visit our website.
From our Partners
RWK Goodman
Latest e-bulletin from our partners, RWK Goodman – The Procurement Act 2023: what does it mean for adult social care providers? | RWK Goodman