Day: May 9, 2025

News and Resources

Capacity Tracker reporting window

New dates up to 2026 and general CT info have been posted in the resources section on the RCPA website. Don’t get caught out with an NOI! This month the period runs from 8th May and closes 11.59hrs on 14^th May.

 

Somerset Council restructure and updates

– We requested updated information on the new operational structure at Somerset Council. Please find attached below for reference.

Adults Commissioning – day to day

Adult Operations v1.3

– Learning and engagement meetings (LEMs) – as these came to an end last year when the organiser (Rachel Caunce) left Somerset Council, we followed up with Quality Leads at SC to ascertain plans and format/topics to meet provider needs. Hopefully, you received a survey/provider consultation. Following this feedback, please look out for more news soon.

 

Housing Hub

We work with the Housing Hub representing our membership, looking at solutions to address the housing crisis in Somerset – availability and affordability for key workers. This also relates to wider work such as care worker vacancies and international recruitment. Please can you spare a few minutes to complete Keyworker Housing Hub – local landscape, processes and network insight survey – it is a tool in the mapping work needed to inform the Housing Hub design. Please complete asap – the survey runs until mid-June. Thank you.

 

System work and collaboration

Want to help shape direction and influence work across the system which impacts ASC providers? Many opportunities available for different areas that may be of interest, e.g Safeguarding; also networking with peers and other system colleagues. Please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk . *Most work groups will require long term commitment but there is flexibility to co-opt other team members. Also useful for staff development.

 

Local and central govt engagement

We will be following up engagement with our local MPs, councillors, other partners, and colleagues to keep momentum and pressure on the govt around the challenges ASC providers are facing, not least caused by the unfunded NIC/NLW increases and low fees.

 

Events

Big Somerset Picnic 2025!

Come and join in and celebrate with the Big Somerset Picnic over the weekend of 10^th and 11^th May! You can download the official event pack and other assets here  https://www.somersetday.com/about/take-part-somerset-day.

Any care home organising a picnic as part of Somerset Day who would like to promote this as an opportunity to invite others to come can register the event here https://www.somersetday.com/add-your-event.

See what events are already planned here https://www.somersetday.com/events.

Also have a limited amount of FREE flags and bunting with just the cost of packing and posting payable which can be ordered here https://www.somersetday.com/merchandise

If you would like to share any news and photos from any events within your services, we would love to hear from you:  admin@rcpa.org.uk.

 

Celebrating Social Care Nursing on International Nurses Day

Celebrating social care nursing on International Nurses Day webinar

Monday 12^th May – SfC webinar

More information here – International Nurses Day 2025

 

RCPA Summer Seminar ‘Somerset Cyber Day’

Location: The Albemarle Centre, Albemarle Road, Taunton TA1 1BA

Date: Tuesday 10^th June 2025; 10:00am – 2:00pm

Lunch: Refreshments and lunch will be provided

Cost: £10 for RCPA members, £20 for non-RCPA members

The day will start with a series of interactive roundtable discussions on:

• Digital Care Hubs’ cyber game for social care staff
• Windows 10 end of life support
• Data Security & Protection Toolkit (DSPT) deadline & the Caldicott Guardian role in social care
• Cyber threats from an ex-hacker

After lunch Avon and Somerset Police will lead the group in a cyber ‘escape room’ where you will solve puzzles and challenges based on real-world cyber risks. This interactive, gamified learning experience is designed to raise awareness of cyber threats and promote good cybersecurity habits.

To register for this event, please email admin@rcpa.org.uk with delegate names, dietary requirements, organisation name and email address for invoice.

 

Digital News

Please see below for a variety of digital, AI, cyber, and data protection online events.

Digitising Social Care: End of Programme Reflections

Wednesday 14^th May 10:30 – 12:00  Click here to book

Caldicott Guardian Learning Network

Thursday 12^th June 12:30 – 13:30 Click here to book

Exploring the Best Technology for Care Workers

Thursday 12^th June 11:00 – 12:30 Click here to book

AI in Homecare: Top Tips for Smart and Safe Use

Tuesday 24^th June 14:00 – 15:00 Click here to book

 

Digital Care Hub are hosting a series of practical webinars designed to give practical advice for some of the more complex questions from within the DSPT.

Practical DSPT: Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

Tuesday 13^th May 14:30 – 15:30 Click here to book

Practical DSPT: Testing your Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

Wednesday 28^th May 14:30 – 15:30 Click here to book

 

Announcement- RCPA Board of Directors

We are saddened to inform you that Debra Wielkopolska has announced her retirement as RCPA Director. Debra has been on the Board of Directors since 2010. On behalf of RCPA colleagues and Board members we have really valued Debra’s dedication and support and above all, enjoyed working with her.

Please join me in wishing Debra all the very best for the future and a happy and well-earned retirement! Debra, you will be missed!

Debra is a hard act to follow but now we are looking to appoint another Director, possibly more than one, to ensure we have as wide a representation from Somerset’s adult care sector, as possible. For our current Board of Directors, please visit our website page https://rcpa.org.uk/about-us/.