Category: General News

News and Resources  Some announcements: DHSC’s announcement re MND: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/patients-with-motor-neurone-disease-set-for-fast-tracked-care Modern services frameworks: for coronary vascular disease: Cardiovascular disease modern service framework – GOV.UK ; for Sepsis: NHS England » Sepsis modern service framework; for EOL: NHS England » Strategic commissioning of hospice services and update on the Modern Service Framework for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care  In addition to winter planning and with the advent of recent heatwaves, the NHS is now planning for summer as they are seeing increased fatalities and higher than average ED attendance attributed to heat stroke.  Skills for Care looking at placement strategy in line with govt policy, working with providers, raising awareness of T-Levels as a route into healthcare, nursing etc. SFC would love to hear from any members who are working with students who can attain the Gold Standard Commendation; the checklist can be found here https://share.google/0QEfZeZMvOMl8UFle  The RCN, seeking to engage with nurses outside the NHS, has useful information, events, and fora on their website-IHSC (independent health and social care nursing:  https://www.rcn.org.uk/employment-and-pay/Nursing-across-social-care-and-independent-health-services Next Members’ network meeting Tuesday 25th August via TEAMs 2-3pmMeeting link – https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/397895180689907?p=wB1nBpctrbmeAm2FRM September’s MNM will be in person, venue and full agenda to be confirmed; we have invited David Coleman-Groom, DASS for Somerset Council, TBC; also joining us will be Sue Jones from the IHSCM (Institute of Health and Social Care Management). Academy update– please see attached training prospectus which we would encourage you to share within your organisations and with training and development/HR leads.  CCTV usage in care services – ICO and CQC guidance.- https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/cctv-and-video-surveillance/guidance-on-video-surveillance-including-cctv/–https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/all-services/how-we-check-use-surveillance From time to time, we hear about this, what’s best practice – we’re looking out for a webinar planned in Autumn. ** Something to think about and raise awareness with your team members, especially when working in domiciliary care, some clients may have RING or similar doorbells installed, so caution advised when approaching the front door, around any sensitive/confidential conversations between carers as these will be picked up and recorded.  The CAA paper on ASC funding reform – we have received some political interest: https://commentcentral.co.uk/pooling-the-risk-of-old-age-the-reform-plan-councils-and-providers-can-both-live-with Also, our collaboration with Bridgehead Communications- the story board so far:CAA Paper One: Adult Social Care Funding Reform (Interactive Storyboard) We are now working on the next paper.  Free webinar for SMEs Able Futures, a DWP-funded mental health support service available to employees, apprentices and self-employed people. The service provides up to nine months of confidential support at no cost, helping individuals manage challenges such as stress, anxiety and depression while remaining in work. The webinar will explain: What Able Futures offers. Who can access support. How employees can access the service directly. How SMEs can signpost staff to the support available. Three dates available – the content for each will be the same, so attendees will only need to register for one. 20/08/2026 11:30 – 12:00 https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/064e2e70-e6ca-4d99-a0e3-83dff1c4ff87@96f1f6e9-1057-4117-ac28-80cdfe86f8c3 22/09/2026 11:00 – 11:30 https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bb87f4fa-e516-4cd0-9846-935855317139@96f1f6e9-1057-4117-ac28-80cdfe86f8c3 20/10/2026 11:00 – 11:30 https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/030d099a-c05b-4912-9813-36aab267e239@96f1f6e9-1057-4117-ac28-80cdfe86f8c3  Care homes can register their interest in research The NIHR, have relaunched a sign up form for care homes, nursing homes and care villages to register their interest in research. This is inline with the government priorities: To ensure access to relevant research no matter where people live, and to raise the age of those taking part in research, so results are more generalisable to our aging population. Registering doesn’t commit homes to take part, but by registering you will receive email invites to consider research and updates on training and funding opportunities. Please see links below for more information – Enabling research in care homes | NIHR Register Your Organisation — NIHR

Events  Next Members’ network meeting  Tuesday 25th August via TEAMs 2-3pm Meeting link – https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/397895180689907?p=wB1nBpctrbmeAm2FRM RWK Goodman – Free Webinar for RCPA Members New Trade Union Rights: Fundamental Reform to Workplace Relations  Trade unions are acquiring statutory rights to access your care services to meet, represent and recruit workers to join the union and thresholds for unions to gain formal recognition and collective bargaining rights have been reduced.  This will fundamentally change workforce relations and your pay and reward strategy.  Care providers of all sizes are affected, and many are already receiving requests from unions so being proactive and developing a strategy now is essential.        This webinar from James Sage, Employment Partner in RWK Goodman’s Health & Social Care team, will provide practical guidance on: The new right to access Formal recognition and collective bargaining Developing a trade union strategy Negotiating access and collective bargaining agreements The operational and financial implications of the reforms Details: Date: Wednesday 2nd September Time: 10am -11am To register a place please follow this link – Registration Form SAVE THE DATE! RCPA Annual Conference – 3rd December 2026 The theme of the conference will be ‘People and Places’ Taunton Racecourse Conference Centre, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 7BL    Digital News  Upcoming Digital Events Sharing Best Practice: Commissioning for Digital Maturity and Cyber Resilience in Social Care.   Thursday 13th August 13:00 – 14:30. Click here to book Smarter Care Through Better Standards. Thursday 10th September 12:00 – 13:30. Click here to book Data Standards: Staying Compliant as the Home Office Goes Digital Webinar. Thursday 17th September 11:30 – 12:30. Click here to book Caldicott Guardian Learning Network. Thursday 24th September 12:00 – 13:00. Click here to book Caldicott Guardian Learning Network. Thursday 26th November 12:00 – 13:00. Click here to book

News and Resources  Members’ network meeting – follow up and other resources Thank you to all who were able to join and to Colin at Northbrook Training for his presentation, clarification, and information around OMMT requirements and Skills Bootcamps. Please see attached.  ***STOP PRESS- OMMT Tier 2 training****! at time of writing, we are pleased to hear from Somerset ICB: NHS England has funded an additional series of Oliver McGowan Tier 2 Lead Trainer courses throughout 2026 and 2027. These four-day courses are open to professionals working in NHS services or organisations delivering NHS-commissioned services, who have experience supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people. The courses will be delivered by the National Autistic Society and the Estia Centre, who have been delivering this training in partnership since 2023. The first series of scheduled dates have been published and more will become available in 2027. For more information, confirmed dates and how to apply see here: https://www.autism.org.uk/learn/what-we-do/training/tier-2-om-4-day-nhse There is no cost to complete this training as this has been funded by NHS England. NB, according to the website, the current location schedule is not Somerset/SW region specific, but if you follow this link let us know where you are based and they receive enough requests for your location they might be able to organise a course closer to you. – Water Intake Calculator by GIGAcalculator. This will help you estimate how much water people will require daily. –Practical F2F IDDSI compliant training and catering for needs request – can any members recommend suitable F2F training please? Is this something that members struggle to access, limited to online and webinars currently? Members suggested contacting LDTraining@SomersetFT.nhs.uk for LD training support, as part of this discussion. Useful to know-IDDSI have an app to download https://www.iddsi.org/news/download-the-iddsi-app-today . Apparently, it’s very good. –Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3879  received Royal Assent in April; will include care homes, creation of smoke and vape free places-thanks to member who raised this for awareness- important for care providers to support staff/clients and residents with sufficient lead in time to roll out.  What we have been up to recently: –Patient transport services v community transport (Somerset Council’s Slinky bus https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/slinky-services/ ). We’re hearing 1), lack of comms from PTS around the change in direction-provision of transport to hospital appts; 2) some alarming and concerning situations facing providers and individuals they support -missed appts, leading long term to significant deterioration in health, refusal to include a member of staff when an individual needed to go to hospital and had 2.1 support etc; 3) potential  admin burden on providers who may need to support claims for reimbursement, aside from anxiety caused to people drawing on support-(Healthcare travel costs scheme- https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/healthcare-travel-costs-scheme-htcs/ ). We have approached PTS for comment and guidance; it appears to be at least a SW wide issue when speaking to other CAs and we’re working on it. –SWAST Community of Practice (COP) updates. This forum was established following management of safeguarding concerns item in November’s in person MNM and meeting with SWAST SG Lead. We’re developing guidance for providers (including YouTube video) when calling 999; standardisation of an SBAR template (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) template-do any members currently use a standard form and have any comments/suggestions? Falls advice and advice from call centres eg nil by mouth.. hoping to progress this and include pain relief post fall. Also hearing from perspectives of paramedics when they receive a call out-paramedics do not have access to GP records so very limited information and wholly reliant on the nurse/supervisor to provide as much context as possible. Also, when receiving a 999 call, minimum information given ie usually just an address and postcode-they don’t necessarily know the registration of a care service eg nursing/residential care and what to expect. Related to this, training for agency staff including nurses. Please see also the ambulance conveyance form that is currently available on the SWAST website, for care providers to complete-is this too detailed? https://www.swast.nhs.uk/falls/.  We welcome comments. –Safeguarding generally – whether members experiencing problems accessing information via SC’s website, is there sufficient info to support providers, challenges with referrals to call centre-SG alerts and follow up? Please can you let us know as we have representation on the SSAB meetings and working subgroups. We spoke to the Principal SW at Somerset Council- more guidance around AGNI decision later this year, planning for a future MNM-Dols/SG updates. – We recently met and heard from the LG Ombudsman– information attached – **useful to check if this included in your complaints policies and there is reference to the Ombudsman where a complainant is unhappy with how the provider has investigated and dealt with a complaint; also training for staff on this topic is advised. See specifically slide on ‘organisational culture’. Did you know that for example, providers can raise a complaint about their local authority? Eg, for non-fee payment by the LA or where providers have seemingly been misled, unclear about funding.

Events  RWK Goodman – Free Webinar for RCPA Members New Trade Union Rights: Fundamental Reform to Workplace Relations  Trade unions are acquiring statutory rights to access your care services to meet, represent and recruit workers to join the union and thresholds for unions to gain formal recognition and collective bargaining rights have been reduced.  This will fundamentally change workforce relations and your pay and reward strategy.  Care providers of all sizes are affected, and many are already receiving requests from unions so being proactive and developing a strategy now is essential.         This webinar from James Sage, Employment Partner in RWK Goodman’s Health & Social Care team, will provide practical guidance on: -The new right to access -Formal recognition and collective bargaining -Developing a trade union strategy -Negotiating access and collective bargaining agreements -The operational and financial implications of the reforms Details: Date: Wednesday 2nd September Time: 10am -11am To register a place please follow this link – Registration Form    Digital News  A new research opportunity is available to providers. The original notice calls for care homes, please contact the research team directly if you represent another service type but would like to participate. NiHR funding page – Fracture prevention for people with Dementia: Optimisation of MedicINe for Osteoporosis – the DOMINO study – NIHR Funding and Awards The DOMINO study team are still looking to interview care home staff to understand osteoporosis medicine use for people with dementia. Taking part in the study will feel like a conversation, which will take approximately one hour and can be in-person, by telephone or video call, at a time which works best. Please see the study posters below for more information, which can also be advertised in your care home. Please email research.domino@keele.ac.uk to book your interview and copy rduh.primarycareresearch@nhs.net or swp.rrdn@nihr.ac.uk into any correspondence. Please also do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. Thank you for considering this study.

Following a previous bulletin a few weeks ago where we announced work underway through development of a series of papers to present to Parliament, please find attached a press release; also, the proposal below for how England should fund adult social care for older people. This has been circulated to our local MPs.

Full paper here.

News and Resources  The Care Show for Somerset – Less than a week to go!  There is now less than a week to go until The Care Show for Somerset, and we’d really love to see as many RCPA members there as possible. We have over 40 exhibitors attending, showcasing support, products and services – we will even have therapy puppies available for cuddles!  There will be free refreshments available and plenty of goodies to pick up on the day. We know how busy everyone is, but this should be a really useful opportunity to drop in, make connections and speak to a wide range of organisations who work with and support adult social care providers in Somerset. Representatives from key local stakeholders will also be there, including Somerset Council, NHS Somerset ICB and CQC. The Care Show for Somerset Tuesday 14 July 2026 10.00am–2.00pm Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton FREE entry – no registration needed You don’t need to stay for the full event — just pop in at a time that suits you. More information is available here: https://rcpa.org.uk/the-care-show-for-somerset-2026/ Please also share the event with colleagues and anyone else who may be interested (flyer attached). We really hope to see you there. Funded Research Opportunities Please see below for research opportunities for care homes and home care providers.  Workshop: dementia care tools, products, and devices in your care home Alzheimer’s Society is researching how care homes use innovations, such as digital tools, products, devices, or data, to support people living with dementia. This workshop, run in conjunction with Digital Care Hub (DCH), is for managers and senior employees at care homes. We want to understand which innovations make the biggest difference, the main barriers (including cost), and what would help most if changed or improved. We’re interested in the effect on both residents and care workers, across falls, delirium, UTIs and infections, monitoring, hydration and nutrition, pain, and medication safety. Alzheimer’s Society will use the findings to guide investment, so more homes can access the innovations that matter most.  Logistics and privacy – One hour, virtual (Teams), Tuesday 7 July, 3–4pm – Sessions are recorded; transcripts are anonymised and personal details removed – Participants receive £30 – Recordings are stored securely for six months, accessible only to the internal research team, then permanently deleted – You can request deletion of your data at any time: reuben.cochrane@thepsc.co.uk  Consent and safety – Participation is voluntary; skip any question or stop at any time – This is not an assessment. If serious risk of harm is disclosed, we’ll offer appropriate support This research is carried out by The PSC, a public service consulting firm specialising in research, on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society. Contact jessica.solomon@thepsc.co.uk to attend the 7th July. If you are unable to attend but would still like to support this piece of research please contact Jessica and they can arrange another time to meet with you online.  The LEAP study (flyer attached) LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Care Provision for Older People The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Care Provision (LEAP) project is a two-year research study that aims to better understand how prepared people working in home care in England and Wales are to support older (aged 60+) LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other marginalised sexualities and gender identities) people. By prepared, we mean if home care workers have the right skills, knowledge, and confidence to support the LGBTQ+ population. Previous research tells us that older LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination when seeking support from social care services. At the same time, many care workers feel they don’t have the skills, knowledge and confidence to support older LGBTQ+ people. Previous studies have focused on care homes and extra care housing, but no studies have looked at home care specifically. We want to know more about the experiences of both older LGBTQ+ people and the home care workforce so that LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of home care are recognised, and the home care workforce is adequately supported to provide the best possible care.The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research for Social Care Programme and co-led by Dr Jolie Keemink (University of Kent) and Prof Paul Willis (Cardiff University). The study runs from 1 June 2025 to 31 August 2027. You can find more information about the study, the team and news here. Skills Bootcamp opportunity for new and aspiring care managers Our partner, Northbrook, is running an “Inspire to Succeed” Skills Bootcamp in Yeovil for new and aspiring managers in adult social care. This is a practical 12-day training programme, running from 25 August to 6 November 2026, with 72 guided learning hours. It is designed for colleagues who are already in senior or supervisory roles, or those who may be ready to step into leadership or management in the future. The programme will cover key areas including: -Leadership and management skills -Supervision, delegation and workforce planning -Governance, compliance and regulatory responsibilities -Recruitment, retention and communication -Safeguarding, MCA and DoLS -Quality assurance, audits, complaints and continuous improvement The Bootcamp is part-funded through Skills for Life – Skills Bootcamp funding for individuals who live and/or work in Somerset. Costs start from £350 per person, depending on organisation size and funding eligibility. This may be a valuable opportunity for providers looking to support succession planning, develop future managers, and build confidence and capability within their teams. Please see the attached programme outline for further details. To express interest or discuss suitability, costs or next steps, please contact Northbrook directly: Email: Info@Northbrook.org.uk Telephone: 0330 133 3775 Website: www.Northbrook.org.uk

Events RCPA – Save the Date! The Care Show for Somerset The Care Show for Somerset — a free, drop-in event bringing together organisations from across adult social care in Somerset. We’d love our members and other adult social care organisations to come along, make connections and see what support, services and solutions are available. Event details 📅 Tuesday 14 July 2026 🕙 10.00am–2.00pm (drop in anytime) 📍 Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7QP ✅ Free entry — no registration needed, just turn up on the day. Members Network Meeting  Members Network Meeting via Teams Tuesday 28th July 14.00-15.00hrs. Meeting Link –https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/397895180689907?p=wB1nBpctrbmeAm2FRM     From our Partners  RWK Goodman Please find below a link to RWK Goodman’s monthly employment and immigration newsletter, which this month focuses on why sponsor licence compliance is more important than ever for care providers. There are also details included of their upcoming webinar on Wednesday 15 July at 2pm about the changes to the law relating to DoLS after the Supreme Court judgment in the AGNI case. RWK Goodman’s monthly employment and immigration newsletter Howden Future‑ready social care: New climate resilience whitepaper Health and social care providers are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate credible progress on sustainability as NHS England moves toward its 2045 Net Zero target. Procurement expectations are shifting, and Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs) are becoming essential for organisations that work with the NHS. Howden’s latest whitepaper offers practical guidance for care home operators and hospitals navigating these changes. It explores how decarbonisation can strengthen NHS relationships, reduce operational costs and build resilience to climate‑related risks, all while supporting high‑quality care delivery.The report provides a clear framework for developing a credible CRP, alongside practical steps to improve energy efficiency, resource use and long‑term operational stability. It also highlights how partnerships, risk management and financing solutions can accelerate progress, please download it and read it today.

Please see below for research opportunities for care homes and home care providers.

Workshop: dementia care tools, products, and devices in your care home

Alzheimer’s Society is researching how care homes use innovations, such as digital tools, products, devices, or data, to support people living with dementia. This workshop, run in conjunction with Digital Care Hub (DCH), is for managers and senior employees at care homes.

We want to understand which innovations make the biggest difference, the main barriers (including cost), and what would help most if changed or improved. We’re interested in the effect on both residents and care workers, across falls, delirium, UTIs and infections, monitoring, hydration and nutrition, pain, and medication safety.

Alzheimer’s Society will use the findings to guide investment, so more homes can access the innovations that matter most.

Logistics and privacy

• One hour, virtual (Teams), Tuesday 7 July, 3–4pm
• Sessions are recorded; transcripts are anonymised and personal details removed
• Participants receive £30
• Recordings are stored securely for six months, accessible only to the internal research team, then permanently deleted
• You can request deletion of your data at any time: reuben.cochrane@thepsc.co.uk 

Consent and safety

• Participation is voluntary; skip any question or stop at any time
• This is not an assessment. If serious risk of harm is disclosed, we’ll offer appropriate support

This research is carried out by The PSC, a public service consulting firm specialising in research, on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society.

Contact jessica.solomon@thepsc.co.uk to attend the 7th July. If you are unable to attend but would still like to support this piece of research please contact Jessica and they can arrange another time to meet with you online.

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Care Provision for Older People

The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Care Provision (LEAP) project is a two-year research study that aims to better understand how prepared people working in home care in England and Wales are to support older (aged 60+) LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other marginalised sexualities and gender identities) people. By prepared, we mean if home care workers have the right skills, knowledge, and confidence to support the LGBTQ+ population.

Previous research tells us that older LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination when seeking support from social care services. At the same time, many care workers feel they don’t have the skills, knowledge and confidence to support older LGBTQ+ people. Previous studies have focused on care homes and extra care housing, but no studies have looked at home care specifically. We want to know more about the experiences of both older LGBTQ+ people and the home care workforce so that LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of home care are recognised, and the home care workforce is adequately supported to provide the best possible care.

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research for Social Care Programme and co-led by Dr Jolie Keemink (University of Kent) and Prof Paul Willis (Cardiff University). The study runs from 1 June 2025 to 31 August 2027.

You can find more information about the study, the team and news here.

News and Resources  Allied Pharmacy closure in Minehead Please see attached stakeholder briefing re closure which may impact your care services in Minehead area. Public health information Apologies in advance for the repetition with information regarding the heat alerts this week; we have been asked by Somerset Council and Public Health to repeat and circulate the following information (some of which is updated) – members may have already seen this via the capacity tracker or ASC special alerts but realise that not all care services may have access or registered for alerts. Please see attached doc – handy to retain for future hot weather situations and share within your services. ***A request from last week’s bulletin…Impact of Middle East Crisis and increasing costs*** In collaboration with the CAA, a model has been developed to capture price increases nationally. Please could you forward details to hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk if you would be happy to provide these details on a fortnightly basis. We’re looking for providers across all services. Thank you. Please provide the following: -Name -Service type -Service client/resident group -Size (no of residents/clients/hours) -Organisation type – Family/Corporate/Not for profit -Email contact Day Care focus group Please look out for a separate bulletin following yesterday’s meeting.

Events  RCPA – Save the Date! The Care Show for Somerset The Care Show for Somerset — a free, drop-in event bringing together organisations from across adult social care in Somerset. We’d love our members and other adult social care organisations to come along, make connections and see what support, services and solutions are available. Event details 📅 Tuesday 14 July 2026 🕙 10.00am–2.00pm (drop in anytime) 📍 Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7QP ✅ Free entry — no registration needed, just turn up on the day.      Digital News  Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) Deadline Approaching All adult social care providers need to publish or republish their DSPT by June 30th. The DSPT is a free annual self-assessment that reviews your data and cyber security. The DSPT is required for all CQC registered providers, providers with an NHS contract and who are considered to be a fully digital adult social care provider. RCPA offers free DSPT support to all providers in Somerset – for more information please contact Daniel Plummer at daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk

Our partner, Northbrook, is running an “Inspire to Succeed” Skills Bootcamp in Yeovil for new and aspiring managers in adult social care.

This is a practical 12-day training programme, running from 25 August to 6 November 2026, with 72 guided learning hours. It is designed for colleagues who are already in senior or supervisory roles, or those who may be ready to step into leadership or management in the future.

The programme will cover key areas including:

• Leadership and management skills
• Supervision, delegation and workforce planning
• Governance, compliance and regulatory responsibilities
• Recruitment, retention and communication
• Safeguarding, MCA and DoLS
• Quality assurance, audits, complaints and continuous improvement

The Bootcamp is part-funded through Skills for Life – Skills Bootcamp funding for individuals who live and/or work in Somerset. Costs start from £350 per person, depending on organisation size and funding eligibility.

This may be a valuable opportunity for providers looking to support succession planning, develop future managers, and build confidence and capability within their teams.

Please see the attached programme outline for further details. 

To express interest or discuss suitability, costs or next steps, please contact Northbrook directly:

Email: Info@Northbrook.org.uk
Telephone: 0330 133 3775
Website: www.Northbrook.org.uk

News and Resources MNM 16th June follow up resources DBS stage 4 delays and queries, please see attached document. Impact of Middle East Crisis on costs for providers. In collaboration with the CAA, a model has been developed to capture price increases. Please could you forward details to hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk if you would be happy to provide these details on a fortnightly basis. We’re looking for providers across all services. Please provide the following: -Name -Service type -Service client/resident group -Size (no of residents/clients/hours) -Organisation type – Family/Corporate/Not for profit -Email contact Modern Services Framework for palliative and EOL care (MSF) published 4th June https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-06-04/hcws88 King’s speech summary – NHSE abolished, functions now remit of DHSC… single patient records transformation to digital….Healthwatch abolished- replaced with a patient experience directorate created in DHSC.. support for ICBs to become strategic commissioners.. remove requirements to have Integrated Care Partnerships and refine membership of Boards with Mayoral nominees – NB to look out for ASC representation (previous bulletin 2025).. Armed Forces Bill- required to consider unique disadvantages and requirements of the Armed Forces Community CQC: AI guidance for ASC – position statement 21st May 2026 https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us/transparency/artificial-intelligence-health-social-care-cqcs-role-expectations-plans ; SAF statements reducing from 34 to 18  Return to ‘Good’ for ratings  Portfolio holders – CQC has restructured teams back into sector specific inspection teams . Across all sectors colleagues are starting to re-introduce portfolio holders, piloted portfolios for around 1,500 ASC locations, refining the model through stakeholder feedback and learning from previous pilots. ‘Providers told us having a portfolio holder was ‘a lot easier’, ‘gave consistency’ and ‘improved trust. Developing a rollout plan for portfolio holders across all ASC locations starting June.  This plan will outline clear expectations for service portfolio holders, how CQC will review this approach to continue to make any required improvements. Focus on services that have not been inspected for over 6 years, also adopting an intelligence gathering system for those services deemed to be high risk. Recent Agni ruling – we have contacted Somerset Council’s Principal Social Worker and the MCA and Dols Service Manager; meeting arranged for next week regarding guidance for providers Follow up re CHC and LA In collaboration with Citizens Advice Somerset – Key worker Hub resources (signposting, accommodation, support for cost of living pressures, guides) now available on the RCPA website – https://rcpa.org.uk/news/keyworker-advice-service/ NMC Employer Link Service (ELS) We recently met with NMC and their SW ELS adviser – Caroline Holt. Focus on support for ASC employers and nurses.Please see attached article which explains more about the role and contact details. Here is a link to Managing Concerns – a resource for employers for support which includes the Employer Link Service Advice Line. Also attaching a Practice Learning Consultation which would be relevant for any providers who have student nurse placements, the consultation only runs until mid-July. There will be two webinars for ASC providers via TEAMs – Intro to NMC and Fitness to Practice: -24th June 14.00-15.30hrs – https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/385644583961025?p=wgFH40uVJCqdvT8njB -9th July 14.00-15.30hrs – https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/373590614745889?p=xs519IZfoAjb2PK575

Events  Day Care members focus group – Thursday 25th June @ 16.00-16.45hrs Preparing for ‘ when an inspector calls’ and other We will be joined at the start of the meeting by Sarajane Willis and Kelly Senior from Somerset Council’s Quality Assurance team, followed by protected space for discussion. Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the TEAMs link. RCPA – Save the Date! The Care Show for Somerset The Care Show for Somerset — a free, drop-in event bringing together organisations from across adult social care in Somerset. We’d love our members and other adult social care organisations to come along, make connections and see what support, services and solutions are available. Event details 📅 Tuesday 14 July 2026 🕙 10.00am–2.00pm (drop in anytime) 📍 Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7QP ✅ Free entry — no registration needed, just turn up on the day.    Digital News  Research opportunities for adult social care providers RCPA has recently begun working with the National Institute or Health and Care Research (NiHR) looking to explore and promote research opportunities for adult social care providers in Somerset. The SW regional delivery team for NiHR have passed on two open research opportunities that they are recruiting for. REFRESH – Nutrition interventions for malnourished older adults in care homes. REFRESH will test how best to treat malnutrition (as undernutrition) in older adults (aged over 65 years) living in care homes. PUMA – Person-centred use of music in residents living with dementia and associated changes in behaviour in care homes. To evaluate whether incorporating a personalised music intervention into care plans, delivered through FITS-informed staff training, reduces distress and changed behaviours in people with dementia compared to standard care. Please see the attached documents for full details and contact information. Alternatively, you can contact Beatriz Almeida Research Officer for the SW regional research delivery team at beatriz.almeida@nihr.ac.uk RCPA will continue to share research opportunities with you. However, providers can directly sign up for an NiHR research opportunities mailing list by contacting; beatriz.almeida@nihr.ac.uk or swp.rrdn@nihr.ac.uk or rduh.primarycareresearch@nhs.net  Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) Deadline Approaching All adult social care providers need to publish or republish their DSPT by June 30th. The DSPT is a free annual self-assessment that reviews your data and cyber security. The DSPT is required for all CQC registered providers, providers with an NHS contract and who are considered to be a fully digital adult social care provider. RCPA offers free DSPT support to all providers in Somerset – for more information please contact Daniel Plummer at daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk

Digital, Data and Cyber Update from our Project Lead, Dan Plummer:

DSPT Deadline: Publish or Republish by 30 June A reminder to all care providers that the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) deadline is approaching. Providers need to publish or republish their DSPT by 30 June to ensure their submission is up to date. The DSPT helps care providers demonstrate that they are taking appropriate steps to protect information, manage data securely, and meet expectations around cyber security and information governance. Providers can log in and review their DSPT here: Data Security and Protection Toolkit Free 1-1 support is available for providers who need help completing, reviewing, publishing or republishing their DSPT.   For more information, please contact Dan at Daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk. DSPT Review and Republish Support Workshops: The Digital Care Hub has produced a useful recording to support providers with reviewing and republishing their DSPT: Review and Republish Data Security and Protection Toolkit for Social Care – YouTube There is also an upcoming DCH workshop– Tuesday 23 June, 3:00pm This session will be useful for providers who are close to completing their DSPT and want to make sure everything is ready before the deadline. Publishing your DSPT by 30 June: Final Touches (register via this link)

Events Upcoming Workshop: Securing Your Network RCPA’s Project Lead, Dan Plummer, will be hosting an upcoming workshop on cyber security and network protection: Securing Your Network Thursday 18 June, 2:00pm Book here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/178297ec-3f10-400d-a51f-55eb410f2d55@3ea99bc0-31a9-4cac-9824-fe1f600d4d29 This session will look at practical steps care providers can take to strengthen their network security, reduce cyber risks, and protect sensitive information. Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2026 Dan will also be speaking at the Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2026 on: Tuesday 23 June, 10:15am He will be joining the Making Digital Work panel, hosted by Digital Care Hub, alongside John Powell from Unicare Devon and Jess Davies from CareLineLive. This is a free event and a great opportunity for providers to hear practical examples of how digital technology is being used across adult social care. More information: Welcome – Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2026 Skills for Care RMN Session: How Hackers Think How Hackers Think Wednesday 24 June, 2:00pm; Albemarle Centre, Taunton Dan’s session will explore how cyber criminals identify weaknesses, what they look for, and how care providers can take practical steps to protect their systems, staff and the people they support. Bookings have now closed for the RMN. Providers can contact Holly Stockdale @ holly.stockdale@skillsforcare.org.uk for further information.    Ctrl+Care Podcast Dan recently co-hosted an episode of Ctrl+Care, a weekly podcast covering all things digital, data and cyber related in social care. His episode can be found here. The podcast is produced by Digital Care Hub and is available on YouTube and Spotify.     Need Support? Providers who need help with the DSPT, cyber security, digital systems, or any of the topics covered above can contact Dan Plummer at daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk.Free 1-1 support is available.

News and Resources  Recent Supreme Court Ruling Further to the item circulated on Monday, please find some more information from our sponsor, RWK Goodman – Landmark supreme court ruling on deprivation of liberty law | RWK Goodman The CAA has met with the DHSC deputy director responsible for MCA, Safeguarding and DoLS for an update following the Supreme Court ruling. Basic government guidance is to be issued in the next few days, with more information to follow in 6-8 weeks. In the meantime, there is no need to do anything to revoke existing DoLS. ADASS advice is to do nothing different until there is more guidance. National Safeguarding Board meets for the first time next week. Members’ network meeting Tuesday 16th June @ 14.00-15.00hrs Link to meeting via TEAMs – Join the meeting now We are joined by CQC Somerset – Jane Poole and Monika Zapolska – general updates and please have any Qs handy to ask. RCPA Project Lead, Daniel Plummer – DSPT Also, our sponsor, Jo Ashton, Director of Optimise Wellbeing to talk about their training offer Following last month’s MNM – Impact of price increases following the Middle East conflict Day Care members focus group – Thursday 25th June @ 16.00-16.45hrs Preparing for ‘ when an inspector calls’ and other We will be joined at the start of the meeting by Sarajane Willis and Kelly Senior from Somerset Council’s Quality Assurance team, followed by protected space for discussion. Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the TEAMs link.

Events  RCPA – Cyber security – Securing your network Join RCPA’s Daniel Plummer as he explains the vulnerabilities in your network equipment and the simple steps to take to secure them.  When: Thursday June 18th, 14:00 – 14:30 Where: Teams – Click here to register RCPA – Save the Date! The Care Show for Somerset The Care Show for Somerset — a free, drop-in event bringing together organisations from across adult social care in Somerset. We’d love our members and other adult social care organisations to come along, make connections and see what support, services and solutions are available. Event details 📅 Tuesday 14 July 2026 🕙 10.00am–2.00pm (drop in anytime) 📍 Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7QP ✅ Free entry — no registration needed, just turn up on the day.    From our Partners  RWK Goodman Please find the link to our latest bulletin below:    Landmark supreme court ruling on deprivation of liberty law | RWK Goodman    Digital News  Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) Deadline Approaching All adult social care providers need to publish or republish their DSPT by June 30th. The DSPT is a free annual self-assessment that reviews your data and cyber security. The DSPT is required for all CQC registered providers, providers with an NHS contract and who are considered to be a fully digital adult social care provider. RCPA offers free DSPT support to all providers in Somerset – for more information please contact Daniel Plummer at daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk Artificial intelligence in health and social care: CQC’s role, expectations and plans CQC recently published guidance regarding the adoption and use of AI in health and social care, CQC encourage the use of innovative technologies, including AI. Recognising AIs increasing use, benefits, potential issues and considerations for its implementation. CQC state that AI technologies should improve the quality of care and the outcomes for people using services. For example: – Regulation 9: Person-centred care (giving people the right information to make choices) – Regulation 10: Dignity and respect (protecting privacy and treating everyone fairly) – Regulation 11: Consent (making sure staff who obtain consent have the necessary knowledge of the care and/or treatment they are asking people to consent to) – Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment (ensuring equipment, for example AI is safe) – Regulation 17: Good governance (adhering to regulation, effective risk management systems, and monitoring outputs). The principles CQC expects providers to follow: – AI supports human decision-making. It does not replace it. – Human oversight of AI outputs must be continuous. – People using services must have clear information about how AI features in their care. – Non-digital routes to care be available where needed. – AI must be safe, reliable and resilient to cyber threats. – Data must be stored and processed in line with GDPR. – Known biases in AI must be identified and mitigated. – Staff must be trained and confident before AI is integrated into care pathways. – A Data Protection Impact Assessment must be completed before deployment. – Clear accountability structures must exist for when AI causes harm. – Procurement of AI tools must align with regulatory standards. Read CQC full statement here – Artificial intelligence in health and social care: CQC’s role, expectations and plans – Care Quality Commission