Category: General News

Following the mass national TEAMs meeting on Tuesday evening which included care providers, care associations, individuals who draw on care and support needs, the RCPA and Board members met yesterday to further discuss next steps on behalf of our members. Thanks to those who were able to join Tuesday’s call but for those who were not able to join, there was a feeling of solidarity, collective excitement, and enthusiasm to escalate action regarding the financial crisis facing the sector including the NIC/NLW impact. To this effect there will be a protest planned outside Parliament late February, exact dates to be confirmed, but likely 25^th or 26^th February. This will likely be a mass gathering from colleagues across the sector (and hopefully, the public), nationally. The RCPA supports this action, but to emphasise that the protest will be dignified and professional without being militant. Importantly, we need to convey our message to engage the public so some comms/tag lines will be composed to this effect.

 

We would like to offer support to members if they would like to join the event with a couple of options 1) RCPA to commission a coach from a central point, probably Taunton, to London for the day. We are currently scoping costs; if you would like to join this event, we would only ask members for a contribution, i.e. ‘at cost’; 2) Additionally, we propose to run a simultaneous local protest in Taunton.

 

*** Want to join the movement? Please let us know your thoughts on the above, option preferred to admin@rcpa.org.uk by COB Friday 31^st January***

 

There is also a survey asking participants best day of action. Please can you follow the survey link below and note that it closes today 17.00hrs. Providers Unite Participant Survey

In addition to the protest and as it’s vital we engage the public alongside our campaign, we would encourage members to circulate the attached letter as you see fit.  This is the letter sent by the #ProvidersUnite campaign on behalf of its signatories. Some ideas around this- print as a flyer and leave in a visible area, eg, reception where visitors and staff sign in, include in your internal comms to families and friends, discuss at forthcoming residents and staff meetings…

 

Finally, we understand if you don’t wish or can’t participate, the RCPA will continue to lobby on your behalf, but the more voices, the louder the message to the Government!

 

Let’s join to make a difference!

The RCPA Board members and Jonathan Palmer, CEO of Somerset Care Ltd, were pleased to meet Sir Ashley Fox, Conservative MP for Bridgwater, and Burnham on Friday 10^th January. We discussed the issues around NIC and NLW, to name just a few of the challenges facing the ASC sector during this existential crisis. Thank you, to Somerset Care, Sue Monger, Registered Manager at Stockmoor Lodge and all the staff and residents for making us so welcome.

 

Just a couple of time specific items to let you know about for next week.

#ProvidersUnite Campaign

The RCPA has been involved in this important campaign. For those members who are following, next Tuesday 21st January @16.30hrs, there will be a TEAMS meeting chaired by Nadra Ahmed, from the National Care Association; this presents a vital opportunity for providers to come together, share their thoughts, and shape the next steps….

Key discussion points:

• Response to the Chancellor’s letter 12th Nov 2024.
• Clarifying our messaging. Valuing Social Care.
• Political influencing and educating the government on the impact of the budget across our communities.

Join the meeting now

TEAMS LINK 

Meeting ID: 338 323 268 258

Passcode: uyziWy

(Proposed dates for the Day of Action in London, 2025: Tuesday 25th February, Wednesday 26th February. These dates align with Parliament sitting days to maximise impact).

📅 Sign up on the Providers Unite webpage to have access to ongoing messages and ensure you’re included:  https://www.providersunite.co.uk/

 

Events

Next members’ meeting – Tuesday 21^st January 14.00-15.00hrs

TEAMs link below –

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 319 134 990 459

Passcode: QRySBN

We will be joined by our sponsor, Richard Hearn from Howden, to discuss ‘Five reason why hackers target SMEs’.

An open forum for members to join and discuss topics of interest, what’s on the radar, best practice, what we’ve been up to at the RCPA..

(We have invited the interim CQC area manager to join us for February’s meeting, plus updates re OMMT from the OMMT hub).

 

From our Partners

Borderless

Webinar: Immigration 101 for Registered Managers.

Tuesday 21^st January, 11am.

Designed for registered managers in the care sector, this webinar will provide essential insights into navigating immigration and sponsorship responsibilities.

The registration link for the webinar is:  https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0fDSwZ0

Please also see links below to some new blog posts recently published –

• https://www.getborderless.co.uk/blog/home-office-mock-compliance-audit
• getborderless.co.uk/blog/temporary-worker-sponsor-licence

www.getborderless.co.uk/blog/dependent-visa-uk

 

Digital News

Invitation to a care provider workshop on Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD)

The Digital Care Hub are running a workshop for providers of adult social care to discuss BYOD usage, policies, and security. We hope to learn more about experiences with personal device use within care organisations in order to better support providers in following BYOD approaches securely.

The workshop will take place via Teams on Wednesday 22nd January 10-11am.

If you would like to attend to discuss your experiences and learn more about BYOD security, please contact: niamh.bridsonhubbard@thepsc.co.uk

 

Cyber Security webinars

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: Phishing Attack in the South West; Thursday February 6^th 14:00 – 15:00 – Click here to register

Cyber Simulation: Ransomware Attack in the South West; Wednesday February 19^th 14:00 – 15:00 – Click here to register

News and Resources

Capacity Tracker

Just a reminder that the reporting window is open between 8th-14th Jan and closes 23.59hrs next Tuesday 14th January.

 

Lobbying – NIC and NLW impact and what we’ve been up to lately.

• The RCPA Board members will be meeting with Sir Ashley Fox, Conservative MP for Bridgwater, and Burnham today, Friday 10^th January. Thanks to Somerset Care, Stockmoor Lodge, and staff for hosting the meeting. More details will follow..
• RCPA Board members and senior leads have met with Somerset Council to press home our concerns and a joint call to action to the government.
• Meeting planned in February with Gideon Amos, Lib Dem MP for Taunton and Wellington.
• Any members who would like to share success stories and engagement with local MPs, we would love to hear from you. Thank you for your continued efforts and to those members who have shared.
• Please look out for more social media campaigning next week- RCPA FB and X pages are updated regularly.

 

Accommodation available in Taunton

Anyone interested, please contact 01823 475188 or Hello@medihomessw.co.uk – please see attached – one left at time of writing!

Thank you to members who responded to last week’s item re accommodation in Yeovil. We will relay this information to the housing hub. Again, if you missed it last week-

‘We are aware there is an acute shortage in supply of accommodation, not just nationally but especially for key workers across Somerset. We are supporting and working with some important initiatives, including potential site and scope for development in Yeovil to provide this much needed accommodation. At this early stage, we need to gauge potential demand for the Yeovil area. Do any members have any current needs, challenges, and anticipate these for the future, based on your workforce and business plans? If you would like to discuss further, we would love to hear from you. Many thanks.’

 

Trusted Assessor service

Just a reminder that our team of Trusted Assessors moves to a central hub from next Monday. New central email address will be trustedassessor@rcpa.org.uk. Same service and team members serving both acutes – YDH and MPH plus community hospitals.

 

OMMT

In a previous bulletin, following work with ICB we shared some information about availability of 10 free places on OMMT-Tier 2- via Somerset ICB. Unfortunately, there has been little take up so far. Similarly, the (free) Train the Facilitator Training offered at the end of January. With the pressures on the social care system, the OMMT team at Somerset ICB is seeking your feedback on how they can make this as accessible for adult social care providers as possible. Please contact somicb.olivermcgowantraining@nhs.net. Attached more information regarding the places, also on our website.

OMMT Trainers poster v1

2024-11 Oliver’s Training update

 

ADASS – NHS 10yr CONSULTATION – Taunton, 4th March

ADASS are seeking via the regions nominations to attend an all day workshop in Taunton on the 4 March to discuss the 10yr NHS plan. Change NHS: Help build a health service fit for the future: a national conversation to develop the 10 Year Health Plan.

The Government is developing a new national care service through a separate programme of work, which will complement the 10 Year Health Plan. The 10 Year Health Plan will set the vision for what good joined-up care looks like for people with complex health and care needs and how we can support health and social care services to work together better to provide that joined-up care. They want to hear from social care staff working across the sector about what we can do to improve health and care services right now and in the future.

There is a reimbursement of £250 per person that can be claimed by the employer plus receipted travel expenses. They are looking for around 23 representatives from the south west. We have been approached as a sector to send representation including nurses, care workers, managers. Please register your interest with the RCPA.

 

Events

Next Members’ meeting

Tuesday 21^st January, 14.00-15.00hrs via TEAMs.

Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the link.

 

From our Partners

Borderless

Webinar: Immigration 101 for Registered Managers.

Designed for registered managers in the care sector, this webinar will provide essential insights into navigating immigration and sponsorship responsibilities.

The registration link for the webinar is:  https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0fDSwZ0

Please also see links below to some new blog posts recently published –

• https://www.getborderless.co.uk/blog/home-office-mock-compliance-audit
• getborderless.co.uk/blog/temporary-worker-sponsor-licence
• getborderless.co.uk/blog/dependent-visa-uk

 

Howden

Podcast: The Care Quality Commission and how their ratings impact insurance premiums

In their first episode in a new series of podcasts for the care sector, Howden discuss who the CQC are, take a deep dive into their ratings system and provide insights to help care home providers to prepare for a CQC inspection. Hosted by Richard Lawson the podcast the podcast provides insights with the expertise of With the expertise of Becky Garnett Buchma, Managing Director at Fulcrum Care Consultancy, and Sabrina Meetaroo, Head of Risk and Claims at Howden.

Link to podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1980426/episodes/16266717

 

Digital News

Cyber Resilience in Social Care project

RCPA is running a Cyber Resilience in Social Care project. This project aims to build your confidence on responding to a cyber incident and test your current IT security.

This is a fully funded project that is looking for volunteer social care providers between now and April.

This two-part initiative includes an on-site tabletop exercise led by RCPA to simulate and assess responses to a cyber incident. There are a variety of scenarios to choose from that will best meet the needs of your organisation. The second part of the project is an IT security penetration test conducted by the Cyber Resilience Centre using a Raspberry Pi to identify potential vulnerabilities. This level of resilience testing is typically only accessible to large organisations due to the cost commitments.

If you would like to volunteer for this free pilot project, please complete this form as an expression of interest – https://forms.office.com/e/PpP89YCxX6

To be considered, you must:

• Provide social care services to adults. The workshops and assessments are for CQC registered services and also, day care services. The webinars are open to all small providers.
• Employ up to 50 full-time equivalent members of staff across your organisation. This includes admin, management, and care staff.
• Be based in either the South West, West Midlands or North West of England.

Digital Care Hub have also now have a web page detailing the project. https://www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/data-protection-and-cyber-security/cyber-resilient-care-support-to-small-providers/

 

Digital Care Hub

Digital Care Hub are hosting a wide variety of digital and data protection webinars and workshops in January and February.

DSPT In-Depth – Staffing and Roles

Tuesday 14^th January 2pm – 3pm

This webinar is part of our ‘DSPT In-Depth’ series where we dive deep into different sections of the care sector’s DSPT.

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is the officially-recognised, free, online self-assessment of health and social care providers’ data security and protection policies, procedures and processes.

This session will focus on the staffing & roles section of the DSPT and will be delivered by the BSBC National team. Specifically, we will cover staff in the organisation, different roles that are covered within the DSPT & training available for data protection.

Book now >

 

Are you ready to move from Analogue to Digital?

Wednesday 15^th January 2pm – 3:30pm

The switch over from analogue to digital inevitable. The deadline for transitioning from analogue to digital telecommunications networks is December 2025. The transition of telecommunications infrastructure and the adoption of digital technologies in social care is something that can’t escape the sector and this webinar will help prepare organisations to be ready before the changeover becomes none returnable.

These sessions have been designed for adult social care providers in England and are aimed at people who make decisions about the use of technology in care services.

Book now >

 

Review and Republish Data Security and Protection Toolkit for Social Care

Tuesday 21^st January 3pm – 4pm

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is an online self-assessment tool to help adult social care providers in England to store and share information safely.

Because things change, you need to review and republish your toolkit every year so that it reflects your current data and cyber security arrangements. For example, you may have introduced new staff, data systems, technology or services – which in turn will impact on how you manage your information.

This webinar is for care providers who have published before, and are reviewing and republishing their DSPT.

Book now >

 

MASTERCLASS: Friends and Family Portals in Digital Social Care Records

Wednesday 22^nd January 2pm – 3:30pm

This webinar will hear from 2 different speakers on how their organisations are navigating using friends and family portals in social care. Hear from one care organisation whose journey has only just begun in the digital world and now is planning for the next step on how to bring the friends and family portal in to play. The other has a well established set up and will go through the lessons learnt and good practice.

Book now >

 

NEW eLEarning course for Data Leads Launch!

Thursday 23^rd January 2pm – 2:45PM

We’re thrilled to introduce our latest free eLearning course designed for staff responsible for data security and protection in care settings. This course equips Data Security and Protection Leads with the knowledge and skills to champion best practices and ensure compliance.

Join our launch webinar to explore course content, discover who it’s for and learn how to access it!

Book now >

 

DSPT In-Depth – Should you complete the non mandatory questions?

Wednesday 29^th January 2pm – 3pm

This webinar is part of our ‘DSPT In-Depth’ series where we dive deep into different sections of the care sector’s DSPT.

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is the officially-recognised, free, online self-assessment of health and social care providers’ data security and protection policies, procedures and processes.

This session will focus on the non-mandatory questions of the assessment.

Book now >

 

DSPT In-Depth – ODS Codes

Tuesday 4^th February 3pm – 4pm

This webinar is part of our ‘DSPT In-Depth’ series where we dive deep into different sections of the care sector’s DSPT.

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is the officially-recognised, free, online self-assessment of health and social care providers’ data security and protection policies, procedures and processes.

This session will focus on ODS Codes, different type of codes, how to find your code and changes.

Book now >

 

Caldicott Guardian Learning Network

Thursday 6^th February 12pm – 1pm

This session aims to bring together a range of Caldicott Guardians to learn, share and explore the growing role of a Caldicott Guardian in respect to adult social care. Caldicott Guardians from both local authorities and care provider organisations are invited to join this session.

Book now >

 

Completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit for the first time

Tuesday 11^th February 3pm – 4pm

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is an online self-assessment tool to help adult social care providers in England to store and share information safely.

It shows you what you need to do to keep people’s information safe, and to protect your business from the risk of a data breach or a cyber attack. It covers both paper and digital records.

Book now >

 

Review and Republish Data Security and Protection Toolkit for Social Care

Tuesday 18^th February 3pm – 4pm

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is an online self-assessment tool to help adult social care providers in England to store and share information safely.

Because things change, you need to review and republish your toolkit every year so that it reflects your current data and cyber security arrangements. For example, you may have introduced new staff, data systems, technology or services – which in turn will impact on how you manage your information.

This webinar is for care providers who have published before, and are reviewing and republishing their DSPT.

Book now >

Dear member,

Our final bulletin for 2024. We have taken the opportunity to reflect on 2024 and provide summaries around the different service activity across the RCPA –

Central Office Round up 2024

Data Protection and Digital Transformation Round up 2024

Trusted Assessor Service Round up 2024

As we all approach another challenging period, and as we would do normally at this time of year, we are taking stock of how we need to best serve our members, along with opportunities in line with our service offer – quality, support, and influence.

Our office hours are limited over the Christmas period, but if you have an urgent query, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. Our team working hours over the festive period are:

Hilary – normal working hours up to and including 24^th December, RTW Thursday 2^nd January.

Dan – normal working hours up to and including 24^th December, RTW Monday 30^th December.

Trusted Assessors – a small core team will be working throughout the period with exception of the bank holidays.

May we take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and restful Christmas, and we look forward to catching up in 2025!

 

News and Resources

• Members network meeting 17^th December and beyond in 2025

Thanks to those who were able to join yesterday – lots of useful discussion and insights. Discussed- lobbying progress and related local and national campaigns-****please look out tomorrow for some targeted social media activity we are asking you to share, amplify the message across your networks etc. We will circulate this separately tomorrow, idea being the message needs to be coordinated nationally at 14.00hrs for maximum impact***. Also, another campaign planned in January, so will keep you posted nearer the time. This approach taken collectively and nationally due to time constraints and costs involved in staging a physical protest outside Westminster.

To consider, with the NIC/NLW increases impacting costs for providers, and uncertainty around fee increases, depending on business models, there may be a shift by providers to self-funded clients. Any messaging needs to include this important point as this will mean pressure on providers to have those difficult conversations with existing clients (who are already cross-subsidising low fees following the ‘true cost of care’ a few years ago), possible increases etc in line with the CMA. This will mean that capital drops will occur earlier as savings will run out faster than originally planned. A self-perpetuating cycle of ‘race to the bottom’.

The RCPA has reached out across the Somerset ICP to senior leads to highlight the plight of the sector and for further discussions and action. We are using the stance and pledges/’pillars’ etc announced by the Govt-prevention, shift from hospital to community, helping to reduce NHS waiting lists and working together towards more integrated care, as the cornerstone of our lobbying and influencing.

To maintain our engagement and pressure with local MPs to lobby on our behalf at Westminster (so far, RCPA has met with Gideon Amos, Rachel Gilmour, and more planned including with Ashley Fox), we need your help! If you are a constituent and provider in Yeovil and Somerton/ Glastonbury areas, please can you reach out to your local MPs – Adam Dance (Yeovil) and Sarah Dyke (Somerton/Glastonbury) and request a meeting asap (highlighting that other MPs have met with RCPA).  Thanks to those members on the call who have volunteered to support. The RCPA is here to support members with any comms/meetings if you need. If you are successful in arranging a meeting, please can you let us know so that we can track activity and outcomes?

• Other items – CQC – with announcement of new CEO and in anticipation of any changes/new business at CQC have met new Ops manager for Somerset currently seconded to this role. Justine has said that she would be available to join members meetings, where possible.
• Looking to next year and your conference and member meetings, already started planning-please can you send us any ideas around what you would like to hear about – we discussed ideas around support for leadership and managers, including middle tier management ie deputies, clinical leads, supervisors etc.
• The cyber security presentation from our sponsor Howden, will be included in January’s meeting (dates and links for 2025 MNMs will follow in the new year).
• Message from Dan Plummer,  RCPA Digital Projects officer, highlighted yesterday – Cyber Resilience pilot and Data Protection Health checks – in the attached information.
• Finally, keeping connected is vital. Don’t forget our members’ exclusive WhatsApp group. Your forum for posting items ranging from things for sale/items wanted, to experiences with CQC assessments, to ‘how do I contact/do xxx!’ The possibilities are endless! Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the TORs if you want to join. With less frequent ASC briefings and LEMs on hold, we’re exploring ways we can further optimise comms for members in 2025.

 

• International recruitment

Information and latest govt guidance re BRPs to be aware of: eVisas – House of Commons Library

We hope to be in touch with more updates in this area in the new year.

 

• Section 75 Call for evidence (NHS Act 2006)

We would like to draw your attention to the recently published Section 75 Call for Evidence Summary of Responses, something which has been of particular interest here at RCPA about which you may recall we have raised awareness in previous bulletins: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/improving-integrated-commissioning-in-health-and-social-care/outcome/section-75-call-for-evidence-summary-of-responses.  This call for evidence ran from 15 September 2023 to 31 October 2023. DHSC received 91 responses to the online survey and 14 written responses, which this document summarises. The responses from the call for evidence will inform next steps in the review of section 75 (NHS Act 2006).

 

Digital News

• Digital Care Hub events

Are you ready to move from Analogue to Digital?

January 15^th 14:00 – 15:30 – Click here to register

MASTERCLASS: Friends and Family Portals in Digital Social Care Records

January 22^nd 14:00 – 15:30 – Click here to register

 

From our Partners

• Optimise Workplace Wellbeing

All at Optimise Workplace Wellbeing would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

/www.optimiseworkplacewellbeing.co.uk

Thank you for all your support and for keeping us so busy! We look forward to working with and supporting you all in 2025.

Jo x

 

• Howden

Employer responsibilities for domiciliary care staff driving for work

In this latest blog from our partner, Howden, using their extensive experience of working within supporting domiciliary care businesses provide guidance on the obligations that care businesses has care workers driving for work. Read their latest blog to understand how these risks can be managed.

 

• RWK Goodman

RWK Goodman have published an article which gives a breakdown of the key provisions of the Employment Rights Bill and what they mean for adult social care providers, please read here – Is your care business prepared for the upcoming employment reforms? | RWK Goodman

News and Resources

• What we’ve been up to at the RCPA!

Lobbying! NIC and NLW impact.

We continue to lobby around the impact of NIC and NLW locally and nationally and via different mediums. Information and links via WhatsApp group and bulletins (template letter attached for MPs). Also encouraging members to sign the letter @ #ProvidersUnite – Campaign for Change  (link above -1518 signatures so far).

Please share the link to petition to govt, https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700080 as widely as possible – colleagues, friends, and family! Currently at over 31k signatures today, 100k signatures required to prompt a debate in Parliament. The petition will close 5^th May 2025.

Nationally, we are asking members to provide a case study around the impact of NIC and NLW. We are looking for 2-4 members across the different services in each county. Please see attached and kindly forward to the RCPA if you would be interested in participating. The idea is that these could then be shared nationally and locally with the media to encourage further coverage of the impact of the Budget on social care.

Locally, RCPA board members recently met with Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead. The meeting was powerful and positive where we were able to raise the issues around NIC and NLW as well as fees and other challenges. Rachel intends to table the issues in Parliament. Following on from Summer, we have arranged another meeting in the new year with Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton, and Wellington, (Gideon sent his apologies for not being able to attend the conference); currently arranging a meeting with Ashley Fox, Conservative MP for Bridgwater. Our intention is to meet with all the MPs across Somerset to ensure our collective voice is heard.

***The impact of the NIC and NLW increase is far reaching not only for providers but for our communities and NHS; as such we continue to lobby via the local authority and ICB/NHS senior leads, with the case that ASC providers are very much needed as a cornerstone in our communities and pivotal in helping to reduce pressure on the NHS, especially during surge demand (as you will have heard recently in the news with the increase in winter viruses, notably ‘flu)***

We have also met with the LA to request and emphasise the importance of ‘early as poss’ comms to providers around any potential fee uplifts for 25/26. We are also joining our colleagues nationally around work on this.

 

• Staying connected

It’s more important than ever to stay connected with the recent announcement that the LEMs will cease (as announced in the ASC bulletin this week) in addition to the ASC bulletins now moved to monthly. To help fill the gaps with comms across the sector we’re looking at some initiatives with a gentle reminder that members have access to the RCPA WhatsApp group. Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the link to join along with TORs. Members can use the group to share best practice, highlight emerging issues and topics of interest, how to/signposting, who to contact for this etc… to name a few!

The next MNM will be via TEAMs, 14.00-15.00hrs on Tuesday 17^th December. Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the link. Open meeting for members – RMs, deputies, clinical leads etc with focus and any items for discussion – LD.

RCPA team members attended the public event at County Hall – ‘Financial planning and arranging your care and support needs’ on 25^th November. The event was arranged by Somerset Council following feedback and suggestions from members at an MNM in Summer with Sarah Wakefield and Paul Coles from Somerset Council. If any member attended, we would like to hear your views on the event.

 

The Care Conference resources links are available on the RCPA website- https://rcpa.org.uk/news/rcpa-2024-conference-follow-up/.

Thanks to all who have completed feedback; we have used this to inform next year’s conference.

 

The Trusted Assessor service will be forming a central hub at MPH from 13^th January. The service and team will remain unchanged, and the TAs will continue to cover both the acutes – YDH and MPH as well as community hospitals. The TAs will be in touch very soon with new central contact details. Until then please continue to email YDHTA@rcpa.org.uk and MPHTA@rcpa.org.uk.

 

• OMMT

In the last bulletin, we shared details around access to free places on Tier 1 and 2 training via the ICB (attached). If you are unable to access this free training (as spaces limited), as an alternative option, Autism Somerset have shared details of their training offer (attached) and link here to book via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-tier-2-3268299?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb. Please note there is a cost for this training. (The RCPA does not endorse training providers but included as our service offer to members, we are often asked about training providers for different specialisms/topics).

 

• End of Life Care Conference – March 2025

Canalside, Bridgwater

Hosted by Somerset EOL Education Network

Cost per delegate £27.80

Somerset End of Life Care Conference 2025 Tickets, Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

 

• Safeguarding in Somerset and Stop Adult Abuse awareness

Please find attached slides and associated links via Somerset Safeguarding Adults. The RCPA is a member of the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board. If you have any comments, suggestions, please forward to hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk.

 

Digital News

Digital Care Hub events

MASTERCLASS: Accessing GP Data with GP Connect

December 17^th 14:00 – 15:30 – Click here to register

Are you ready to move from Analogue to Digital?

January 15^th 14:00 – 15:30 – Click here to register

MASTERCLASS: Friends and Family Portals in Digital Social Care Records

January 22^nd 14:00 – 15:30 – Click here to register

 

From our Partners

• Borderless

New Home Office Audit Checklist

At Borderless, we’ve been having many conversations with providers about sponsor licence revocations and the growing number of Home Office audits. In the past 18 months alone, nearly 100 social care providers have lost their sponsor licences due to non-compliance.

This means they were not only required to terminate the employment of all sponsored workers but also faced significant fines and potential reputational damage.

Home Office compliance can be a significant challenge for care providers. That’s why our compliance team has created a Home Office Audit Checklist—a free, actionable resource to help care providers stay prepared, avoid costly penalties, and safeguard their sponsor licences.

We’d love it if you could share this checklist with your network/members. It’s an invaluable tool for anyone in HR, recruitment, or management who wants to simplify the audit process and reduce compliance risks.

Here’s the link to the checklist.

Sending a heartfelt thanks to all the delegates who attended our recent RCPA annual conference. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! It was a fabulous day, and wonderful to see so many friendly faces! We shall now look forward to planning the next event following your feedback.

Please find below the slides/presentations from the conference –

Marr Procurement video

 

Howden Presentation

Neil Eastwood Presentation

Nigel Pluckrose, Somerset Council Presentation

Prepare to Care Flyer – Somerset Health & Care Academy

RCPA Budget Update

RWK Goodman ‘CQC’ Presentation

Somerset Health & Care Academy – Workforce & Training Workshop Slides

 

Pictures taken throughout the day

News and Resources

• THE Care Conference for Somerset, hosted by RCPA.

We would like to thank all those who were able to make it on Tuesday, despite the challenges following the tragic incident on the M5. We enjoyed the day and hope you did too. We are collating resources and slide presentations from the event and will circulate these via a separate ‘special conference round up’ bulletin asap.

Congratulations to the lucky winners of the hamper, signed copy of Neil Eastwood’s book – ‘Saving Social Care’ and a pair of race day tickets – enjoy! If you can get in touch, share any photos for our social media and website, we would love to hear from you!

Also, if you missed the feedback form, (in delegate packs) we will circulate along with the resources separately, so please kindly take some time to complete and return to admin@rcpa.org.uk. We use the feedback to help us plan future events. Following a brief hiatus, we will be busy planning the conference for 2025!

 

• Govt petition and template letter for MP – lobby, lobby, lobby!

In case you missed it, please see attached letter. The impact of the proposed NIC increases equates to £615 extra for all employees working over 8 hrs per week. Also, members may want to consider the impact of the NLW increases due next April:

• Will the increase affect all my employees and my wages bill (by 77 pence)?
• What am I spending now on my wages bill and what additionally because of the budget?

Also follow this link for the petition re NIC increases. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700080. We’ve also included the link in our organisational email signatures – you may want to! It’s great to hear from members who have been lobbying in their local areas, thank you, let’s make a difference! Also don’t forget our WhatsApp members group if you would like to share your updates, what’s happening in your area. Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk to join. The RCPA continues to participate in local, regional, and national lobbying.

 

• OMMT update

Access to training places has been a challenge since OMMT was announced. We are pleased to tell you that we have made some progress with lobbying for fair access to training places available via ICB. We recognise there is still much work to do in this area including funding for backfilling costs etc but it’s a start. We understand that funding will cease at the end of March 2025.

***Social care providers have been allocated 10 places per Tier 1 and 10 places per Tier 2 session***.

However, Tier 1 sessions have been running with low attendance, so the training hub might well be able to offer you more than 10 places on that where possible; some may be last minute where other trainees have dropped out. Please see attached update with details about how to register. We have checked the links are working but in case of any issues, please contact somicb.olivermcgowantraining@nhs.net and cc in eelke.zoestbergen@nhs.net

***The only proviso the Training Hub has given is to ask that these links are not shared with anyone outside their own organisation. This will help to ensure fair access to training whilst funding is limited***

 

• Somerset Council public engagement event 25/11, County Hall – ‘Financial planning for your future care and support needs’

In our conversations with SC one of the items discussed included an imperative to create greater awareness amongst the public around ASC provision and sources and access to funding, to help navigate this complex area. Here is the link for tickets should anyone wish to register to attend the presentations (be quick as a few places allocated for providers). The RCPA will be hosting a stand along with a team member from the TA service.

Financial planning for your care and support needs at County Hall event tickets from TicketSource

Here is a link to our website

Come to our free event, ‘Financial planning for your care and support needs’

If you have difficulty registering, please let us know. Spaces filling fast. We understand that the main contact number for SC is advertising the event and may be able to help

 

• Update re pain relief following a fall.

Slow progress but pleased to say persistence seems to be working and we have managed to have a conversation at the end of last month….who we need to make this happen and progress etc.

 

• Skills for Care Southwest stats work force data sets

This month Skills for Care launched their flagship report ‘The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report. It shows that the workforce grew to 1.71 million filled posts in 2023/24. At the same time, vacancies fell to 131,000 on any given day for the second successive year. You can find the full report on our website alongside an updated interactive data visualisation.

 

• Situation Update – mpox

At time of writing, one further case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in a household contact of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm.  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 4, all of which belong to the same household. Risk to the UK population remains low. More information can be found here: Latest update on cases of Clade Ib mpox – GOV.UK.

 

• LeDeR update

Please see attached story and importance of oral care.

 

• Capacity tracker

The capacity tracker applies to care home and home care services. Completion of the CT is a requirement but also allows providers to advertise their vacancies on the DHSC website (free to use) CareFind, (care homes only at this stage, home care will follow soon). Please find attached the PP slides from our MNM in September.

 

From our Partners

Borderless

Webinar: Adapting HR Strategies for Healthcare and Social Care Under the New Employment Rights Bill – Tuesday 3^rd December at 11.00am

The recently unveiled Employment Rights Bill is set to bring sweeping changes to the workplace, reshaping HR practices in healthcare and social care for years to come. With 28 key reforms—including new day-one rights for employees and the end of zero-hour contracts—it’s essential to understand what this means for your organisation.

Join us on Tuesday, December 3 at 11:00 AM GMT to learn how you can prepare, adapt, and protect your organisation in light of these changes.

What You’ll Learn:

• What’s New in Employment Law: Discover the key changes, including compliance essentials for healthcare and social care providers
• Strategies for Implementing Change: Practical steps to integrate these reforms smoothly within your organization
• Protecting Employee Well-Being: Best practices for managing mental health, absence, and diversity in the workplace
• Live Q&A with Borderless Experts: Get tailored advice on how these changes affect your HR strategies directly from our industry experts

Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your HR strategy and stay compliant.

Click here to register.

 

Digital News

Data Security Health Check

This pilot is part of the national Better Security Better Care programme.  We are offering free in-person health check visits to review your completed Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) submission and wider data security in your organisation. We believe that receiving a health check could provide several important benefits for care providers. However, as this is a pilot project, we will also be seeking feedback from you to understand the actual and perceived benefits.

Following the data security health check you will be provided with a confidential report that will detail everything that has been discussed during the visit, giving reassurance that you are doing everything necessary in terms of data protection and cyber security but also highlighting any areas that may need improvement, with resources to guide you. Following the report you receive, an anonymised version will be sent to Better Security, Better Care allowing them to see any common trends or themes that they can use to further support the wider social care sector.

RCPA are currently asking for a small number of volunteer providers to take part in this project. If you’re interested and would like to know more, please email daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk