Category: General News

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

National charities have expressed concern over a Supreme Court ruling that diminishes protections for disabled people https://www.solicitorsjournal.com/sjarticle/supreme-court-ruling-jeopardises-disabled-rights?pass=somep5zynk

It will be interesting to hear what CQC’s view/guidance for providers will be.

• This judgement now applies. 
• If a person gives valid consent, they are not deprived of liberty. A person can lack capacity under the MCA yet give valid consent to their confinement. Guidance will be needed to understand what level of objection or unhappiness is required to be a deprivation of liberty.
• The LA will need to review each case that has a DoLS authorisation as it may no longer be needed.
• The DHSC is expected to provide guidance on what is and is not a DoL in different settings.
• A new draft MCA and LPS Code of Practice is due to be published by the autumn at the latest.  This should include a chapter on what is a DoL. 
• A new DoLS referral form will be necessary (that explores valid consent).

News and Resources HMRC mileage rate increase – impact for members With the increased rate announced by Rachel Reeves on 21st May  (45 to 55 pence per mile- full HMRC guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rates-and-allowances-travel-mileage-and-fuel-allowances – this has direct implications for the social care workforce and commissioning relationships and is the first increase since 2011. Care workers are specifically cited in the Chancellor’s statement as among those the change is designed to benefit. Many of your frontline staff drive their own vehicles between client visits every single day and may be reimbursed at rates below even the old 45p benchmark. What this means practically: – Employers can now pay up to 55p per mile tax and NI free – Workers paid below 55p can claim Mileage Allowance Relief (MAR) on the difference via HMRC self-assessment – Any reimbursement above 55p becomes a taxable benefit  Why this matters for commissioning: This announcement gives us a clear mandate to press local authorities to review the mileage rates embedded in their commissioned care contracts. Many councils have not updated these rates in years — some still reference figures as low as 25-30p per mile in their fee structures, effectively subsidising their own underpayment of travel costs through our workforce. Please check what your local arrangements are. With the HMRC rate now at 55p, and with the government explicitly naming care workers as the intended beneficiaries of this change, councils cannot credibly argue that 30p or 35p reflects the true cost of travel. If their contracted rates do not allow providers to reimburse workers at the new HMRC rate, they are — in effect — asking providers to absorb a workforce cost that the government has just formally acknowledged is unacceptably low. We encourage members to: 1.  Check your local reimbursement rate structures, write to your local authority and ICB commissioning leads (as your service may be covered by more than one) citing the HMRC announcement and requesting an urgent review of mileage reimbursement rates within fee structures 2. Raise this through any local provider forums, VCSE partnerships, or integrated care system engagement channels you have access to3. Flag to your workforce that they may be entitled to claim MAR if they are currently reimbursed below 55p This is a rare moment where government policy directly supports the argument we have been making for years. We should use it. Delegated Health Tasks – need to know There has been much discussion around this topic lately, not least how tasks are funded and who pays, so we thought it may be useful to provide a summary of the key points:  -The NHS cannot enforce delegation of health tasks on care providers/staff. -CQC is taking enforcement action where it is finding providers who are undertaking delegated health tasks without proper governance/skills/training being in place. -Insurers are comfortable with the concept of delegated health tasks where everything is in place and it is a transparent process, but you must ensure you have included it in your insurance. -Delegating professionals (nurses) and care providers/staff all need to be clear about where liability stops and starts. -If a District Nurse is going to a care setting and there are formal delegated health tasks arrangements in place there is a process, then liability is clear. If a District Nurse goes into a setting where there is no formal agreement in place and tells care staff to undertake some tasks that they are not formally delegated to do, the District Nurse carries all responsibility for that because neither their NHS employer or the care provider will formally know this is taking place. The District Nurse will also likely be in breach of their contract of employment at this point. -Care staff must all be clear that they continue to be managed by the Registered Manager, or whoever their care provider manager is. The District Nurse or other health professional does not take over management of that member of staff, and the care worker does not have to do what the health professional says. -If a task is delegated the record of that falls under Subject Access rights, which means the individual can request access to that, so records must be kept accurately and professionally.  This is relevant and timely because it will be difficult for the DHSC to deliver the Neighbourhood Health aspects of the Ten-Year Plan without getting this right, which includes funding for Delegated Health Tasks, so we’ll try to keep you up to date as it progresses.  Here is the section from SFC that covers this: Delegated healthcare activities  and CQC’s guidance on delegated medicines. From NHS England-Pathway flow and corridor care Please see attached flyer for details of an upcoming webinar, especially aimed at senior nurses and those with system and organisational lead roles in social care, including a discussion specifically on community response teams and referrals into UCRs from care homes.  Letter from James Murray, new Secretary of State for Health, and Social Care. Please see attached.

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.    Attached Flyer 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 Digital Care Hub webinar – Book Now Caldicott Guardian Network – Book for 28 May

News and Resources Members’ network meeting 19th May and other updates/RCPA activity From our sponsor, Christoph Marr, Marr Procurement: If members are worried about rising costs, please contact christoph.marr@marrprocurement.com for advice and ideas around how to mitigate the Iran conflict triggered inflationary impact. The RCPA has escalated to SWADASS; thank you for your emails and contributions and evidence of local examples. *** We also encourage members to lobby your local MP, especially Domiciliary, Supported Living and Day Care members where fuel prices may affect daily operations, carers and people you support***.  Does any member have any direct experience of working with a supply chain? In a previous bulletin we included the below info re NHS supply chain portal  – NHS Supply Chain is an available for all health and social care providers to access a range of equipment. There’s a range of products available. Please look on their website to find out more: https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/categories/ To order from NHS Supply Chain, organisations would need to set up an account by following this link: Create New or Modify Existing Customer Account » NHS Supply Chain Complete the form under the section I work for an organisation that is not an Acute NHS Organisation. This request will be sent to our customer services team, who will seek approvals and set your account up. This will be emailed through to you with your relevant details in 2-4 weeks. Please make sure to complete the authentication question at the end before submission. Invoices will be sent to the address or email provided at set up. You can then order through our online catalogue here: https://my.supplychain.nhs.uk/catalogue or you can send us orders electronically from your ordering system. We have also approached the Somerset Chamber of Commerce for any support they can offer our members, if they can influence local fuel stations, any special rates for key workers….apparently SW region has some of the lowest fuel prices… For info – we hear cost of PPE/especially gloves, is increasing significantly. (The NHS is changing the rules around wearing gloves in hospital settings to conserve supplies….). We also welcomed Shelly Mullen, Local Skills in Partnership, Business Engagement Manager, working with Somerset Chamber of Commerce (the RCPA has recently become a member). Shelly announced some upcoming ‘work ready’ events and encouraging our members to participate, support our future workforce, attract young people into careers in care – please see below for more details around LSIP events. Somerset Council – We recently met with the new Executive Director for Adult Services and Housing: David Coleman-Groom. Discussed amongst other priorities… a request for improved provider engagement, particularly early announcement around fee setting as being vital for provider business continuity and planning… (an invitation has been extended to David to join a future MNM – David’s current focus, new in role, meeting stakeholders).. how we are working nationally and locally for social care reform… workforce and change in govt policy around IR workforce, impact on sector, importance of planning now to support (we hope to bring you more updates soon, also linked in with DWP)… importance around trust and how efficiencies could be achieved with provider led care reviews to expedite decisions, funding, assurance to individuals drawing on care and support… other –  Somerset Council awaiting their CQC inspection rating… focus on working age adults, transformation programme in place. Housing Hub key worker fact sheets including, debt, council tax and utilities advice, rent change updates, Homestay are now available via the resource section of the RCPA website for signposting/support your workforce team. CQC updates – met with one of the national CQC senior leads: finalising assessment framework due Summer (consultation closes 12th June, still time to submit any feedback 😉).. quality statements will reduce to appx 24 from 34 under the KLOEs, priorities-1) return services to GOOD, if already rated GOOD, focus being people’s experiences, whilst validating these; 2) shorter reports; 3) portfolio management-sector specific teams and reintroduction of named relationship leads. Inspectors looking at fewer quality statements, fewer records – assumption being that a service is GOOD. Roll out plan for named inspectors across all ASC locations from July 2026. Dementia strategy and guidance due Autumn 2026. Finally, an acknowledgment by, and some ‘human’ insights from CQC, when an inspector calls, they feel just as nervous and anxious as a provider may feel! Advice from CQC – to take a 5-min pause/reset, sit down, discuss ‘how can we get the best out of this’ approach. Employment Rights Bill – by October, employers will need to tell employees about their rights around unions (see also, bulletin Monday 18th May.) International recruitment – 1500 displaced workers across SW. Reduction in funding from central govt with any future support and focus on placements; the current arrangement with our sponsor, RWK Goodman, will continue until March 2027 (PROVIDER SUPPORT) – please see foot of this newsletter for more details. ICB merger and restructuring underway – expecting to see the final ICB structure by end of June, with associated redundancies and the ‘fall out’ from this, the adverse impact on our ICB colleagues and how this this will affect ASC providers. LARCH – have a ‘new manager’ support package in place, offering six in person visits – please see attached poster for contact details and other training offer.  OMMT update – no further funding announced by NHS Somerset ICB at this stage. Neighbourhood working – currently 43 early adopters in first tranche, initial focus on transforming care delivery for adults with multiple long terms conditions and rising risk, empowering communities, preventative work, how do we make health and care as accessible to the population as possible – digital and physical. Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board work underway. (THE annual care conference for Somerset, 3rd December focus on neighbourhoods – ‘People and places’) ***Calling all Day Care members!***Reviewing our service offer for day care members, we are working with Somerset Council and the ICB QA teams. Developing guidance around ‘when an inspector calls’. Initially, we are proposing a focus group for consultation around some draft documents, and it would be great to hear from you, if/how/where you think the RCPA can improve support? Please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk. LSIP events – ‘Future Ready workforce’ From Shelly Mullen: One of the main themes that came through recent research by the LSIP is that businesses feel there is a lack of work readiness, especially from young people. To support change the careers hub works very closely with schools to increase the opportunities available to young people around what the world of work is and the expectations from employers. To do this the LSIP need businesses to support and expose what their ‘work’ looks like and support students and career switchers to aspire to train for careers in the care sector. Below are some opportunities but there are also many more available: SME event: 4th June, 10:30 – 12:30 at The Collar Factory in Taunton. It’s for SMEs to learn about how they can offer work experience: https://forms.office.com/e/9bZsgPCCaB?origin=lprLink.  1. Future Ready is a three‑year programme working with Somerset schools to support Year 8 students who may need extra help to succeed—including those on SEND support, at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training), or receiving free school meals. Each school has selected 15 students, and we’re looking for employers to help bring the world of work to life. We’re asking businesses to offer short, flexible work‑experience sessions (half a day to a day) for small groups. This could be a workplace visit, a hands‑on activity, or an introduction to your industry—we’ll work around what suits you. Our aim is to give each student five meaningful experiences across Years 8 and 9, building confidence, developing key skills, and broadening their understanding of career pathways. If you’d like to inspire local young people and support their future careers, please sign up using the link below. Somerset Future Ready Fund Project – Engagement Interest – Fill in form 2. Dream Big Day is an exciting, interactive careers event taking place on 8th July at Taunton Rugby Football Club. We’re inviting employers to host engaging stands as part of a hands‑on careers fair for Year 6 students from across Somerset, helping them explore their skills, discover different career paths, and start thinking about their future. We’re looking for organisations that can offer simple, interactive activities or demonstrations that bring their industry to life and spark curiosity in young learners. This is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation at an early stage and showcase what you do in a fun, accessible way. Sign up here: Expression of Interest to attend Year 6 Dream Big Day on 8th July 2026 3. Coffee & Collaboration is an Employer Engagement Event in Yeovil 9th July, 9am start. This informal welcoming session is designed for employers to:  Discover the benefits of inclusive employment Share insights and best practice Connect and network with like-minded organisations  Sign up here: Coffee and Collaboration Sign up Yeovil 9th July 4. Education Business Partnership Newsletter To stay up to date with school opportunities. Join EBP Employer Newsletter

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.    Digital News From the Digitising Social Care team We’re inviting colleagues and partners across adult social care to help shape a new Evidence Standards Framework (ESF) for digital care technologies. Following joint discovery work by DHSC and NHS England, there is strong support for a framework that addresses key challenges in the current evidence landscape including fragmented evidence, reliance on short-term pilots and limited independent evaluation. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now been commissioned to adapt the ESF with the aim of creating clearer, more consistent standards to support: Those generating evidence (e.g. developers, providers, academics) Those using evidence to make decisions (e.g. commissioners, local authorities, care providers) To ensure the framework reflects real-world needs, we’re hosting a series of virtual engagement workshops: 28 May (1–4pm): Provider leaders & commissioners 4 June (1–2pm): Care workforce & practitioners 11 June (1–4pm): Industry representatives These sessions will directly inform the development of the framework. Interested in taking part? Here’s the form to register your interest: https://lnkd.in/e-v2AAhX If you’re unable to attend but would still like to be involved, we’d still welcome your input, here’s the email to get in touch ESFadultsocialcare@nice.org.uk 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 Care Hub webinar – Book Now Caldicott Guardian Network – Book for 28 May

News and Resources Congratulations to RCPA Director, Sandra Joyce, Linden House Nursing Home We are very proud to announce that one of the RCPA Directors, Sandra Joyce, Linden House Nursing Home, was recently invited to a special garden party at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of her efforts and contribution to adult social care, especially during the Covid pandemic. Congratulations Sandra, and very well deserved!     LARCH training support We met with system partners to hear about some of the work underway to support providers – please see attached offer from LARCH – print and share with your quality/ training leads.     Care Sector reform Please see a link to an article featured in Care Home Professional, which may be of interest; how collectively and nationally via the CAA we are pressing for reform since William Beveridge set out his vision for welfare in 1942, (accessible here). Please share via your networks and social media.      Employment Rights Act Please see govt response attached following consultation on Trade Union access. There is also an open consultation covering the Code of Conduct that goes with this.  The consultation on the Code of Practice is running until 20th May 2026. You can access the consultation here: Make Work Pay: draft code of practice on trade union right of access – GOV.UK If you have any questions in relation to the Code of Practice consultation, you can contact the team at DBT at tradeunionpolicy@businessandtrade.gov.uk.  The Zero Hours Consultation is due soon.     Smile Month! May 11th was the start of smile month and runs until 11th June. The Oral Health teams at CDS are promoting the 50th Anniversary of this amazing campaign with visits, resources and much more! Please follow the link for details on how you can promote oral health in your own service… you can even add your smile to the online ‘smile wall’ 😁 Smile Month | Home | Oral Health Foundation To help promote this event, the team has created a social media post, along with wording, for each week of Smile Month – please share these far and wide, and it really helps if you could tag us #OHImprovement #OHILincolnshire, also via your organisational social media channels. The team encourage care providers to keep them updated on activity as they say they may visit!     DHSC update on Hondius Hantavirus You may have seen in the news that UKHSA is participating in a cross-governmental response for the hantavirus situation that emerged on the expedition cruise ship m/v Hondius. Background Hantavirus is a group of infections primarily spread from rodents to humans through contact with contaminated urine, droppings or saliva, typically in environments where people and rodents coexist. It can cause a range of illness from mild, flu‑like symptoms to severe respiratory disease, with symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, and in some cases shortness of breath or more serious complications. Human‑to‑human transmission is rare and generally limited to very close contact, with most infections linked to environmental exposure. More information and shareable links UKHSA provided the following news update on 7 May 2026: UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak – GOV.UK.   There is also a blog that is updated as new information emerges: What is hantavirus? How is it transmitted and what are the symptoms? – UK Health Security Agency Risk to the ASC sector The risk to wider UK population is currently assessed as very low and we are not anticipating an impact on ASC. UKHSA will provide us with up-to-date information where appropriate. Existing infection prevention and control guidance Please continue to follow existing infection prevention and control guidance. Infection prevention and control in adult social care settings – GOV.UK     Somerset Registered Manager Network It would be fantastic to see you at the next Somerset Registered Manager Network, 24.6.26, 2-4PM at Albemarle Taunton. We’ve got a great agenda including ‘how hackers think’ with RCPA’s Dan Plummer, apprenticeships with Skill Up Somerset, the Academy with Sarah Green and a SfC update.  If you and/or colleagues would like to book, please click here. If you’ve got any questions or need any more information in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: holly.stockdale@skillsforcare.org.uk

Events ***Members’ network meeting tomorrow*** Tuesday 19th May 2-3pm via TEAMs, please follow this link   Agenda We will revisit some of the items from last month’s meeting, unable to cover due to TEAMs issue. CQC have sent apologies; they can’t join us this month but looking to join June’s meeting. We are joined by our sponsor, Christoph Marr, MD, Marr Procurement: ‘I’ll talk about the inflationary pressures on social care providers caused by the Iran conflict, and I’ll outline the categories most impacted and ways to mitigate such inflation.’ Calling all day care members, following discussions with SC’s quality assurance team, linking in with ICB, looking at guidance around ‘when an inspector calls’, next steps. General updates, RCPA activity AOB     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     Upcoming in-person workshop from ARC England Personal Relationships, Sexuality and People with Learning Disabilities 📍 Dorset 📅 19th June   This highly practical and thought-provoking session is designed to support care providers, managers, and frontline staff to confidently navigate the often complex area of relationships and sexuality for people with learning disabilities.   Why this workshop matters Supporting people to have fulfilling relationships is a fundamental part of person-centred care—but it can also raise important questions around capacity, consent, safeguarding, and rights. This workshop provides the clarity, confidence, and tools needed to respond appropriately and positively.   What participants will gain A clear understanding of rights-based approaches to relationships and sexuality Guidance on balancing choice, risk, and safeguarding responsibilities Practical strategies for supporting individuals in real-life situations Increased confidence in addressing sensitive topics with professionalism   Who should attend Registered managers and senior leaders Support workers and frontline staff HR and workforce development teams Anyone supporting people with learning disabilities   Why attend with ARC England? As a trusted voice in the sector, ARC England delivers training grounded in real practice, current policy, and sector insight—ensuring learning is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.   Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience. 👉 https://bit.ly/47Pn65l To find out more or book your place, please get in touch or visit our website.   If you have any questions or would like to discuss group bookings, feel free to contact us. T: 01246 541671   claire.stanton@arcuk.org.uk     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 Northbrook New and Aspiring Managers Skills Bootcamp Training programme – 12 training days covering compliance to leadership, for as little as £350 per person.    We have an update on the progress for funding for the Skills Bootcamp that we are running for new and aspiring managers called “Inspire to Succeed”. We are still awaiting confirmation for funding from the Local Authority, while this is more of an admin process we have been given the go ahead to start getting people booked onto our Skills Bootcamp.    We have had a lot of interest in this and have put together an application form to ensure that we are not only meeting the funding eligibility criteria and confirming availability for scheduled training dates but to also ensure we are getting people onto the course that will benefit from the bootcamp, please can I ask that you send this application form to perspective attendees:- Inspire to Succeed Skills Bootcamp Application – Fill out form .   I have also attached a PDF document that highlights all of the modules that we will be covering and the dates of those modules so you have a better idea of what we will be covering, totaling of 84 guided learning hours.   This course is part funded by the Government and Local Authority as a Skills Bootcamp, there is a contribution that employers will have to make for each attendee, if your organisation has less than 250 staff then it will be £350 per attendee, if your organisation has more than 250 staff than it will be £1,050 per attendee.      RWK Goodman Please find the link to our latest bulletin below:    Conditional job offers: legal risks for care providers | 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     Digital Care Hub webinars – Book Now Completing the DSPT for the first time – Book for 12 May Smarter care: Smart Light Technology – Book for 14 May Review and republish your DSPT – Book for 19 May Neighbourhood health services and the role of social care data – Book for 21 May Calidcott Guardian Network – Book for 28 May

News and Resources

A personal message from Sarah Green, Director, Somerset Health and Care Academy

‘Dear Colleagues

Since I came into post in January 2026, I have thinking for a while the best way to ensure the Somerset Health and Care Academy is meeting your needs, our communities and how to build on relationships. There are already I know many forums where you meet but these are often not directly with the Academy and I know Somerset Council are also looking to how they can engage and support the Academy .

To help start this off please see the link below

Expression of Interest – Somerset Academy Social Care Engagement Group – Fill in form

This survey provides some brief information and the offer for being part of an engagement group, I have made some suggestions on the group as a start, but these will change as we learn together

If any of you in the meantime have any suggestions , thoughts, or an offer of me visiting you (I’m always up for a visit if you have time ) or being part of an existing forum, please do reach out. s.green30@nhs.net

I hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine.’

Many thanks

Sarah

From CQC’s Paul Chapman, Operations Manager, Somerset

• We need your feedback on the draft assessment frameworks to help us refine them further. This will directly inform the next versions to help ensure they are practical, proportionate and focused on improving outcomes for people who use services. https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-involve-you/consultations/give-your-views-draft-sector-specific-assessment-frameworks
• My email address – Paul.Chapman@cqc.org.uk

New DASS for Somerset Council

We have an in-person meeting coming up in early May with Mr. David Coleman-Groom, the new Executive Director for Adult Services and Housing. An opportunity to hear our voice and what matters to the sector, to present a 360 perspective and issues challenging the sector locally. A short introductory meeting where we’ll press the big-ticket items; if you would like anything raised, please let us know.

Social care nursing webinar – from the NMC

The NMC is hosting a webinar for social care nurses across the UK, and we’d like to invite you to share this invite with social care nursing colleagues and encourage them to join us! There is no limit on number so please share far and wide. We’ll also be launching a social care nurses’ network where colleagues will be able to meet regularly with the NMC and contribute to projects and developments.

Join us for a two-part engagement series as we explore how social care nurses can help shape the NMC’s approach to the Code, revalidation, and our future strategy.

The NMC is reviewing how its standards and processes support social care nursing. These sessions will introduce the work, share early thinking, and gather your insight on what works and what needs to change so that our standards and support reflect the realities of social care practice.

Event 1: In conversation with Deborah Sturdy and Donna O’Boyle

Wednesday 6 May, 10:00 – 11:30

An interactive discussion with Professor Deborah Sturdy (Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care) and Professor Donna O’Boyle (NMC Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice) exploring the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for social care nurses, and how you can influence the NMC’s work.

You can register here.

Looking ahead

We will also be hosting a follow‑up engagement workshop on Thursday 21 May (13:00–14:30), focused specifically on the NMC Code and revalidation reviews. You can register your interest in this follow-up when you register for Event 1.

Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme, (LDSS) re OMMT

Funding for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism has been confirmed for the 2026 to 2027 period. This funding is limited and offered on a first come first served basis, so once it is fully used there may be no further allocation available.

We are looking at how we can better support members with accessing the Oliver McGowan Tier 2 training by hosting open courses in key locations. This will allow organisations to register a small cohort of colleagues onto a course without needing to commission a full in-house session.

These open courses will be charged at £90 per person. This cost is fully claimable through LDSS, meaning the training will be completely funded for each attendee, subject to the funding pot still being available at the time of your claim.

In collaboration with Northbrook training, to plan these courses in the right areas and ensure they are financially viable, a short questionnaire has been created. This will help us understand how many colleagues across member organisations still require Tier 2 training and which locations would be most accessible. Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Training – Training Needs Assessment – Fill out form

If your organisation still has staff who need the Oliver McGowan Tier 2 training, we encourage you to complete the questionnaire. This will help us schedule courses where they are most needed and ensure that members can take full advantage of the available funding.

If you have any questions or would like to explore how we can support you with accessing the training, please feel free to get in touch.

Focusing on MORE

Please see attached poster for information on upcoming free training. 

Events

How Hackers Think

This workshop explores how hackers find targets, exploit weaknesses and carry out their attacks. 

Join RCPA’s Daniel Plummer as he runs through the hacker mindset and how to increase your defences. 

When: Wednesday May 13th 10:30 – 11:30

Where: Teams – Click here to register

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

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

Optimise Workplace Wellbeing

Optimise Workplace Wellbeing is delighted to offer two fully funded workshops designed to support line managers and team leaders who manage international care staff.

Due to high demand, we are pleased to confirm that an additional workshop date has now been added, giving more managers the opportunity to attend this valuable training.

Training for Line Managers: Supporting Displaced Workers Effectively
Dates: 13 May or 17 June
Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: The Ibis Hotel, Woodlands Court Business Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4FJ

This practical and supportive workshop will help line managers better understand the different ways individuals may experience and respond to stress, particularly within diverse and international teams.

The session will explore cultural perspectives around mental health, the impact of displacement, and how managers can have meaningful and compassionate conversations with team members, new starters, or those seeking roles within their organisation.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the changes displaced workers may be experiencing and how to respond with confidence, empathy and sensitivity. The workshop will also help leaders recognise signs of change or concern, approach conversations appropriately, and feel more confident in offering support without fear of getting it wrong.

Included:
Plenty of free parking, training materials and refreshments.

Places are fully funded but limited, so early booking is recommended.

To register, please email your name, organisation and preferred workshop date to: jo@optimiseworkplacewellbeing.com

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

Social care voices needed in national conversation on regulation of AI in healthcare

On 20 May 2026, from 9.30-10.30am, the government is hosting a live public “Ask Me Anything” session on the future regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. You can find full details and sign up on the UK Government page for the National AI Commission Ask Me Anything.

This national conversation is open to everyone and we are encouraging the social care sector to take part and help shape what happens next.

While the focus is on healthcare, the outcomes of this work will directly affect adult social care. Now is the time to make sure our voices are heard.

What is the session about?

The session is hosted by the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare and provides an opportunity for the public, including professionals and people with lived experience, to ask questions and share views about how AI should be used and regulated.

Participants can submit questions in advance or join the live online discussion via the official page.

The aim is to inform the Commission’s recommendations to government on how to ensure AI is safe, effective and trustworthy.

Why this matters for social care

AI is already being used across adult social care, from digital care records to tools that support decision-making and communication. As these technologies develop, the way they are regulated in healthcare will shape expectations and standards across the wider care system.

This includes:

• how safety and risk are managed
• how transparent AI systems need to be
• how people are informed about the use of AI
• how human oversight is maintained

If social care is not part of these conversations, there is a real risk that the unique realities of care and support are overlooked.

A call to take part and spread the word

This is an opportunity to influence national thinking at an early stage. We are encouraging our sector to take part in the session and share this opportunity widely across their networks.

Hearing directly from people who deliver and draw on care will help ensure that future approaches to AI reflect what matters most in social care.

A message from the Digital Care Hub

Katie Thorn, Director of Innovation at the Digital Care Hub and co-host of the AI in Social Care Alliance, said:

“AI is already shaping how care is delivered and experienced. This national conversation is a real opportunity for social care to influence what happens next. We strongly encourage care staff and people drawing on care to take part and to spread the word, so that the future of AI reflects the realities of care and everyday support.”

Get involved

Take advantage of this opportunity to have your say and make sure social care is part of the future of AI.

This affects all of us.