New Strategy Published to Support Social Care Nursing Placements
Flooding: A Destructive Force - Howden
How Skills and The OS Are Helping Providers Achieve Outstanding Care
Ashfield Services - New Partnership
Why You Should Consider Joining Your Regional SCNAC
SCNAS Opportunity - London Region
Nourish - A Brighter Life Documentary
RWK Goodman - Immigration Update
VIVALDI visits - Risedale
VIVALDI Social Care - The Naked Scientists Podcast
Transforming Pain Management with PainChek
The Outstanding Society (OS) is thrilled to announce that representatives from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be joining us for five of our sessions in the OS Learning Lounge at Care Show Birmingham!
From our opening session, “Setting the Scene with the CQC,” to our forwardthinking panel, “Brains and Bots Unplugged: AI, Social Care, and the CQC in Conversation,” we promise two days packed with valuable insights — golden nuggets for every member of the social care community, including nurses, managers, directors, and beyond.
You’ll also have the chance to meet all seven OS Directors, who bring extensive experience from across home care, supported living, dementia care, nursing, and residential care
Click below for more information. Scan the QR code to get your FREE tickets
FROM THE DIRECTORS
Why Cyber Security Matters in Social Care
In today’s world, technology is an important part of how we provide care and support to people. Digital care records, online communication with families, and cloud-based systems help social care organisations deliver more effective and personalised services But with this comes a responsibility: We must keep people’s information safe and protect the systems we rely on That’s why cyber security is so important in social care
Care providers hold a lot of personal and sensitive information such as health details, care plans, and family contacts. This data must be handled with great care. If it were to fall into the wrong hands through a cyber-attack, it could cause real distress to the people involved Strong cyber security helps ensure that this information stays private and secure
Trust is the foundation of good care People rely on care staff and organisations to treat them with respect, and this includes respecting their privacy. If a care provider suffers a cyber-attack or data breach, it can quickly damage that trust. By taking cyber security seriously, organisations show that they value the privacy and dignity of the people they support
Cyber-attacks can be highly disruptive
If key systems are compromised for example, if ransomware locks access to digital care records — it can make it harder for staff to provide the right care at the right time. This could put vulnerable individuals at risk.
Having good cyber security in place helps reduce the chances of this happening and ensures that services can continue to run smoothly, even if an attack occurs.
Laws like the UK GDPR set out clear rules about how organisations must handle personal data Following good cyber security practices helps care providers meet these legal obligations and avoid fines or penalties More importantly, it protects the rights of the people they support.
Even with the best protections in place, no system is 100% safe from cyber threats That’s why it’s important for care providers to consider having cyber insurance Cyber insurance can help cover the costs of responding to an attack, such as data recovery, legal advice, or notifying affected individuals. It offers an added layer of financial protection and peace of mind, helping organisations recover more quickly if the worst happens
Cyber security may not always be front of mind in the busy world of social care but it is essential for protecting people’s privacy, maintaining trust, and ensuring continuity of service With good security measures, regular staff training, and the right insurance in place, care organisations can build a safer, more resilient future for Adult Social Care.
James Rycroft, Director of the OS and Managing Director of Vida Healthcare
UPCOMING EVENTS
Quarterly Insights with the CQC: The Outstanding Society Panel Discussion with the CQC.
Join us for a chat with Chris Day, Head of Engagement at the Care Quality Commission on Thursday 21 August. st
Secure your spot via Eventbrite by clicking the image opposite or visiting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/quarterlyinsights-with-the-cqc-tickets1367103556539?aff=oddtdtcreator
Our next VIVALDI Drop In Session is: Wednesday 3 September 2025 rd
Join us for a 30-minute drop-in session where your team, residents, relatives, or visiting professionals can hear updates, ask questions about the project, and provide feedback.
Future sessions will recur every first Wednesday of the month from 13:00-13:30
RM webinar
AI: Starting small, growing smarter
Thursday 25 September 10:00 – 11:00 - Online
In partnership with The Outstanding Society, this webinar is designed to support frontline managers to take their first steps into the world of artificial intelligence (AI)
Focusing on low-risk, practical ways to get started, explore how AI can support everyday tasks, reduce admin pressures, and improve decision-making — without the need for technical expertise or major investment. Whether you're curious, cautious, or simply don’t know where to begin, this webinar will help you feel more confident about what AI is (and isn’t), and how it could help you grow smarter in how you lead and deliver care. It is a fantastic introduction to show how small changes can quickly unlock big value in adult social care services.
This session is aimed at those new to AI and is not intended for digital specialists already familiar with AI solutions or using them daily
To book your free place, click here.
Webinar
Getting stronger –how digital can work for you
Thurs 18 Sept
10:00 – 11:00 - Online
This one-hour webinar is designed to support frontline managers to harness and integrate digital technology in their service Join us to learn about the training available to upskill yourself and your workforce and how to access the right training opportunities to use digital, data and technology effectively and ethically.
The webinar will cover the latest practical resources shaped around self-assessment, eLearning, and the digital change programme. It is aimed at those wanting to increase their knowledge of training available around digital skills, how that can help their service and what other providers are doing to implement this
To book a free place, click here.
Flooding: A Destructive Force
In light of increasingly erratic and severe weather across the UK, flooding now presents one of the most consistent and costly threats to property and business continuity. This blog explores the evolving patterns of flood risk throughout the seasons and highlights proactive strategies for care providers and businesses to mitigate impact. By adopting a comprehensive flood preparedness plan—including infrastructure checks, protective measures, and emergency protocols organisations can significantly reduce vulnerability and curb the volume and cost of insurance claims stemming from flood-related damage
Read the full blog here:
A regular podcast for business leaders exploring how businesses can harness risks and use them to their advantage.
In each episode Howden Insurance Brokers will discuss a topical challenge or issue and what business leaders can do to overcome it
What happens when those who care for others need help themselves? Understand how care providers can ensure they prioritise staff wellbeing and what the risk and insurance impacts are when these initiatives are not put in place
Hosted by Richard Lawson, Senior Account Executive at Howden Health & Care, our latest care sector podcast dives into the critical yet often overlooked world of care workers With the expertise of Karolina Gerlich, CEO of the Care Workers’ Charity and Sabrina Meetaroo, Associate Director, Head of Risk & Claims Advocacy, Howden Health & Care.
Listen here
Brighton Pride2025
“Wow, wow, wow what a wonderful day the team had in Brighton for Pride It was such a joy to represent adult social care at one of the South Coast’s landmark celebrations and for the first time, no less. A perfect warm-up for Manchester, and a truly meaningful moment
It was incredible to see so many people supported by adult social care alongside the wider sector showing up, showing out, and standing proud
Thank you to everyone who came, cheered, marched, or simply smiled along the way. Once again, we’re reminding the world: There is pride in adult social care!”
Sanjay Dhrona, OSDF Lead
Read more about our Brighton Pride adventure by clicking the image here:
Pride Month shined a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ community in June it was an important time to celebrate, reflect, and recommit For those of us in adult social care (ASC), Pride is not just a parade or a symbol; it is a powerful reminder of why inclusive spaces matter. It’s also a time to recognise the ongoing work of organisations like the OSDF, whose mission is to create real, lasting change for LGBTQ+ people who live, work, and access UK care and support services.
The OSDF, launched by The Outstanding Society (OS), is the first cross-sector forum of its kind in ASC Its purpose is simple but deeply important: to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard, represented, and supported, not only during Pride month, while marching for Pride in August, but every day.
From frontline care workers to registered managers, policy leads to people with lived experience, the OSDF brings together individuals from across the care sector to tackle inequality and build environments that are safe, respectful, and inclusive.
Last year’s roundtable event in Birmingham marked a significant moment. It brought together a diverse and passionate group of people from across the sector to explore what meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion really looks like The conversation moved beyond tokenism and box-ticking, towards tangible outcomes, with a shared ambition to develop accreditation frameworks, training modules, and sector-wide standards that reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ lives in care
“Pride must extend beyond Pride month” However, inclusion is not a one-off event, it is a commitment. That’s why the OSDF will be hosting a second roundtable this year. This next step is vital. It will be a working session where we take stock, revisit what has been promised, and share responsibility for what must come next We will explore what progress has been made, what challenges remain, and who will lead on taking actions forward. Progress needs accountability, and this roundtable will focus on exactly that
Pride must extend beyond Pride month and August marches For LGBTQ+ people who receive care, work in care, or access ASC spaces, the need for safety, dignity, and belonging is constant. That is why the work of the OSDF is so essential It continues throughout the year, advocating for change, influencing practice, and holding the sector to a higher standard
Everyone deserves to feel respected, valued, and understood, not just in their communities, but in the care and support they receive This is not only an LGBTQ+ issue It is a care issue, an inclusion issue, and, at its heart, a human one Let us celebrate how far we have come but let us also be clear: the journey continues. Thanks to the growing momentum behind the OSDF, real progress is happening Together, we are building a future where everyone in ASC can feel they truly belong not just for a month, but always
New strategy published to support social care nursing placements
Plans have been published to support and encourage more nursing students to pursue a career in social care.
‘Social care as a placement of choice’ is the new strategy developed by Skills for Care and the Council of Deans funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It aims to create stronger connections between students, universities, colleges, care providers, employers and the social care workforce to provide high-quality placement opportunities in social care settings
Expanding the diversity of practice placements will enhance learners’ experiences and provide a broader perspective on care beyond NHS settings. To secure a social care workforce that can meet current and future health and wellbeing needs, it’s vital that students are provided with placements and a curriculum which showcase the rewards of a career in social care and equips them with the necessary skills and experience to work in care.
As we see a shift from hospital-based care towards community care, and a focus on prevention over treatment, nursing opportunities outside of the traditional hospital setting are ever more important and rewarding
Providing student nurses with placements in social care settings will be a significant move towards strengthening the connection between hospital and community care While not all students follow a career in care, the experience of social care nursing placements will bring skills and experience that can be applied across their nursing education and in their future career.
The strategy is a collaborative effort led by Skills for Care and the Council of Deans alongside people who draw on care, students, educational institutions, and care providers.
Oonagh Smyth, CEO, Skills for Care, says:
Nursing in social care is a critical part of our social care workforce and this strategy will offer future graduates into the health and care system a clear understanding of how people drawing on care and support access health and care services
“The skill and expertise of care professionals working in people’s own homes and communities offers rewarding learning and development opportunities across the breadth of nursing education programmes. This strategy gives much needed recognition of the complexity, professional autonomy and leadership of nursing roles in social care.”
Ed Hughes, CEO, Council of Deans of Health, says:
“Student placements in social care settings provide opportunities for students to experience a broader range of care environments to help their development as healthcare professionals and learn different skills
“This is hugely beneficial regardless of whether they ultimately choose to work in social care or not. Such opportunities can also serve as an inspiration to encourage more health care students to aspire to a career in social care ”
Paul
Rees MBE,
NMC Interim Chief Executive and Registrar,
says:
“We are grateful to have contributed to this strategy, which places a much-needed spotlight on social care nursing – a lifeline for people and communities across the UK. It widens access to high-quality practice learning experiences, where students can build the knowledge and skills needed for 21st-century care.
“Learning in varied social care settings gives students valuable insight into the realities of the role and the vital difference social care nursing makes to people’s lives.
“We look forward to working with our partners to support the implementation of the strategy. Together, we can ensure future nursing professionals are fully equipped to deliver safe, effective, personcentred care, wherever it’s needed ”
You can read full strategy document by clicking the link below:
How Skills for Care and The Outstanding Society Are Helping Providers Achieve Outstanding Care
In today’s ever-evolving adult social care sector, the idea of Outstanding care is no longer reserved for the few it’s achievable, scalable, and sustainable when the right support systems are in place Two key organisations helping to lead this journey are Skills for Care and The Outstanding Society. While they operate in different ways, their goals are beautifully aligned: to support care providers in delivering the best, most person-centred care possible
The OS and Skills for care hold a shared mission: Better Care, Not Just Better Compliance
If you’re a care provider striving for excellence, the message is clear: you don’t have to do it alone. With the practical frameworks from Skills for Care and the shared wisdom of The Outstanding Society, you have access to the tools, community, and encouragement needed to go beyond “Good” and build something truly Outstanding.
Start small. Stay curious. Keep learning.
The journey to Outstanding begins with the question: “What more can we do for our people, our teams, and our communities?”
Read the full article on the OS website by clicking here:
We are thrilled to announce that Ashfield Services has officially joined us as a valued partner of The Outstanding Society.
As we grow our network of carefully selected partners who share our vision for excellence in adult social care, we’re genuinely delighted to welcome Ashfield Services on board
Watch the video below to hear from Matthew Ashfield as he announces this exciting new partnership and shares why Ashfield Services is proud to be supporting the work of The Outstanding Society.
Why You Should Consider Joining Your Regional Social Care Nursing Advisory Council
Are you a Registered Nurse or a frontline team member working in Adult Social Care (ASC) and passionate about shaping the future of the ASC sector? If so, joining your Regional Social Care Nursing Advisory Council (SCNAC) could be one of the most rewarding and influential steps in your career.
As someone who understands the unique challenges and strengths of nursing in social care, your voice is needed now more than ever to help guide strategy, inform policy, and champion the incredible work happening across our sector every day. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences, particularly those from groups that have been historically underrepresented in leadership roles within social care.
We are committed to ensuring that our councils reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve Your unique perspective matters, and your voice is essential to shaping an inclusive and equitable future for social care.
Understanding the diversity of the sector
ASC is a richly diverse sector that supports people to live independently, safely, and with dignity in a range of settings This includes domiciliary (home-based) care, where care is delivered in individuals’ own homes; supported living services for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, or physical disabilities; residential care homes offering 24-hour support in a communal environment; and nursing homes, where clinical care is provided by registered nurses social care also spans day services, Reablement teams, extra care housing, education and more Each setting plays a vital role in meeting the varied needs of people in our communities - and we welcome professionals from all corners of this sector to get involved in shaping its future
The Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan outlines a bold shift in how care will be delivered across the system - with a focus on moving from hospital to community, the Neighbourhood Health Service, from analogue to digital, and from treating sickness to prioritising prevention For these ambitions to succeed, social care must be at the forefront, not on the periphery Now is the time for those working in ASC—across domiciliary care, supported living, residential and nursing homes—to shape and influence these changes By joining your Regional SCNAC, you can ensure the sector’s voice is central to redesigning a system that works with and for the people we support
Express your interest by clicking the email link here
The Nourish Documentary Series - A Better Life
In the hidden realms of everyday life, profound transformations unfold through acts of care, often unseen by many. In ‘A Better Life,’ we delve into an unfiltered landscape of social care, showcase the transformative power of community, and celebrate remarkable outcomes
Thank you so much Nourish Care for sharing our positive model of home care filled with fun, laughter, companionship and personalised care!
Immigration Update
Following the government’s White Paper published on 25 March this year detailing significant reforms to the business immigration system, details have been confirmed about the first of these reforms due to come into effect on 22 July 2025
As expected, these changes will have significant implications to care providers who rely on the ability to sponsor migrant workers trough the Skilled Worker route.
Ending of sponsorship from overseas
The most immediate change is that from 22 July, care providers will no loner be able to sponsor care workers or senior care workers directly from aboard Providers will still be able to sponsor individuals if they are already in the UK and are changing employers. Care providers will also be able to switch existing workers over to the skilled worker route and extend the permissions of existing workers by issuing new undefined certificates of sponsorship as long as they have been employed for at least three months. However this ability will be come to an end on 22 July 2028, from which point the skilled worker route will no longer apply for
care staff
Right to Indefinite leave to remain
This may well have serious implications for individuals looking to build up their residency in order to acquire indefinite leave to remain. The government White Paper outlines plans to extend this qualification period from five years to ten years Whilst there is currently no indication whether or not this will apply to individuals already on the qualification route, if the rule change is essentially retroactive and the ability to extend visas remains limited to five years, there will be some sponsored workers who came to the UK after July 2023 and will not be able to reach this new ten year qualification period
Increase in skill requirement
The upcoming changes include an increase in the minimum skill level for sponsored workers from the current RQF Level 3 (A Level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate level) This brings the minimum skill level back up to what it was prior to 2020 when jobs at RQF Levels 35 were allowed into the fold of eligible occupations for sponsorship. Thankfully, exceptions are being made for certain roles at levels 3-5 by virtue of their being placed on either the new Temporary Shortage Occupation List or the Immigration Salary List. Both care worker and senior care worker roles will be on the Immigration Salary List until 22 July 2028.
Salary increases
Whilst the upcoming changes involve increases in salary for hundreds of occupations, there is good news that these increases will not affect sponsored care workers or senior care workers who will continue to be subject to the minimum salary required for sponsorship at the higher of £25,000 per annum and £12.82 per hour. This is by virtue of them remaining on the Immigration Salary List
Consulting with pool of displaced workers
Because of the ending of the right to sponsor care staff directly from overseas, and because switching existing employees over to the skilled worker route is only permissible for workers employed for a least three months, employers will no longer be required to consult with the pool of displaced overseas workers before they issue fresh certificates of sponsorship
Take Aways
It is worth noting that these changes have been announced with little in the way of notice and with a significant degree of uncertainty over how consequential they will be to the care sector (as well as the larger UK workforce). The government have stated that whilst the right of licence holders to sponsor in country through undefined certificates of sponsorship remains (for the care sector, only until July 2028), these plans are being kept under review Further changes may well be announced in the near future both in terms of the above reforms and the wider plans as outlined in the White Paper
Sponsored employers are reminded that if they have immediate plans to sponsor workers from overseas, they need to have this process complete before 22 July.
Written by: Adrian Henderson Associate
Employment | Settlement agreements
RWK Goodman
Click on photo to contact Adrian.
visits
On Wednesday, 23rd July, the VIVALDI team had the pleasure of spending a truly memorable morning with the exceptional team at Abbey Meadow and St Lukes,one of Risedale’s Nursing homes in Barrowin-Furness. The visit was a celebration of the fantastic engagement Risedale has shown with the VIVALDI project an initiative that has been seamlessly embedded into the culture of the home
From the moment of arrival, the warm welcome was clear A stunning balloon arch in VIVALDI colours greeted the team, setting the tone for a morning filled with connection, insight, and celebration It was clear that the project is not just a part of Risedale, it’s at the heart of it. Information about VIVALDI could be seen throughout the home, and its principles were echoed in the conversations and energy of staff and residents alike
Residents, relatives, and staff from all Risedale sites came together to mark the occasion, joining the VIVALDI team for a short but engaging presentation. The turnout and level of participation spoke volumes about the dedication of the Risedale community. Questions were thoughtful, feedback was generous, and the atmosphere was one of shared purpose.
We were honoured to be joined on the day by Dr. Melanie Stephens, Associate Professor, Adult Nursing, Salford University and NIHR Research Delivery Network North West Settings Lead, as well as Emma O’Kane, Care Sector Clinical Lead for South Cumbria & Morecambe Bay ICB Their presence added additional depth to a day already rich in collaboration and shared learning
This is co-production in action: academic insight, provider experience, and policy leadership aligned to drive better outcomes in adult social care by reducing infections and improving lives.
Chris takes a powerful look at what it’s like to live and work in a care home and how better use of data could help us do things differently.
I was proud to contribute to the conversation, alongside inspiring voices from Slawomir Janik, Registered Manager, Adelaide House Care Home along with two residents, Laura Shallcross, Mike Slator and Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care. Department of Health and Social Care
Too often, adult social care is overlooked but in this episode, we hear directly from residents like Eric and Linda, and from the team who show up every day with dedication and compassion
The VIVALDI Study, led by Laura Shallcross at UCL, gives us a chance to turn experience into evidence and evidence into action. But to make it count, we need providers, policymakers, and leaders at every level to really listen — and to be bold
If you care about the future of adult social care, please take 30 minutes to listen
The Naked Scientists podcast – The VIVALDI Study
Transforming pain management with
Dovehaven Care Homes has recorded a remarkable 67% reduction in severe pain amongst its residents following the implementation of PainChek® - the world’s first AI-powered pain assessment tool. Tandeep Gill of PainChek® explains how the technology has transformed pain management for the group.
Dovehaven Care Homes is a leading care group offering a wide range of care services for older adults, specialising in residential and nursing care with an emphasis on high quality dementia and complex care It looks after 1000 individuals across its 23 care homes
With dementia high on its list of strategic priorities, Dovehaven decided that a better pain assessment and management solution was needed and so enlisted the support of PainChek® to revitalise its pain procedures and processes.
After implementing PainChek® in all 23 of its North West based care facilities, Dovehaven Care Homes has achieved a 67% reduction in severe pain, a 42% reduction in moderate pain, and a 25% reduction in mild pain in its residents
In addition to improving pain scores, optimising pain management has reduced challenging behaviours, including a 41% reduction in instances of distress and a 58% reduction in resident-to-resident altercations Responding to these altercations requires significant resources to investigate the cause, update care plans, and submit any necessary safeguarding referrals While this process is essential, it is also highly resource-intensive, diverting time and attention from engaging residents in meaningful activities
Driving down benzodiazepine use
Another key aim for Dovehaven was to reduce its use of benzodiazepines across its care homes.
Transforming pain management with
Where possible, benzodiazepines should be avoided for older individuals as they are associated with welldocumented negative side effects, such as the increase in falls and fallrelated fractures. They are also linked to increased cognitive decline for people living with dementia
Research suggests that benzodiazepines may also increase the risk of pneumonia and suppress immune function, making older individuals more vulnerable to infections. Combined, these negative side effects paint a concerning picture for older people living in care, as more than 28% of residents in care homes have one or more prescriptions for benzodiazepines.
With fewer distress incidents, Dovehaven has significantly reduced its use of benzodiazepines 58% fewer benzodiazepines are currently being used across Dovehaven’s residents, with only 2.8% of its resident population having a PRN benzodiazepine prescribed
Positive clinical outcomes
Over 50% of people living in UK care homes experience pain. But pain may manifest differently in each person, making it hard to understand and treat.
By combining AI-driven analysis with user-guided features, PainChek® accurately and consistently identifies pain to create personalised pain profiles that deliver improved outcomes for your residents
To learn more about how PainChek® is transforming pain management in social care, visit: www painchek com
“I have been fortunate working for Dovehaven to achieve a career ambition to review and support teams to improve pain management in a social care environment. Since implementation of PainChek across all Dovehaven Care Homes we have seen a transformation in relation to pain management which has significantly reduced distressed reaction behaviours and PRN Benzodiazepine use . ”
– Jo Hadfield-Cubbin – Head of Clinical Governance, Dovehaven
Understanding and provider insight on the value of Emotional Intelligence within Social Care
Since our director Karen Hedger participated in the Lon Outstanding Society panel “Empathy in action emotional intelligence for outstanding”, the Bright selection team have been considering and focusing on the importance of EI in the recruitment of ‘Brave Leaders’ This has included the team reviewing how and what we ask prospective candidates to understand their levels of emotional intelligence, equally the flipside being how important is emotional intelligence to care providers and how this is assessed.
An overriding message from the panel of providers James Rycroft (Vida Healthcare) Samantha Crawley (EQ Care Group) and from conversation with our clients, is that if an organisation focuses on, and values, ‘Emotional Intelligence and Kindness’ then you will have outstanding care, and the business will ultimately look after itself
Interestingly there were mixed responses to whether EI can be taught or is an intrinsic quality (a bigger conversation), but there was agreement over how you can facilitate and ensure that you have emotionally intelligent people within your organisation.
You can find read the full blog on our website by clicking the Emotional Intelligence diagram here:
You can listen to the aforementioned Care Show panel discussion and all others here:
Thank you to our partners who we work closely with in developing our strategy
Thank you for reading. See you for our next issue in September. Be sure to sign up to ensure you don’t miss a publication. Click the button below to register for FREE membership, receive event notifications and best practices updates
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