Manchester Pride! - We have Pride in Adult Social Care
Brighton Pride 2026
Upcoming Events
The Return of the Learning Lounge
Care Show - Inside the Coroner's Court - Mock Inquest
Social Care Nurses - Our Voice, our Impact
Skills for Care Updates
New Co-Chair for the South East SCNAC Region
Why You Should Consider Joining Your Social Care Nursing Advisory Council
SCNAC Co-Chair Vacancy in London
VIVALDI - ARC Internship
Thank You to Our Partners and Link to Become a Member of the OS
FROM THE DIRECTORS
Director Specialisms at The Outstanding Society
As part of our recent strategic review at The Outstanding Society (OS), we wanted to make it clearer what each of our Directors specialise in across adult social care
We believe this not only highlights the breadth of expertise within our team but also helps our members, partners, and colleagues know exactly who to connect with for specific areas of focus.
We are therefore delighted to share the specialisms of our Directors:
Zoë Fry Director of Nursing and Residential Care
James Rycroft Director of Specialist Dementia Services
Samantha Crawley Director of Leadership and Wellbeing
Ruth French Director of Policy and Regulation
Sanjay Dhrona
Caroline Cosh
Lara Bywater
Director of Diversity Equality and Inclusion
Director of Homecare
Director of Learning Disability, Autism, and Mental Health Care
This clarity will support our mission to champion excellence in adult social care, ensuring that the wealth of knowledge and experience within the OS is visible and accessible to everyone we work with.
We’re excited about this next step and the opportunities it will bring for collaboration and impact across the sector
Zoe Fry Director of Nursing & Residential Care
To hear Zoë’s bio click above
Understanding Solar Panel Risks for Care Homes
As care homes across the UK seek smarter, greener ways to manage energy costs, solar power is emerging as a compelling solution With over 1 5 million UK households already using solar PV systems, the care sector is beginning to embrace the financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy.
But alongside the promise of lower bills and enhanced sustainability come new responsibilities. This article explores the advantages of solar panels for care homes along with the regulatory considerations, maintenance needs, and potential risks operators must navigate to ensure safe and effective implementation.
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
Professional strategy for nursing and midwifery
The Chief Nursing Officer for England is calling on nurses, midwives, nursing associates and students to help shape a new professional strategy for nursing and midwifery
The strategy, which is supported by a specific commitment in the 10 Year Health Plan, will set out a compelling, long-term future vision for the professions, recognising the vital role nursing and midwifery colleagues have in transforming health and care to meet the needs of our changing population.
Take part
Duncan Burton Chief Nursing Officer for England
The strategy will also set out how all colleagues can be supported throughout their careers, reflecting the breadth and diversity of roles and ensuring nursing and midwifery are modern careers of choice for more people.
The strategy will be for all nurses, midwives and nursing associates in England wherever they work and at all stages of their careers so, please get involved
Share your views and ideas and complete this survey by Monday 29 September.
Walking at Manchester Pride was a truly joyful and powerful experience for The Outstanding Society.
Pride is about celebrating love, diversity, and inclusion, and we were proud to stand alongside colleagues from across the care sector to champion a future where everyone can live authentically and be celebrated for who they are
The atmosphere was filled with colour, energy, and solidarity, and it reminded us why visibility and representation matter so deeply in social care.
What started as a passion project supported by The OS and some additional amazing people has turned into a meaningful and impactful endeavour designed to turn the dial for the rainbow family and their lives in ASC
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for making this possible Your support not only allowed us to be present at such an important event, but also amplified the message that social care is – and must always be – a sector of inclusivity equality, and pride.
Watch our video - click above
Looking Ahead – The Care Show and Brighton Pride 2026
The celebrations don’t stop here!
We are excited to share that next year The Outstanding Society will be walking at Brighton Pride – one of the UK’s most iconic Pride events.
This is a fantastic opportunity for more of our community to come together, ce n.
If you’d like to be part of the Outstanding Society parade group at Brighton Pride 2026, we’d love to hear from you. Register your interest today and join us in making it even bigger, louder, and prouder!
We will also be at The Care Show in Birmingham this October and have some exciting announcements coming up... More soon!
To register your interest for Brighton Pride 2026 and to view all of the images from our amazing day at Manchester Pride 2025, please click on the button below.
Website
UPCOMING EVENTS
Webinar
Getting stronger – how digital can work for you
Thursday 18 September 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.
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.
We’re back!
Stand T5
The OS Learning Lounge returns to the Birmingham Care Show, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9th October 2025 th
Join us for two days of relaxed, engaging and inspiring panel sessions, packed with ideas and conversations that celebrate best practice in adult social care.
Click here to find out more & register for your FREE ticket.
The Learning Lounge - Session list
10:15 - 11:00
Opening act: setting the scene with the CQC
11:30 - 12:00
From data to dignity: research-driven care with a CQC lens
12:30 - 13:30
Brains and bots unplugged: AI, social care and CQC in conversation
14:00 - 14:30
What nearly happened: spotting risk and learning fast
15:00 - 16:00
The Out Standing Diversity Forum (OSDF) Roundtable
The OS Learning Lounge returns to the Birmingham Care Show, 8–9 October 2025
Click here to find out more & register for your FREE ticket.
The Learning Lounge - Session list
10:15 - 11:00 - KEY NOTE THEATRE
Inside the coroner's court: a mock inquest for care providers
11:30 - 12:00
From burnout to balance: understanding pressures from all angles Stand T5
13:30 - 14:00
No more dress rehearsals: why inspection readiness shouldn't be a performance
14:30 - 15:00
The final curtain: closing thoughts and future visions with the CQC and OS team
Coroners Court Inquests can be daunting for all involved, so join us for our keynote session at the Birmingham Care Show to give you great insight and overview of what to expect:
Inside the Coroner’s Court: A Mock Inquest for Care Providers
Date: Thursday 9th October
Time: 10 15-11 00
Location: Care Keynote Theatre
Step inside the courtroom and witness a live, scripted mock inquest based on a fictional case to help care providers understand how evidence is examined and what challenges may arise during an inquest This powerful session offers a rare glimpse into:
· how evidence is presented and challenged
· the role of care providers in inquests. real-world lessons on documentation, communication, and safeguarding
Whether you're a care professional, manager, or policy lead, this session will deepen your understanding of the inquest process and highlight key risks and responsibilities.
No booking required – just turn up! - to get your free Care Show ticket click here Insightful. Practical. Unmissable. Make time for this essential session and walk away better prepared
With the CQC likely to continue to assess the current version of their Assessment Framework well into 2026, Skills for Care has updated the GO Online: Inspection toolkit with more practical examples spanning all Quality Statements.
These reflect what is impressing CQC inspectors in recent Good and Outstanding assessments and complement Skills for Care’s recommendations on how to achieve each Quality Statement
The CQC’s latest reports highlight a powerful pattern; services thriving through compassionate leadership, inclusive cultures, and a relentless focus on person-centred care. From proactive health planning and safe, empowering environments to emotionally intelligent teams and visionary leadership, we’re seeing how values-led practice transforms lives. These recurring strengths show what’s possible when care is coproduced, staff are supported to grow, and people are truly placed at the heart of everything
Access the latest update to GO Online here
First learners complete the Care Certificate Level 2 qualification
As the number of providers adopting the new Level 2 Adult Care Certificate, Skills for Care has heard from one of the approved learning providers offering this national vocational qualification.
Coleman Training has celebrated its first learners completing the qualification The flexible, course supports learners with varied assessment options and strong tutor guidance Learners have highlighted how the new qualification boosted their confidence, deepened their understanding of person-centred care, and inspired them to pursue further training
Read the full blog here
Skills for Care website includes further information about the Level 2 Adult Care Certificate, including which learning providers have been approved to offer it, and how providers can access funding via the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
New preceptorship package
starts this September
We’re running a new nursing preceptorship package designed specifically for adult social care providers in England - a key step in delivering on the ambitions of the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care
Nursing preceptorship is a structured period of support and development for newly registered nurses and nursing associates as they transition into their professional roles.
Join the free sessions this autumn where you’ll pick up practical guidance and resources to run a successful preceptorship programme.
The package includes a series of virtual events, including an introduction to preceptorship, a workshop for preceptors, and a workshop for preceptorship leads who will lead on embedding and championing preceptorship in their organisations
The introductory session, delivered in partnership with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, will run on 3 September 2025, with the other workshops taking place on dates throughout September, October, and November
Preceptorship leads will also be invited to join a bi-monthly community of practice to network, receive peer support, and receive ongoing guidance
More info here: Preceptorship
Skills for Care supports adult social care providers to adopt the Care Workforce Pathway
The Care Workforce Pathway is a comprehensive framework that clearly defines what a career in adult social care means It sets out the essential knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality, personalised care and support.
An Early Adopter scheme in 2024, saw 30 organisations being supported to trial the Care Workforce Pathway. These employers have reported a range of benefits, including support with workforce planning, career progression, and increased staff retention
All adult social care providers, regardless of size or service type, can make use of the Care Workforce Pathway; adoption is flexible, there is no one ‘right way’ To help implement the Pathway in your own organisation, you can access a suite of practical tools, resources, and training opportunities on the Skills for Care website
Skills for Care is now working with over 90 employers and ecosystem partners to adopt the Pathway as part of a new support programme These organisations will continue to test and refine the current resources and provide feedback on their experience, helping ensure that the Care Workforce Pathway meets the needs of the sector
Visit Skills for Care and the Gov UK websites
I’m Thrilled to Step into the Role of Co-Chair –South East Social Care Nursing Advisory Council
I’m honoured to be stepping into the role of Co-Chair for the South East Social Care Nursing Advisory Council (SE SCNAC). It’s a privilege to join such a passionate and motivated group of professionals, all deeply committed to improving social care nursing across our region.
Our recent meeting was a powerful reminder of the energy and dedication that drives this council. The conversations were rich with ideas, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. I left feeling inspired and excited for the journey ahead.
As I begin this new chapter, I’m looking forward to supporting the integration of social care with health in line with the NHS 10-Year Plan, advancing the workforce strategy for student and newly qualified nurses, and amplifying the voices of nurses working in social care Our sector holds so much wisdom, resilience, and innovation, and I want to help ensure it is visible, valued, and nurtured
I’m also eager to champion initiatives that will strengthen clinical diversity, build a resilient workforce capable of meeting the growing complexity of care needs, and create a supportive environment for all nurses.
This role is, at its heart, about listening, learning, and lifting others up. Together, I believe we can shape a future where social care nursing is recognised for its vital contribution and where every nurse feels empowered to make a difference
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly I’m excited to work alongside Andrea, Scarlett, Zoe, and all our SCNAC members to contribute to the incredible work already underway
Pat Conteh Co-Chair for South East Regional SCNAC
Read more
Why You Should Consider Joining Your 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
Excited to Begin My NIHR ARC Internship at UCL
I am delighted to share that I have been offered a place on the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Internship, hosted at University College London (UCL). As someone who has worked in adult social care for over 20 years but who is not from an academic background this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and help strengthen the link between frontline practice and research
What is the ARC Internship?
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the ARC Internship is a six- month, part-time programme designed as an exchange between social care practitioners and researchers. Practitioners gain experience of working in academia, while researchers spend time in social care settings. The goal is simple but powerful: to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, ensuring that research is relevant, accessible, and impactful for those working in social care.
Why This Matters
Having worked in care homes for over 20 years, from carer to manager, I have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by staff and the reasons why it is often difficult for them to prioritise research. Yet their insight is vital. This internship presents an opportunity for me to learn more about how research is conducted, so I can play a role in helping care home staff and residents take part in and benefit from studies. My goal is to ensure research is not only more relevant to the workforce but also drives meaningful improvements in social care practice.
Looking Ahead
I am truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the team at UCL This feels like the start of an exciting journey, one that will not only support my own growth but also help highlight the importance of involving care staff in the research process I hope to use what I learn to help bridge the gap between social care and academia, ensuring that research benefits the workforce, informs policy, and ultimately improves the lives of the people we support.
Thank you to our partners who we work closely with in developing our strategy Headline Partner
Thank you for reading. See you for our next issue in October . 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
Please feel free to share with your team to spread the opportunities.
