RCPA Members’ bulletin 28th March 2024

Wishing all our members a very happy and restful Easter! Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

 

News and Resources

  • RMN follow up

At the last RMN we discussed OMMT, and we welcomed Eelke Zoestbergen from the ICB and Stephen Miles, SC LD Commissioning. Here are the responses from some questions:

  • OMMT
  1. Does Oliver’s Training apply to CQC regulated services only?

Yes, it does, the Health and Care Act 2022 stipulates that “from 1 July 2022, service providers registered with the CQC must ensure their staff receive training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their role. It applies to all registered providers of all health and adult social care in England.”

 

  1. What are the expectations on those who provide services to people with LD/A who are not regulated such as day services and micro providers?

The code of practice (which is still in draft form) states that “health and social care providers who are not CQC registered should use the code to understand the optimum way to ensure their staff are trained to care for and support people with a learning disability and autistic people” and “commissioners of services should use the code to understand what they should expect of their providers and to help set standards for non-regulated commissioned services through contracts, for example”. Oliver McGowan draft code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

  1. Do we have to deliver OMMT, or can we use alternative training? How is this interpreted by CQC during inspections?

CQC have recommended all providers review their guidance around Oliver’s Training, which you can do here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/training-staff-support-autistic-people-and-people-learning-disability

 

Somerset ICB is organising a meeting with CQC and Somerset Council to talk about expectations for those providers whose services (such as day services) are not CQC regulated, as well as CQC expectations during inspections. As soon as that meeting has taken place, Eelke will provide further updates.

 

  • Public liability insurance (PLI) limits for LD and Home care providers

Concerns were raised about the potential increase in insurance limits and subsequent premiums for LD and Homecare providers. There are currently two DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) recommissions taking place in Somerset, to replace the former Homecare Open Framework and the Learning Disabilities Open Framework. Both go live on 1st April 2024.

 

For the SASS (Specialist Adult Support in Somerset) DPS, Somerset Council held 3 market engagement events. The PLI has been worked through to reduce to £10M and SC feels appropriate for this DPS, as they ‘have a mixture of lots or service types, including non-regulated services and provider supporting only a handful of people, therefore are often much smaller organisations.’

However, we hear the PLI for the Homecare in Somerset DPS is remaining at £15M as this is solely for regulated providers and works on a larger quantity scale of provision.

 

 

  • Supporting the NHS BSA with research into the adult social care sector  

The NHS BSA are testing a brand-new service designed to streamline training reimbursement for care professionals. They are asking people for up to an hour of their time, remotely, to test the service and provide feedback. All testers will be given a £20 gift voucher in return. Please see attached for further details and how to sign up.

 

 

  • EHCH

We’ve been asked by NHS England to circulate this survey re webinars. https://forms.office.com/e/bTQKQUepvZ The national EHCH team are keen to hear if webinars and/or quick guides might be of use to care home, primary care and community services colleagues.

 

 

  • Covid updates

Changes to Covid-19 Testing from 1st April 2024

The relevant links are here:

From 1st April 2024, the following changes will be made to Covid-19 testing to align with the approach taken for other respiratory infections. The UKHSA testing portals have now closed. Testing can now only be accessed for those who are eligible for Covid-19 treatments via the NHS or at the direction of local health teams.

Outbreak Management in Care Homes

The routine supply of free Covid-19 LFD tests for outbreak management will end. Instead, the local UKHSA health protection team or other local partner will advise if PCR testing is deemed appropriate. Providers should follow the IPC in adult social care guidance (linked above) and notify their health protection teams or other local partner of any suspected outbreak, and initiate risk assessments where able.

Routine Covid-19 Discharge Testing

The routine testing of asymptomatic patients from NHS settings into a care home will end to bring it into line with admissions from other care settings and the community. The guidance gives discretion to local hospitals or health protection teams to implement LFD testing if they think it is needed.

The cohort of people eligible for Covid-19 treatments

The eligibility has been expanded following NICE guidance to include:

  • People in care homes or hospital who are aged 70 years and over, or who have a BMI of 35 or more, or who have diabetes or heart failure.
  • People aged 85 years and over outside of care homes or hospital.
  • People with end-stage heart failure who have a long-term ventricular assistance device.
  • People on the organ transplant waiting list.

Full information about eligibility for Covid-19 treatments here. NHSE will be expanding access to symptomatic LFD testing from 1st April 2024 to include the people who meet the newly expanded criteria. These tests should be accessed via the NHS via a local pharmacy. There is also a section in the IPC guidance which explains the process in more detail from the perspective of social care providers.

Closure of 119 Service

The 119-phone number service used for testing queries will end from 1st April.

 

  • Wellbeing podcast – ‘The Parent-Infant relationship’

Please see attached and https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.castos.com/episodes/the-parent-infant-relationship

 

From our Partners

 

  • RWK Goodman webinar – International Recruitment recordings

RWK held a series of webinars but for those who missed them, here is the link below. Please let us know if you have problems accessing (it asks you to verify with a code to your email).

 Training Sessions

 

Skills for Care

 

Information and support from Skills for Care, please click here

RCPA Members bulletin 21st March 2024

Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

News and Resources

  • CQC updates (observations and tips!)
  • SAF

– 80 published assessments since SAF went live.

– Assessment average of 11 quality ‘We’ statements – appx 1/3 of number (34), no set target for these, CQC says need to be flexible according to individual service and context.

– Some issues around system support and IT which are being addressed.

– SAF still in transition stage and recognition there will be adjustments along the way.

– Provider portal live date (12th March) was delayed by a day, work in progress. How best to manage this in the meantime? Previously providers had to be reactive to what inspectors said. Tip – email CQC any statutory notifications to show an audit trail, plan resources, ensure staff on hand to manage portal to proactively upload evidence, highlight your best areas – plan a strategy around this – appoint a designated person to manage documentation.

– Heavy reliance on desk-based approach – crossing the threshold – providers need ability to provide info so that ratings can be updated through this process; if there is too much focus on this, challenge with CQC.

– Will it be more difficult to achieve outstanding rating? By July ‘24, CQC will communicate more widely how this can be done. CQC wants to reserve some capacity as to how to do this. They hope to increase ratings.

– Please continue to submit notifications via email to CQC.

– Results seem to be based on small % of quality statements and some may be ‘frozen in time’ i.e. since last inspection pre-covid, e.g. score of 2 based on safe medications optimisation based on wearing/not wearing a mask, this will have changed now. To flag, this may be problematical.

– Challenge and be vociferous with factual accuracies!

– CQC working on ability for others in care setting with delegated authority to upload evidence.

– New CQC team ranges from Regulatory Coordinator, Assessor (‘back room’ role, factual accuracies), Inspector (more targeted) to senior level Operations Manager (major decision regarding enforcement etc)

  • Visiting – Reg 9A

– Guidance is now being finalised – draft is available via CQC website.

–  Save the date! DHSC webinar for CARE HOMES 3rd April. We’ll share more details asap.

– Reg 9 (person centred care) covers the type of support people may need, eg transport, but stays silent to allow flexibility without imposing blanket decisions on providers. CQC looking for evidence of least restrictive ways e.g., where there is an infection across the care setting.

– Reg does not include extra care or supported living.

  • CQC Dementia strategy in progress.

 

  • Preventing urinary tract infections

Please see briefing attached, also, https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.castos.com/episodes/preventing-urinary-tract-infections

 

  • COVID Testing and PPE

At the end of March, free PPE will come to an end and DHSC is currently considering what to do with the portal. UKHSA has stopped supplying LFDs to social care settings. Guidance will be updated by DHSC before 1 April 2024 to reflect changes to COVID-19 testing.

 

  • ***The Social Care Training Team will come to an end on 30 March 2024***

Care Providers will need to contact their local district Nursing teams to seek training. Telephone numbers and email addresses are attached in the leaflet.

 

Events

  • EHCH webinar for care homes

Learn more about the Enhanced Health in Care Homes framework and explore how to implement best practices in falls prevention and response:

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

Unpacking the EHCH Framework; Exploring Falls Best Practice

When: 26th March 2024, 12:00 – 13:00

Where: Virtual (via Teams)

Register

 

  • Attracting and retaining our Somerset Nursing and AHP Workforce Event

27th March 2024

Please see poster attached and details for registration.

 

  • RCPA Data & Cyber Security Online Workshop “Prevention is the Best Defence”

28th March 2024, 10:30 – 11:30

This free online workshop will be focusing on cyber security and its ever-increasing importance in the care sector.

Our Project Delivery Officer, Dan Plummer, will be joined by Ed Farthing from Howden insurance brokers.  Ed will be discussing how being prepared and fostering a strong culture will help defend your business from financial and reputational loss.  The digital world can be daunting, especially for a social care provider, and our aim is to provide you with the tools and guidance to mitigate risk. The workshop will focus on cyber breaches in care, with particular focus on mechanisms to avoid attacks, what to do when they happen and how to recover from them.  In addition to this, Dan will be discussing the importance of republishing the DSPT (Data Security & Protection Toolkit) and its importance as the most effective tool in social care to ensure data and cyber security.

There will be opportunities to ask questions and highlight any areas of concerns you may have in your organisation.

To register for this workshop, please click here

13th March LD/Day Care/Dom Care Forum follow up

RMN follow up resources

Thanks for joining the LD/Day/Dom care meeting on 13th March. Please find attached some resources including RR/Urgent Community Response/H@H; OMMT: SfC. It’s not too late to send in your submission for the OMMT Lead training – the deadline has been extended to 22nd March.

Skills for Care presentation

RR/Urgent Community Response/H@H

OMMT Lead Training poster

***If you would like to participate in a working group around training and to help shape the future of the new Somerset health and social care academy, please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk. The RCPA represents ASC providers in strategic planning for this project. ***

We’ll be in touch regarding future RMNs.

RCPA Members’ bulletin 14th March 2024

Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

 

News and Resources

  • RMN follow up resources

Thanks for joining yesterday’s LD/Day/Dom care meeting. Please find attached some resources including RR/Urgent Community Response/H@H; OMMT: SfC. It’s not too late to send in your submission for the OMMT Lead training – the deadline has been extended to 22nd March.

***If you would like to participate in a working group around training and to help shape the future of the new Somerset health and social care academy, please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk. The RCPA represents ASC providers in strategic planning for this project. ***

We’ll be in touch regarding future RMNs.

 

  • Letters to MPs

‘Just in case you have been away and missed them last time, please find attached some templates to canvas your local MP.

 

  • International Recruitment Guidance

Following the RCPA raising awareness of this last year and the current dynamic situation work is underway system wide to support providers – please look out for the Somerset Council ASC briefings circulated on Fridays (check your ‘other’ and junk boxes!) which contain information regarding upcoming webinars presented by RWK Goodman. We have attached some guidance you may find useful.

 

  • Somerset System Dysphagia and Choking group, (supporting choking and dysphagia management to reduce choking across the life span) is looking for a care home rep. Expressions of interest to the QUALITY (NHS SOMERSET ICB – 11X) somicb.quality@nhs.net

 

  • CQC – impact on managers and staff

In last week’s bulletin, we highlighted this issue which is gathering momentum nationally. ‘We’re hearing about experiences nationally of providers who are being negatively impacted by assessments, particularly the SAF and since the pandemic. Think of Ruth Perry and Ofsted, highlighted in the press. We’d like to hear your views on this so please look out for a short survey on the subject next week. We intend to collectively present the findings to CQC with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of the SAF methodology.’.

Please look out for a separate email and short survey.

 

  • I See You Community Social Fund Applications Invited

Glastonbury Care Home is inviting applications to the ‘I See You Community Social

Fund’

The ISY fund is a new fund established in 2023, managed by Brunelcare’s Glastonbury

Care Home with the aim of making a difference to adults living in care without

financial backing, the absence of family or friends for help or support and reliant

totally on local authority funding.

The fund would like to hear from care providers in the South West who have

residents in their care that need extra support with the little things in life that bring

comfort and joy such as haircuts, toiletries, slippers, items of clothing or any other

items that may be needed.

We can offer funding of between £10 and £200 and the application process is very

simple and fast with money arriving usually within days.

 

To find out more about the fund please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556572660181

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/glastonbury-care-home

To apply please email:

glastonbury@brunelcare.org.uk

The fund is managed by Brunelcare’s Glastonbury Care Home.

Reg’d Charity 2015

 

Events

  • Legacy in nursing – FREE EVENT 27th March @ Taunton Rugby Club.

Please find attached a flyer for this event and hosted by NHSE on behalf of Somerset ICS. Subject- attraction and retention into Somerset for newly registered nurses and AHPs, with a particular focus on the roles of Preceptorship, PNA and Legacy Mentorship.

The event will include a range of presentations as well as interactive sessions and networking opportunities. It is open to nursing and AHP students, newly qualified nurses and AHPs and managers or staff who support newly qualified colleagues across the system. Lunch will be provided with a ‘marketplace’ where there will be representatives from St Margrets Hospice, PCN, SCC and SFT. If there are any providers who wish to promote their service, we can arrange for you to talk about it and perhaps have a stand (free). Please contact hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk to register interest for the stand and/or presentation.

 

28th March 10:30 – 11:30

Joining RCPAs monthly data security workshop, Howden will be discussing cyber security and how being prepared and fostering a strong culture will help defend your business.

To register for this workshop, please click here.

 

Skills for Care

Information and support from Skills for Care, please click here

RCPA Members’ bulletin 7th March 2024

Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

 

News and Resources

  • ***SWAST/Police/Coroner important update***

A recent operative Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that has come into effect and deals with Police Attendance at sudden deaths, following concerns from care home managers and providers, due to a lack of police attendance. Historically, the position was that police were to attend all unexpected community deaths even if there were no suspicious circumstances. This position has changed, with immediate effect to the following:

Expected Death

  • Is one where the deceased has an advanced, progressive, or incurable disease.
  • Death is anticipated, expected, or predicted.
  • These cases should be discussed with the deceased’s GP and the police will not usually be required to attend.

Unexpected Death

  • Is one where the death is not anticipated or related to an illness that has been identified as terminal.
  • Historically police were required to attend all unexpected deaths, even where there were no suspicious circumstances.  The SOP changes this.
  • If the attending ambulance crew do not regard the death as suspicious (i.e. no suggest of suicide, drug use, criminal activity or violent for example) then the police do not need to attend.

 

  • Reform of public funding
  • Further cut of 2p to NI (a total of 4p in one year)
  • No spending review until after General Election
  • Whilst there is an additional £2.5 billion extra funding for the NHS, the budget does not speak to support for social care and commitment to ASC reforms.
  • Key opportunity missed to support local authorities and alleviate huge funding pressures, ditto care providers regarding pressures with recruitment and retention, many people awaiting assessments and care packages. It’s even more important and timely to send in your letters (linked) to your local MP!
  • VAT threshold rises from £85 k to £90k.

 

  • CQC assessments and impact on managers and staff

We’re hearing about experiences nationally of providers who are being negatively impacted by assessments, particularly the SAF and since the pandemic. Think of Ruth Perry and Ofsted, highlighted in the press. We’d like to hear your views on this so please look out for a short survey on the subject next week. We intend to collectively present the findings to CQC with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of the SAF methodology.

 

Events

  • MCA/DOLs Drop in Session

Monday 11th March via TEAMs 15.00-16.00hrs.

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

Chris Hamilton from Somerset Council will be joining the call to answer any queries you may have on this subject. Chris has asked if you can please come to the session with any scenarios/issues you may want to discuss.

 

  • ***LD/Day/Dom Care Forum – 13th March***

Apologies, we have had to change the meeting to TEAMs, so please do not travel to Stoke St Gregory as previously advertised.

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

Time remains the same-13.30-15.30hrs. Programme will be confirmed early next week but will include Academy updates and mandatory training resource. We are joined by Eelke Zoestbergen, Quality Lead for LD/Mental Health, NHS.

This concludes the series of RMNs for 23/24. Thank you for your support with these.

 

28th March 10:30 – 11:30

Joining RCPAs monthly data security workshop, Howden will be discussing cyber security and how being prepared and fostering a strong culture will help defend your business.

To register for this workshop, please click here.

29th February Registered Managers Network Meeting follow up

RMN 29th February – follow up.

 

Thanks to all those who were able to join us at the RMN yesterday. We had some useful and informative conversations around:

 

  • Academy updates – what providers would like to see in terms of training now and for the future, initial conversations around ‘mandatory’ training and what constitutes ‘mandatory’ and other training required across the care sector. We encourage and will continue the conversation with Academy partners as it’s important for ASC providers to help shape future training and development and have parity with NHS colleagues.
  • Somerset Rapid response, Urgent Community Response and Hospital at Home: Louise.Bird@somersetft.nhs.uk or telephone 07917371972 – please see attached re ‘9 Pillars of UCR’.
  • Care Leavers’ Covenant – please contact Oli Fletcher if you can support this important initiative oliver.fletcher@nhs.net also please see slides attached for more info.
  • SfC Workstream updates – Holly Stockdale, SfC- including Ask WDS, Digital info and dates for your diary – please see attached slides.
  • From RCPA – if any provider would like to be involved in strategic system work, help shape best practice around LeDeR framework and participate in the Somerset System Mortality Group (care provider representative is vital), meetings are bi-monthly and for 1.5 hours. You will also triangulate themes, review national rates, discuss governance, and suggest improvements for care (could be useful for CQC evidence and assessments, reflecting learning back to service). Please contact joanne.hawkins2@nhs.net (Quality Lead for Care Homes and Community).
  • Next RMN – LD and Dom care – 13th March, 13.30-15.30hrs. Stoke St Gregory Village Hall. Programme TBC.

RCPA Members bulletin 28th February 2024

Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

News and Resources

UK Home office updates/key points for international recruitment

The Home Office has announced several changes to the Immigration Rules concerning the sponsored Skilled Worker route and family migration.

Further details on the policy proposals were published on 21 December 2023, set out in a ‘fact sheet’ which can be accessed here.

Recent ministerial announcements have included further detail on transitional measures, along with a clearer timetable for the introduction of a number of the reforms.

Those key changes:

  • Increases to Skilled Worker route salary thresholds

The general salary threshold to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa will rise from £26,200 to £38,700 and this will be introduced from 4 April 2024.In addition, ‘going rates’ for each recognised occupation will be increased. In other words, companies will only be able to sponsor individuals whose salaries exceed the 50th percentile for that particular occupation (the going rate is currently at the 25th percentile). The rates are based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.

For occupations where the going rates, even at the 50th percentile, are below the overall threshold of £38,700 the change is largely irrelevant. The reliance on the 50th percentile is more likely to be relevant to higher paid roles, that are paid beyond £38,700 and for which the occupation rate will take precedence.

It has been confirmed that those already on the Skilled Worker route before the changes take place will be exempt from the new salary thresholds when they change sponsor, extend their permission, or apply to settle in the UK. However, the Government has confirmed that they expect Skilled Workers’ pay to progress at the same rate as resident workers. Therefore, Skilled Workers would be subject to updated per occupation rates set at the 25th percentile using the latest pay data when they next make an application to change employment, extend their stay, or settle.

Those switching to Skilled Worker visas from other routes after the changes will not be entitled to these exemptions.

The fact sheet confirms that there will be an exemption from the salary rises for those on the Health and Social Care Visa route. They will not be required to meet the £38,700 salary threshold applied to Skilled Workers more generally. Education workers and others on national pay-scales will also be exempt from this requirement.

It has been confirmed that new-entrant carers and senior carers will be prohibited from bringing their dependants to the UK from 11 March 2024.

  • Shortage Occupation List

The fact sheet confirms that the Migrant Advisory Committee (MAC) will replace the Shortage Occupation List, with an “Immigration Salary List”. As part of this process, the 20% ‘discount’ applied to the going rate for shortage occupations will be removed. However, a discounted general threshold will be applied to certain occupations on the new list, though it is not yet clear what that discount will be. Some commentators have mooted a figure of 80% of the general threshold, which is still a substantial increase from the current position.

It is expected that these changes will be introduced on 4 April 2024, as changes to the general salary thresholds are implemented.

Income requirement for the family route

The minimum income requirement for a family visa will now be increased incrementally from £18,600 to £38,700. The first stage will be introduced on 11 April 2024, when the threshold will be increased to £29,000. The threshold will later be increased to £34,500 and finally to £38,700 in early 2025. The precise timescales for these further changes remain unclear.

£29,000 is still a significant increase for many families and much uncertainty remains around when the further increases to £34,500 and subsequently £38,700 will be introduced.

Changes to the Graduate visa route

The MAC will also review the Graduate visa route in the coming weeks. It is unclear what this review will entail or when it will be complete, but we can assume it will be available in late 2024. We can also assume that it will predominantly affect the ability of Graduates to bring their dependants to the UK.

Next steps

Members concerned by any of these changes are advised to review timelines and recruitment plans, to assess whether sponsorship can be brought forward before the Immigration Rules change. Families who are concerned by meeting the new financial thresholds should also look into bringing forward any relocation plans.

 

Events

  • Registered Manager’s Network meeting

REMINDER: The next general RMN will be Thursday 29th February 13.30-15.30hrs at West Coker Village Hall, 94 High St, West Coker, Yeovil BA22 9AU.

Programme:

  • Welcome, intros and refreshments
  • Academy updates and progress – Oli Fletcher, Somerset Integrated Care System Workforce Programme Lead
  • Care Leavers’ Covenant – Oli Fletcher
  • Academy engagement/provider working groups – James Cawley, Somerset Council
  • Urgent Care response, Hospital at home, Rapid Response – Louise Bird, Head of Hospital at Home, Rapid Response and UCR (from 4th March), Kate Smith, Head of intermediate care services in Somerset.
  • Optimise workplace well-being training – Jo Ashton, Founder and Director of Optimise Workplace Wellbeing
  • Holly Stockdale, Skills for Care

Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk to register.

 

 

  • RWK Goodman Seminar: Key HR and employment law changes in 2024 – are you ready?

Tuesday 5th March 2024, 9.45am until 1.00pm

Edgar Hall, Somerton, TA11 6SB

Free onsite parking

£10 per ticket for RCPA members

An in-person employment law seminar with the specialist employment solicitors in RWK Goodman’s Health & Social Care team.

 

What can you expect?

The seminar will cover upcoming changes in HR and employment law in 2024 including:

  • Changes to holiday entitlement and pay calculations for bank and casual workers
  • New worker rights to request predictable working hours, flexible working and carer’s leave.
  • Changes to family leave rights including statutory paternity and maternity leave
  • New duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment
  • HMRC targets care sector for National Minimum Wage – are you compliant?
  • A new workforce strategy for social care

 

RWK Goodman will be discussing the practical impact of these changes and how your organisation can prepare for them.

There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions, share experiences and network with your peers.

For more information about the seminar, please click here. To register please email admin@rcpa.org.uk with delegate names, organisation name and email address for invoice.

Places are first come first serve, so please reserve your place today to avoid missing out.

 

 

  • LD/Day Care/Dom Care Forum – 13th March 2024

The final LD/Dom/Day Care Forum of 23/24 will be held at Stoke St Gregory Williams Hall on 13th March, 13.3-15.30hrs, programme to be confirmed soon.

Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk to register.

 

 

Joining RCPAs monthly data security workshop, Howden will be discussing cyber security and how being prepared and fostering a strong culture will help defend your business.

To register for this workshop, please click here.

 

 

  • OMMT Webinar 31st January updates

Following the webinar held on 31st January, for those who missed it, please see the link to further resources and a recording of the webinar

https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/learning-disability/current-projects/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism/employer-resources

NB – Last week we posted an item regarding an expression of interest for OMMT Trainers (see attached poster) which states the deadline for submission is this Friday 1st March. Please note that any EOIs received after this date will still be considered, so we would encourage you if interested, to send these asap.

 

  • Your Autistic Voice matters – Celebrating Autistic life and speaking up in the South West

Please share in your services as you see fit.

Inclusion Gloucestershire will be hosting a ‘Your Autistic Voice Matters’ event which will be run by Autistic people and is for Autistic people.

 

  • Are you a newly diagnosed Autistic person?
  • Are you self-diagnosed or waiting for a diagnosis?
  • Or have you had a diagnosis for a while?
  • Do you find it hard to get what you need from health and social care services?
  • Do you want to feel part of a welcoming and supportive community?
  • Join the Your Voice Neurodiverse Network for this online conference to find out about your rights in health and social care and how to speak up for them.
  • We will also dispel myths about autism and celebrate what brings us joy as Autistic people without judgement or censorship!
  • Other neurodiverse people are welcome too!
  • We will be talking about:
    • Myth busting stereotypes
    • Your rights accessing social care
    • Reasonable adjustments in health care
    • Celebrating Autistic interests
    • User led organisations and how they can help you
    • Moments of Autistic joy

 

Details

Date: Wednesday, 27th March

Time: 10.30 to 3.00

Venue: Virtual – via Microsoft Teams

Booking link: Your Autistic Voice Matters | NHS England Events

 

From our Partners

RWK Goodman webinars – International Recruitment

RWK Goodman are running a series of webinars for international recruitment. These sessions will be recorded if you are unable to join; the recordings will be available after the 13th of March.

All virtual sessions 11:00-13:00.

 

Ethical Recruitment Practices 11:00-13:00 Thursday 28th March 2024 with Adrian Henderson

TEAMS LINK- Click here to join the meeting

Overview of government guidance on ethical recruitment within care sector recruitment (which is a requirement of the funding) including:

  • Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel in England;
  • Restrictions on active recruitment from named countries on the government’s ‘red list’;
  • Ethical use of third party recruiters;
  • Costs of international recruitment being passed on to migrant workers and risks of debt bondage and financial exploitation;
  • Risks of noncompliance with minimum salary thresholds associated with recouperation of costs.
  • Modern slavery risks and sanctions imposed for breaches of modern slavery laws;

 

 

Right to Work Checks 11:00-13:00 Thursday 4th April 2024 with Sophie Waller

TEAMS LINK: Click here to join the meeting

Overview of mandatory right to work checks imposed on all UK employers including:

 

  • Overview on duty to prevent illegal working;
  • Methods of right to work checks;
  • Recent changes to accepted proofs of right to work;
  • Impact on and overlap with sponsor licence duties;
  • Potential consequences for failure to correctly carry out mandatory checks.

 

 

Compliance Training 11:00-13:00 Monday 29th April 2024 with Sudipta Dey

TEAMS LINK: Click here to join the meeting

Content includes:

 

  • Overview of Skilled Worker route including basics of points-based requirements for skilled workers.
  • Sponsor licence holder compliance duties including: o Specifical of roles of internal key personnel;
  • Mandatory reporting duties regarding migrant worker employment/ activities and organisational changes/restructures.
  • Mandatory record keeping duties;
  • What to do in cases of detected noncompliance;
  • Home Office compliance visits and other methods of compliance checking;
  • Overview of potential home office sanctions for breaches.

 

RCPA Digital Bulletin

Dear Member,

Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) reminder

Please ensure that you review and republish your DSPT as soon as possible. The DSPT is an annual assessment of your organisations data security and a good opportunity to reflect on these elements of your business.

 

Why do I need to keep my DSPT updated?

  • As part of the single assessment framework, CQC now require providers to complete the DSPT and keep it updated. Under well led CQC say “you comply with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) or equivalent as a minimum. This also applies where you use a combination of digital and paper records”.
  • If you have an NHS standard contract, you must also be compliant with the DSPT.
  • Access to NHSmail also requires you to have an up to date DSPT.
  • The DSPT will help you be compliant with UK GDPR & data protection legislation.

 

Please visit https://www.dsptoolkit.nhs.uk/ and check if your DSPT has been updated for 23/24. If you require any support with reviewing and republishing your DSPT please contact daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk

 

You can also attend the BSBC national workshops on reviewing and republishing your DSPT :

 

Upcoming digital and data security events

Joining RCPA’s monthly data security workshop, Howden will be discussing cyber security and how being prepared and fostering a strong culture will help defend your business.

 

This webinar will talk about the reason why data standards and data sets are important for care organisations and people who use services.

 

Find out about how care providers have received funding to purchase digital social care records and falls prevention technology along with what’s planned in year 3 of the programme.

 

Making cyber security accessible to all. Understanding the biggest threats facing small organisations, how to deal with them and what support and guidance is available.

 

Industry news

Use of generative AI in ASC – On 1st February 24, 30 organisations and representatives of Adult Social Care met at Reuben College, University of Oxford, to address the urgent need to define what it means to ‘responsibly use’ generative AI in adult social care.

Click here to read the full article – Generative AI in Adult Social Care: Defining what ‘responsible use’ looks like

 

NHSmail Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – The NHSmail team in NHS England have provided an update for all NHSmail users, urging them to enable MFA on their NHSmail accounts.

Click here to read the full article – NHSmail Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

RCPA Members bulletin 21st February

Please find a roundup of the latest news and resources we think may be of interest to you.

News and Resources
• Following our last members’ call and discussion around administration of specialist medication/injections by nurses in nursing homes and access to DN support, RCPA has flagged this and will be working with NHS to look at building a matrix of training to support ASC nurses. This also follows raising awareness regarding syringe driver training and competencies which LARCH is now delivering. We’ll keep you posted.

** IMPORTANT: Letters templates for your local MP **
In this election year and constrained times, it’s vitally important that our voices are heard at a local and national level. The RCPA and Board members have composed a couple of template letters which we would encourage you to personalise and send direct to your local MP, as soon as possible. You may prefer to send one or both; the ‘Speaking up for Care’ letter is a direct invitation to the MP and media to your care setting. The more voices, the louder and stronger the message!
We would love to hear about any responses you receive!

Speaking up for Care letter template

Members letter to MP template

Link to list of MPs and their contact details can be found here:
https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/mgMemberIndexMP.aspx?bcr=1 
• Sarah Dyke. Liberal Democrat. Somerton and Frome.
• Marcus Fysh. Conservative. Yeovil.
• James Heappey. Conservative. Wells.
• Ian Liddell-Grainger. Conservative. Bridgwater and West Somerset.
• Rebecca Pow. Conservative. Taunton Deane.

Many thanks for your support with this.

• *** ASC Provider consultation and financial update reminder ***
As part of the fee settings for 2024/25, there will be a live webinar being held on the 23rd February between 11.00 and 13.00. Please save this link to join.
In this webinar Paul Coles will share with you the proposals being put forward as part of the fee levels for 2024/25 and explain in more detail the adult’s budgetary situation, the challenges, and opportunities we face in the adult social care sector.

International recruitment illustrative scenarios from DHSC, following latest changes, correct as of 29/1/24, please find attached.

**** Oliver McGowan training updates ****
Following raising awareness with access to training for ASC providers, please find attached a poster asking for ‘Expressions of Interest’ from people to train to become Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training trainers (Tiers 1 and 2 of training and the ‘trio’ of facilitator and two experts by experience). Submission deadline is 1st March. The RCPA understands that the training duration is four days; the first two days are the Learning Disability training and the following week the second 2 days will be the Autism training. The sets of days are one week apart. It’s anticipated that this will take place in Taunton, but we will keep you posted as soon as we hear more from NHS.

Wellbeing podcast
Wellbeing podcast information attached re Borderline Personality disorder – ‘What is normal?’ also link https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.castos.com/episodes/borderline-personality-disorder-what-is-normal

 

Events
RCPA & SWCRC workshop – Keeping your IT infrastructure safe from prying eyes – 22nd Feb 11:00 – 12:00
Join RCPA’s Dan along with Ross and Andrew from The Southwest Cyber Resilience Centre for a workshop around your home routers and IT infrastructure. Ross and Andrew will be covering:
o Why keeping software up to date is important
o Encrypting data on laptops
o Backups and disaster recovery
To register for this workshop, please click here.

Registered Manager’s Network meetings
REMINDER: The next general RMN will be Thursday 29th February 13.30-15.30hrs at West Coker Village Hall, 94 High St, West Coker, Yeovil BA22 9AU. Programme will be finalised early next.
Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk to register.

The final LD/Dom/Day Care RMN of 23/24 will be held at Stoke St Gregory Williams Hall on 13th March, 13.3-15.30hrs, programme to be confirmed soon.

• RWK Goodman Seminar: Key HR and employment law changes in 2024 – are you ready?
Tuesday 5th March 2024, 9.45am until 1.00pm
Edgar Hall, Somerton, TA11 6SB
Free onsite parking
£10 per ticket for RCPA members
An in-person employment law seminar with the specialist employment solicitors in RWK Goodman’s Health & Social Care team.

What can you expect?
The seminar will cover upcoming changes in HR and employment law in 2024 including:
• Changes to holiday entitlement and pay calculations for bank and casual workers
• New worker rights to request predictable working hours, flexible working and carer’s leave.
• Changes to family leave rights including statutory paternity and maternity leave
• New duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment
• HMRC targets care sector for National Minimum Wage – are you compliant?
• A new workforce strategy for social care

RWK Goodman will be discussing the practical impact of these changes and how your organisation can prepare for them.
There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions, share experiences and network with your peers.
For more information about the seminar, please click here. To register please email admin@rcpa.org.uk with delegate names, organisation name and email address for invoice.
Places are first come first serve, so please reserve your place today to avoid missing out.

RCPA & Howden data security workshop – Prevention is the best defence – 28th March 10:30 – 11:30
Joining RCPAs monthly data security workshop, Howden will be discussing cyber security and how being prepared and fostering a strong culture will help defend your business.
To register for this workshop, please click here.

SASP (Somerset Activity Sports Partnership)
‘Fit for work’ course in Bridgwater. SASP are delivering a number of ‘Fit for Work’ courses this year, with the first being in Bridgwater in 1 weeks’ time. The course is designed to support adults with LD and autism, who are looking for / interested in gaining employment, to be physically fit for the workplace. The aim is to increase stamina and functional movement, as well as develop their soft skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience, stepping outside of their comfort zone etc. Link to the course here: https://www.sasp.co.uk/events/2024/02/fit-for-work-bridgwater

 

 

From our Partners
• RWK Board Briefing
12th March, 10.00-11.00hrs via ZOOM.
This session is an ‘executive digest’ that will provide insights into a range of topics currently
on the agenda of care sector businesses across the country. RWK will highlight the latest developments, trends, issues, and opportunities in the care sector, and provide practical frameworks to deal with current challenges.
Date
Tuesday 12 March
Time
10am-11am
Venue
This is a virtual event hosted on Zoom
RSVP

 

• Borderless
Borderless wins government contract to launch in the South East.
Big News!
We have just won a government contract to deliver the Borderless platform across the South East of the UK.
In partnership with SESCA (South East Social Care Alliance) and Oxfordshire County Council, the platform will become available to more than 4,500 care providers across the region, handling all aspects of recruitment, immigration and compliance.

Read the full announcement here.

Join our introductory webinars on February 28th and 29th to learn more about the platform and how it can benefit your organisation!

Register Here

 

Optimise Workplace Wellbeing
Optimise Workplace Wellbeing works with organisations and businesses to plan, implement and deliver wellbeing strategies and training into the workplace. The service you receive is bespoke and tailored to meet the needs of your business and its vision, and our promise is that we continue to support you once we are engaged, completely free of charge.
As a QualSafe Registered Training Centre, we offer OfQual accredited Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Awareness & First Aid in the Workplace qualifications.
We also provide a range of Wellbeing therapies, including but not limited to Massage, Yoga, Relaxation Workshops, Mindfulness, Stress & Anxiety Coaching as well as Executive Coaching, our new Wellbeing Leadership Programme – a 6 module training programme, and our incredible Wellbeing Retreats, focused at Senior Leaders to enable them to appreciate and learn about the benefits of having a robust mental health and wellbeing programme in place.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR RCPA MEMBERS:
FREE Wellbeing Health Check:
Let us look at what you have on offer to support your colleagues’ mental health and wellness and let us help to see how we can help you utilise this for your employees in the most effective way possible. Helping to reduce absenteeism and create a happy, valued team of people within your organisation is our area of expertise.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID QUALIFICATION: £245.00 instead of £295.00
Throughout this 2-day course, learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively promote positive mental health in the workplace by covering a range of topics, including: understanding mental health and its importance, awareness of their own wellbeing as a Mental Health First Aider, common mental health conditions, Learn how to spot the signs and support people that are struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions, including: Depression, Suicide, Anxiety Disorders (including OCD, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and PTSD), Eating Disorders, Psychosis and Self-Injury ad learn how to support those experiencing poor mental health at work with tools such as active listening and non-judgemental support.

Upcoming Course:
Our next MHFA Course is 19th and 26th March at The Ibis Hotel, Bridgwater – lunch, refreshments and training materials provided.
For more information or to book onto a course please contact hello@optimiseworkplacewellbeing.co.uk

Important letter templates for your local MP

In this election year and constrained times, it’s vitally important that our voices are heard at a local and national level. The RCPA and Board members have composed a couple of template letters which we would encourage you to personalise and send direct to your local MP, as soon as possible. You may prefer to send one or both; the ‘Speaking up for Care’ letter is a direct invitation to the MP and media to your care setting. The more voices, the louder and stronger the message!

Speaking up for Care template

Members for MP’s template

We would love to hear about any responses you receive!

 

Link to list of MPs and their contact details can be found here:

https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/mgMemberIndexMP.aspx?bcr=1

  • Sarah Dyke. Liberal Democrat. Somerton and Frome.
  • Marcus Fysh. Conservative. Yeovil.
  • James Heappey. Conservative. Wells.
  • Ian Liddell-Grainger. Conservative. Bridgwater and West Somerset.
  • Rebecca Pow. Conservative. Taunton Deane.

 

Many thanks for your support with this.