What’s new in adult social care? – 16th March 2026
Welcome to another edition of What’s New in Adult Social Care, sharing a selection of the latest learning opportunities and resources for health and social care managers and teams across Sussex.
Author: Juliet Smith
NIHR Developing Research Leader Programme
This three-year programme provides a valuable opportunity for participants to advance their research careers and contribute to the future of healthcare research leadership. The opportunity includes access to leadership development, networking events, mentoring and peer support.
Provider: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Start date: 1st September 2026
Course length: 2 days a week for 3 years
Delivery mode: Self-directed and research-based learning with online support.
Cost: Funded
Application closing date: 21st April 2026
To be eligible for the DRL programme, applicants must:
- Be a nurse, midwife or AHP in England – see the NHS England list of AHP roles
- Meet the employment criteria listed on this page
- Have employer support to participate in the programme for two days per week for three years
For any queries about the programme, please contact drl@nihr.ac.uk.
Updated Leadership Qualities Framework (LQF)
The Leadership Qualities Framework (LQF) has recently been updated by Skills for Care. The framework sets out the values, skills and behaviours that underpin effective leadership in adult social care, with a strengthened focus on co‑production, equality, inclusion, and digital confidence.
Designed for people at all levels of the sector, the LQF provides a practical guide to the qualities that support strong leadership practice and ongoing development.
The framework is accompanied by a self-assessment tool to help individuals uncover their leadership strengths, identify areas for development and plan next steps. Together, these resources can support reflection, supervision, recruitment and staff development.
Click here to explore the updated Leadership Qualities Framework →
Stepping into clinical leadership
This week’s edition of the MILE newsletter focuses on developing clinical leadership, strengthening health knowledge, and building confidence in working closely with health partners. It brings together learning opportunities to support those who want to enhance their clinical skills, grow their leadership capability, and navigate the wider health and care system more effectively.
Lunch and Learn Leadership Series: Strengthen Your Impact
The NHS South East Leadership Academy is hosting a series of informal Lunch and Learn sessions designed to support health and social care professionals to strengthen their leadership and influencing skills.
Each one-hour session is designed to fit into busy working days and can be attended individually or as part of the full series. The sessions are open to all NHS and social care colleagues working across the South East region.
Session programme (all sessions between 12:00pm – 13:00pm):
The Power of Self-Awareness: Building Stronger Connections at Work
21st April 2026
Explore personality preferences and emotional intelligence, and how these influence relationships, trust and collaboration in the workplace.
Click here to register →
Think Bigger: Unlock Your Potential with a Growth Mindset
30th April 2026
Learn how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can support career development, resilience and continuous learning.
Click here to register →
Connect with Confidence: Elevate Your Communication in a Hybrid World
14th May 2026
Develop practical communication techniques to strengthen connection and influence in both in-person and virtual environments.
Click here to register →
Smart Tech for Smart Leaders: Staying Ahead Without Burning Out
3rd June 2026
Discover practical ways to use digital tools intentionally to stay organised, informed and productive without becoming overwhelmed.
Click here to register →
Embracing Opportunities: Using Influence and Visibility to Maximise Prospects
22nd June 2026
Explore how visibility and influence can open doors to new opportunities, projects and partnerships.
Click here to register →
What’s new in adult social care? – 2nd March 2026
Welcome to another edition of What’s New in Adult Social Care, sharing a selection of the latest learning opportunities and resources for health and social care managers and teams across Sussex.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
East Sussex County Council is hosting a free programme of events to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16th–20th March 2026), co-produced by the East Sussex Autism Partnership Board. The programme supports the development of the East Sussex All-Age Autism Action Plan and includes a range of sessions for professionals, including a focused event on neuro-inclusion in health and care.
Event programme:
- Monday 16th March, 12:30pm – 14:00pm (online) – Autopia: A vision for autistic acceptance and belonging in a future dimension: Find out more →
- Tuesday 17th March, 12:30pm – 14:00pm (online) – Developing Neuro-Inclusion in the Workplace: Find out more →
- Wednesday 18th March, 12:30pm – 13:30pm (online) – Developing Neuro-Inclusive Education: Find out more →
- Thursday 19th March, 12:30pm – 13:30pm (online) – Neuro-Inclusion in health and care: Find out more →
- Friday 20th March, 09:00am – 16:00pm (in-person) – Unity in Diversity: Exploring Neurodivergence, Towner Art Gallery and Cinema, Eastbourne: Find out more →
Thriving in Transition Interactive Series
This five-module interactive series is designed to equip senior leaders cross the South East with practical tools and techniques to lead confidently during times of change. Participants will gain a deeper insight, build stronger resilience, and enhance their ability to lead through volatility and ambiguity.
Session dates:
(Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 14:00pm)
- 10th March 2026
- 31st March 2026
- 14th April 2026
- 28th April 2026
- 12th May 2026
Please note: To secure a place, you must be able to attend all five sessions.
Click here to find out more and register via the NHS South East Leadership Academy website →
Recognising and responding to signs of deterioration
This week’s newsletter focuses on recognising deterioration, trusting professional judgement, and feeling confident to escalate concerns clearly and effectively. It brings together practical resources to support care home staff and managers to spot changes early, communicate concerns well, and ensure residents receive the right care at the right time.
FREE Lunch & Listen Webinar hosted by Sussex Partners in Care
Utility Aid: all you need to know about member and community benefits.
Thursday 26th February 2026,
12:30pm – 13:00pm
Utility Aid secure charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK the best possible service agreements on water, gas and electricity.
During this session, Stephanie Steele (Partnerships Manager) will give more of an overview about how Utility Aid can support the care sector and insight into the new Utility Aid Foundation, collective purchasing and how this can save you money and time.
