Author: Juliet Smith

A new handbook has been developed to support health and care professionals across Sussex in delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive end-of-life care.

It reminds us that providing appropriate care, especially at the end of life, means recognising and respecting a person’s spirituality, faith, and cultural beliefs. Understanding what someone believes about life, illness, and dying is essential to providing care that respects their identity and values.

The handbook encourages a shift away from assumptions and towards open, personalised conversations. It acknowledges that individuals practise faith and culture in deeply personal ways, and that care must reflect this.

Adapted from work in Frimley and shaped by a Sussex-based working group, this guide is a helpful step towards more equitable and compassionate care for all.

Access the resource: Respecting Faith and Culture in End-of-Life Care.

Welcome to another update on What’s New in Adult Social Care, where we share the latest courses and resources for health and social care managers and teams in Sussex.

If you missed last week’s newsletter on Moving and handling, you can click here to read it now. You’ll also find a full list of previous editions on the MILE Pathway newsletter page, ready for you to revisit anytime.

Click here to read the 5th May edition →

A new documentary titled Care is set to premiere nationwide this spring, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the daily lives of care home residents and staff. Filmed entirely by the team at a North East care home as it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, the film captures moments of compassion, resilience, and joy that define the care sector.

As part of #CelebratingSocialCare Month, Care will be screened in cinemas and universities across the UK. The documentary highlights the dedication of care workers and the vibrant communities within care homes, while also calling for greater awareness and policy change across the sector.

For more information about the film and upcoming screenings, visit: carethefilm.com.

Welcome to another update on What’s New in Adult Social Care, where we share the latest courses and resources for health and social care managers and teams in Sussex.

If you missed last week’s newsletter on Learning from incidents and near misses, you can click here to read it now. You’ll also find a full list of previous editions on the MILE Pathway newsletter page, ready for you to revisit anytime.

Click here to read the 21st April edition →

SESCA’s international recruitment legal helpline is back — for a limited time only, from Tuesday 22nd April to Friday 16th May 2025.

During this period, CQC-registered adult social care providers based in the South-East can book a free 30-minute phone consultation with an immigration law expert from Lester Aldridge Solicitors. There’s no obligation, and the advice is tailored to support providers navigating international recruitment.

Helpline details:
Phone: 01202 786 126
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 09:00am – 17:00pm, Monday to Friday (voicemail available outside these times).

For full details and terms, visit the SESCA website: Free international recruitment legal helpline.

The Great Care Employer scheme, developed by West Sussex County Council in partnership with West Sussex Partners in Care, offers care providers a way to highlight the benefits of working for their organisation. The scheme’s webpage has now moved to the West Sussex Care Provider Zone, where the content has been refreshed and expanded. It now features a range of resources designed to help providers strengthen their offer and showcase examples of good practice.

To support you further, the Quality Assurance and Market Support Team is offering an initial support call or meeting. During this session, they’ll use your completed toolkit to:

• Identify any gaps or areas for improvement
• Highlight strengths and examples of good practice
• Offer advice around recruitment and retention challenges

To request support or receive a copy of the toolkit, email: [email protected].

Find out more: Great Care Employer.

The Care Certificate Standards have been refreshed to reflect developments in the sector, including the introduction of the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate. A self-assessment tool, employer and assessor guidance, a summary of changes, and FAQs are all available to support the updated standards.

These standards outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected in key health and social care roles, and can help shape effective inductions. The 2015 version will remain available until the end of July 2025 to support a smooth transition.

See the updated standards: Care Certificate standards 2025. 

Welcome to the latest edition of What’s New in Adult Social Care — where we share the latest courses and resources for health and social care managers and teams across Sussex.

Don’t forget, you can browse all recent editions and join our mailing list by visiting our newsletter page.

Click here to read this week’s update.