Skills for Care is looking to understand how adult social care providers are approaching learning and development—what’s working, what’s challenging, and what support might be needed in the future.
They’re inviting providers to share their experiences and priorities by:
Completing a short survey (around 15 minutes)
Taking part in a focus group or informal one-to-one discussion
The findings will help inform how Skills for Care develops and improves access to learning and support across the sector.
Skills for Care are highlighting the importance of everyday leadership in care this June and July, with tools, insights and learning resources to support inclusive leadership and high-quality care across all roles.
The campaign explores what good leadership looks like – not just in senior roles, but at every level. It also shines a light on inclusive practice and allyship, and how these can create better experiences for staff and people drawing on care and support.
Following the conversations and awareness raised during Dementia Action Week (19th–25th May), this edition of our newsletter takes a moment to reflect.
We’re sharing learning and development opportunities designed to deepen understanding and support best practice in dementia care. From practical training to thought-provoking webinars, we hope these resources help you continue the conversation, and support those living with dementia in the most informed, compassionate way.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has released a report titled Health and social care support for people with dementia, which explores how people with dementia and their families experience care in England. The findings draw on direct feedback from individuals, alongside data gathered from health and social care providers. The report highlights several ongoing challenges, as well as examples of good practice.
Challenges identified:
Many people felt that support after diagnosis was limited or inconsistent, often relying on their own efforts to access community and voluntary services.
There were concerns that staff across services did not always fully understand how to tailor care to individuals with dementia, particularly in environments that may be unfamiliar or distressing.
What made a positive difference:
Care that took place in calm, well-adapted settings and was delivered by staff who were knowledgeable, respectful, and person-centred.
Timely and attentive support from primary care during and after diagnosis, which helped individuals feel more secure and better understood.
GPs who listened carefully and responded to concerns played an important role in helping people receive a timely and appropriate diagnosis.
RM12 is a practical, year-long programme from Skills for Care, designed for registered managers, deputies, and aspiring leaders in adult social care. With just three hours each month, this supportive and structured course gives you space to reflect, grow, and lead with confidence. Each monthly session explores a key leadership theme, from supervision & goal setting to effective communication & conflict resolution, all grounded in your real-world experience.
What you’ll gain:
Practical leadership tools you can apply straight away
Greater self-awareness and resilience
A supportive peer network of fellow managers
Insight into real-life leadership challenges and solutions
Lasting skills to reduce staff turnover and improve team culture
Session delivery:
One session per month: Each interactive session takes place online from 09:30am – 12:30pm
Small cohort: Maximum of 20 participants per programme to support meaningful discussion and connection
Ongoing reflection: After each session, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in your workplace and share reflections with the group.
Next cohort: Tuesday 1st July 2025 – Tuesday 2nd June 2026 .
Join East Sussex Partners in Care (ESPiC), in partnership with Lester Aldridge and Alium Care Training, for this essential in-person workshop exploring the impact of the immigration rule changes introduced on 9th April, and what they mean for you as a provider.
Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025 Time: 11:00am – 13:30pm Venue: East Sussex National Golf & Spa Hotel, TN22 5ES Cost: Free
The workshop will cover:
What the new rules mean in practice: including new minimum salary thresholds, who they apply to, and updates on sponsoring in-country migrant workers
Best practice and maintaining ethical standards
Training and development opportunities for international workers
A chance to ask your questions in an interactive Q&A.
St Michael’s Hospice is offering a series of training opportunities for anyone working in local care homes or health and social care.
Both in-person and online options are available. In-person sessions will be held at the Arthur Easton Centre, 25 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 0LB. You’ll find the training options listed below, along with links to book. Sessions are free unless stated otherwise.
Schedule & booking links:
Bereavement Training
Monday 23rd June 2025, 12:30pm – 16:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Thursday 20th November 2025, 10:00am – 13:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Tuesday 20th January 2026, 10:00am – 13:00pm (in-person) FEES APPLY – Book now →
Frailty as a Condition
Wednesday 2nd July 2025, 09:30am – 12:30pm (online) – Book now →
Wednesday 15th October 2025, 09:30am – 12:30pm (online) – Book now →
Dementia as a Palliative Care Condition
Wednesday 2nd July 2025, 13:00pm – 16:00pm (online) – Book now →
Wednesday 15th October 2025, 13:00pm – 16:00pm (online) FEES APPLY – Book now →
Suicide Awareness
Wednesday 16th July 2025, 09:30am – 16:30pm (in-person) – Book now →
Thursday 26th March 2026, 09:30am – 16:30pm (in-person) – Book now →
Recognising Dying
Thursday 17th July 2025, 13:00pm – 16:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Friday 17th October 2025, 13:00pm – 16:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Verification of Expected Adult Death (VoEAD) (for RNs only)
Wednesday 10th September 2025, 09:30am – 12:30pm (in-person) – Book now →
Wednesday 14th January 2026, 09:30am – 12:30pm (in-person) – Book now →
Syringe Pump Training (for RNs only)
Wednesday 10th September 2025, 13:00pm – 16:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Wednesday 14th January 2026, 13:00pm – 16:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Challenging Conversations
Tuesday 23rd September 2025, 10:00am – 13:00pm (in-person) – Book now →
Palliative Care Emergencies
Monday 27th October 2025, 10:00am – 13:00pm (online) – Book now →
Monday 9th February 2026, 10:00am – 13:00pm (online) FEES APPLY – Book now →
With recent changes to immigration rules requiring care providers to prioritise international care workers already living in the UK, and with overseas recruitment set to end entirely later this year, we’ve gathered a range of resources to help you navigate this shifting landscape. From the latest updates and practical tools to learning opportunities for leaders, this edition is here to support you in attracting and retaining the talent your service needs to thrive.
This May, Skills for Care is supporting providers with practical guidance, expert insights, tools and seminars to help recruit the right people in adult social care.
Their latest campaign aims to help employers:
Build more diverse and inclusive workforces
Use values-based recruitment approaches
Create welcoming environments that encourage people to stay
The campaign supports the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care, which highlights the importance of improving recruitment practices and retaining a skilled, motivated workforce.
Stay updated by following #RecruitRight on LinkedIn and Facebook, or visit the campaign page linked below.
