Author: Juliet Smith

It’s been a year since Skills for Care launched the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England, developed in collaboration with people across the sector. The strategy set out a clear direction for the future of the workforce, along with practical steps to address current challenges. One year later, over half of the 56 recommendations are already complete or underway.

To mark the anniversary, Skills for Care are sharing updates, reflections and new resources between Thursday 19th June and Friday 18th July 2025.

Click here to read more and access the resources →

Care England’s latest publication is out now, sharing sector insights, updates, and cost-saving strategies developed within adult social care.

In this issue:

• Money saving updates
• Guidance on considering candidates with criminal convictions
• How to maximise your recruitment budget
• Exploring whether environmentally friendly approaches can also reduce costs
• The role of nutrition, malnutrition, and hydration in care
• Answers to questions on insurance, pension opt-outs, local elections, and more

Read the full publication here →

The latest edition of What’s New in Adult Social Care is now available–a regular round-up of updates, learning opportunities, and events for care teams and managers across Sussex.

Click here to read the 16th June edition →

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.

Take part by Friday 4th July.

Complete the survey here: Learning and development survey for care providers.

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.

Visit Skills for Care’s website for the latest updates: #EverydayLeadership.

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.

Click here to read this week’s newsletter →

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.

Read the full report here: Health and social care support for people with dementia.