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Free international recruitment legal helpline back 1st September!

Written by Juliet Smith on 27 August 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

Due to popular demand, SESCA’s international recruitment legal helpline will be back for 3 months from 1st September until 28th November 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:
https://sesca.org.uk/legalhelpline/

Medicines Optimisation for Care Homes (MOCH) training

Written by Juliet Smith on 15 August 2025. Posted in Event. Leave a Comment

These sessions, delivered by the Sussex Community NHS Foundation trust Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes (MOCH) team, will cover Self-Care medications, Homely Remedy medications and Personal Care medications/items. Participants will be given resources which can be adapted to suit the individual needs of the care home and will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The sessions are suitable for all care home staff who manage and administer medication in a care home setting.

Upcoming sessions:

Tuesdays at 14:30pm – 2nd September 2025, 10th October 2025, 4th November 2025, 2nd December 2025, 6th January 2026, 3rd February 2026 & 3rd March 2026

How to join:
No booking required, simply click the link below to join the session via Microsoft Teams:
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 375 393 048 486
Passcode: hp29d27S
Dial in by phone
+44 20 3321 5208,,726027855#

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

The safer management of controlled drugs: Annual update 2024

Written by Juliet Smith on 15 August 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

The CQC’s latest report reviews how controlled drugs are managed across health and care services in England, based on inspections, engagement work, and intelligence networks.

Key 2024 findings:

Changes ahead for NHS England’s controlled drugs oversight function
Gaps in cross-border prescribing data
Challenges in timely access to controlled drugs for end-of-life care in care homes
Fraudulent activity and diversion of controlled drugs

Data in this update relates to the calendar year 2024, with relevant information also included for early 2025.

Click here to read the report →

Upcoming webinars from Skills for Care

Written by Juliet Smith on 9 August 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

Skills for Care is hosting a range of webinars this September, covering topics from training requirements to digital tools, commissioning, and upcoming reforms. You can find the details below.

Mental Health Act reform – Building community support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities
Thursday 4th September 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm
This session is for anyone working in adult social care or advocating for people who are autistic or have a learning disability. It offers insight into the proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act and focuses on strengthening community-based support to help prevent avoidable or extended hospital admissions.
Click here to find out more and register →

The Principles of Commissioning for Wellbeing level 5 qualification information session
Wednesday 10th September 2025
13:00pm – 13:45pm
Find out more about the Level 5 qualification in commissioning for wellbeing. Aimed at those in commissioning roles, the session covers course content, available funding, and what the qualification can offer.
Click here to find out more and register →

Overview of the mandatory training requirement on learning disability and autism: What you need to know about the Code of Practice
Thursday 11th September 2025
10:30am – 11:30pm
This webinar introduces the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice and how CQC-registered providers can meet the new legal training requirement. Speakers from DHSC and CQC will be attending, with time for questions and discussion.
Click here to find out more and register →

Getting stronger: How digital can work for you
Thursday 18th September 2025
10:00am – 11:00am
This session is designed to help frontline managers make effective use of digital tools in day-to-day practice. It will explore how to integrate technology confidently and highlight the training available to support both individual and team development.
Click here to find out more and register →

AI: Starting small, growing smarter – an introduction to how small changes can unlock big value in social care services
Thursday 25th September 2025
10:00am – 11:00am
Delivered in collaboration with The Outstanding Society, this session introduces practical ways for registered managers to start using AI in care settings. The focus is on small, manageable steps that can reduce admin pressure and support day-to-day decision-making.
Click here to find out more and register →

Skills for Care Deputy Manager Networks

Written by Juliet Smith on 2 August 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

Building on the success of their Registered Manager Networks, Skills for Care has developed dedicated networks for deputy managers, team leaders and aspiring leaders. These virtual sessions offer a supportive space to connect with peers, share experiences, explore challenges and develop practical solutions together.

The networks aim to boost confidence and equip participants with tools and techniques to support their development, helping to ensure services remain well-led and consistently deliver high-quality care.

Each session is facilitated by a Skills for Care Locality Manager and focuses on topics relevant to deputies, team leaders and aspiring leaders.

Upcoming meetings for the London and South East networks:

Thursday 23rd October 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Wednesday 25th March 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration details will be shared soon.

Click here to find out more →

If you have questions or would like to speak with someone before joining, you’re welcome to contact your Skills for Care Locality Manager. They can also arrange an introductory call if you’re new to the network:

Glory Nyero – [email protected]
Margaret Sharpe – [email protected]

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Elder Care Webinar for Sussex Care Homes

Written by Juliet Smith on 26 July 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

🗓️ LGBTQ+ Inclusive Elder Care Webinar

Wednesday 10th September 2025,
14:00pm – 16:00pm

This two-hour webinar explores how care homes can provide LGBTQ+ inclusive support, with a focus on HIV care, PREP awareness, and fostering a sense of wellness and belonging for older LGBTQ+ people.

The session is aimed at residential and nursing home teams across Sussex, but everyone is welcome.

Click here to find out more and register →

Free international recruitment legal helpline extended

Written by Juliet Smith on 26 July 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

SESCA’s international recruitment legal helpline has now been extended until Friday 1st August 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 →

New podcast from Digital Care Hub!

Written by Juliet Smith on 19 July 2025. Posted in Developing business, administration and digital skills. Leave a Comment

CTRL + Care is a brand-new podcast from Digital Care Hub, launched on Friday 18th July. Hosted by Michelle Corrigan (Programme Director, Better Security, Better Care) and Katie Thorn (Project Lead, Digital Care Hub), each 20–30 minute episode explores the latest updates in adult social care, digital transformation, and cyber security.

The first episode features highlights from a recent speech by Michelle Dyson, Director General at the Department of Health and Social Care, covering key issues including digital inclusion, AI in social care, and data security.

Click here to watch the first episode on YouTube →

Follow on Spotify and YouTube for future episodes.

Pay, Sponsorship & the Law: A Compliance Update from HMRC and Borderless

Written by Juliet Smith on 12 July 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

📅 Tuesday 22nd July 2025
11:00am

This free webinar brings together HMRC’s National Minimum Wage team and Borderless to explore how employers can stay compliant when employing sponsored workers, particularly in higher-risk sectors such as social care. The webinar is aimed at care home and home care employers, HR leads, and anyone sponsoring or planning to sponsor international workers.

Key topics include:

Common minimum wage compliance issues and how to avoid them
What to expect during an HMRC compliance check
How to self-correct breaches before penalties apply
Steps to protect your organisation from significant fines

Click here to find out more and register →

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