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A Manager’s Guide to Arts in Care Homes

Written by Juliet Smith on 30 August 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

Looking for inspiration ahead of the National Day of Arts in Care homes on 24th September?

The National Activity Providers Association’s Manager’s Guide to Arts in Care Homes is designed to help managers build creative, connected and vibrant communities. It explores challenges, offers practical steps to get projects started, and shows how managers can lead the way. You’ll also find advice on capturing and evidencing arts activities for CQC reporting, along with inspiring examples and links to further resources.

Click here to access the guide: https://cdn.baringfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Care-home-managers-NAPA-2023.pdf

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes – 24th September 2025

Written by Juliet Smith on 28 August 2025. Posted in Newsletter. Leave a Comment

Hosted by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA), the National Day of Arts in Care Homes celebrates and promotes arts engagement in care settings. This year’s theme is Going Green, celebrating creativity through sustainability. From sculptures made with scrap materials to nature-inspired paintings and group projects using found objects, the focus is on exploring the artistic potential of recycled, reused and natural materials.

Whether you’re planning something simple or more ambitious, there are plenty of free resources to spark ideas and support your event.

Find out more about how to get involved here →

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]

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