Skills for Care is hosting a free webinar between 10:00am – 11:30am on Wednesday 14th May 2025, to help adult social care providers understand what funding is available for workforce training and how to access it. The webinar will provide a detailed walkthrough of the practical aspects of accessing LDSS funding, including:
The eligibility criteria and evidence requirements for making claims through the scheme
How the funding can be used, including eligible training courses and qualifications
The process for accessing the fund and submitting claims
A demonstration of the online claims service.
It’s a useful overview for managers, training leads, and anyone involved in workforce planning or development who wants to shape their learning and development offers for the year and maximise their available budgets.
Supporting people with mobility is part of everyday life in care homes. This might mean helping someone out of bed, assisting with repositioning or using equipment. It can be one of the most physically and emotionally demanding aspects of care.
In this edition, we’re focusing on the essentials of safe and respectful moving and handling, with key reminders, practical resources, and a mix of local and online courses to support good practice.
The role of a registered manager is becoming increasingly complex, requiring a broad skill set to navigate new challenges and lead specialist care services.
Ongoing development is essential, and accredited qualifications beyond Level 5 provide an opportunity to continue professional growth while gaining specialist expertise. These advanced practitioner courses help managers build on their strengths, follow their interests, and enhance their professional credibility within the sector.
Continuing professional development is essential for health and social care managers to stay effective in their roles.
In the article below, Benny Jose, a postgraduate nursing student at the University of Chichester, shares how the Mile Pathway supported his journey to earning a degree at East Sussex College, Hastings. He reflects on the importance of structured learning pathways in career progression and how they help professionals develop the skills needed to provide high-quality care.
Read his full story below.
Writtenby Benny Jose Postgraduate Student Nurse, University of Chichester
In today’s ever-evolving health and social care sector, continuous professional development (CPD) is essential for managers to remain effective and responsive to the needs of service users. Ongoing learning allows managers to refine their leadership skills, stay updated on industry regulations, and adapt to new challenges. By engaging in CPD, managers enhance their career prospects and contribute significantly to the quality of care provided within their organisations.
One of the key benefits of CPD is that it keeps health and social care managers informed about the latest policies, best practices, and technological advancements in the field. As regulations and healthcare needs evolve, managers must be equipped with up-to-date knowledge to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality care. Additionally, continued learning enables managers to strengthen essential soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence—vital for effective team leadership and compassionate care provision.
Furthermore, investing in professional development fosters a culture of continuous improvement within health and social care settings. When managers prioritise learning and growth, they set an example for their teams, encouraging staff to pursue their own development. This creates a more skilled, motivated, and engaged workforce, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and service delivery.
How the Mile Pathway Helped Me Achieve My Degree at East Sussex College, Hastings
My journey toward achieving my degree in Health and Social Care would not have been possible without the support of the Mile Pathway and East Sussex College, Hastings. The Mile Pathway provided a structured and flexible approach to learning, allowing me to balance my studies with my professional and personal commitments. The guidance and mentorship I received through this programme helped me stay motivated and focused on my goals.
Through the Mile Pathway, I had access to valuable resources and experienced educators who supported my academic journey. The programme not only equipped me with the theoretical knowledge required for my degree but also provided practical insights that enhanced my managerial skills in the health and social care sector. This combination of academic learning and real-world application has significantly contributed to my professional growth.
Earning my degree at East Sussex College, Hastings, has opened new doors for my career, giving me the confidence and qualifications to take on greater responsibilities within the health and social care field. The support from the Mile Pathway has been instrumental in this achievement, demonstrating the importance of structured learning pathways in professional development.
In conclusion, continuous professional development is crucial for health and social care managers to stay relevant and effective in their roles. Programmes like the Mile Pathway and institutions like East Sussex College, in partnership with the University of Brighton, play a vital role in supporting lifelong learning and career advancement. I am grateful for the opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge and look forward to applying my learning to improve health and social care services. Additionally, I am currently a postgraduate nursing student at the University of Chichester, and my degree from Brighton University provided me with access to the graduate pathway in nursing.
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.
In this issue, we explore how care home teams can support better health outcomes. From promoting physical activity to having positive conversations about making healthier choices, small changes can make a big difference. When staff really understand residents’ individual needs and preferences, they can provide truly person-centred care that not only supports day-to-day wellbeing but also helps reduce their future needs for care and support.
This week, we’re focusing on the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)—key legal frameworks that protect the rights of individuals who may lack capacity or require support to make decisions in particular areas of their life.
Welcome to this week’s edition of What’s New in Adult Social Care—your regular update for care managers and teams across Sussex.
Be sure to check out the webinar section for a lineup of upcoming sessions over the next couple of months, covering key topics to support you and your teams. You can read the 10th February newsletter here.
This free webinar, taking place on Thursday 13th March 2025 at 10:00am, will explore how managers and leaders embed equity, diversity and inclusion within their organisations. It will cover:
Planning and developing clear ED&I strategies with shared goals
Fostering engagement and collaboration across teams
Building a genuinely inclusive and supportive workplace culture
Workforce ED&I in CQC assessments
What the CQC considers good practice—and how to avoid falling below their expectations.
Proven strategies from Outstanding-rated providers to enhance independence, choice, and innovation
Useful resources to support your work and best practices for evidencing your efforts.
Sussex Partners in Care are partnering with Hempsons to offer this free webinar on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, at 1:00pm. Join Philippa Doyle, Head of Social Care at Hempsons, as she explains how the SAF is working in practice and what you need to know. Click here to find out more and register →
You can also watch recordings of webinars Philippa hosted for Care England in 2024:
