It’s been over a year since we last focused on medicines management, so this newsletter brings you the latest training and resources on safe and effective medicine administration in care home settings. High-quality training supports resident safety, ensures compliance with regulations, and helps reduce the risks of medication errors. This edition highlights courses and tools to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and overall quality in your service.
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:
Data in this update relates to the calendar year 2024, with relevant information also included for early 2025.
Our latest issue of What’s New in Adult Social Care is now live, filled with local and national learning opportunities, events, and webinars for care teams and managers across Sussex.
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 →
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.
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:
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.
Written by 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.
You can read the 24th March edition here.
Enhanced Leadership Pathway
