| | | | Welcome to our February newsletter where you can find useful information, tips, news in the industry, training courses and details of any upcoming events and webinars that we are running. | | | | In this issue - Registered Managers Network
- Digital Updates, Information and Webinars
- Funding Available for Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training via LDSS Scheme
- Nursing Associate Programme – March 2026 Intake - spaces available
- Learning Disability Screening For Women's Health
- Dorset Council Quality Assurance Reference Group
- Research Opportunity - Oasis-Care
- Assistant Practitioners symposium event
- Podcasts
- Training Courses and Learning
| | | | | REGISTERED MANAGERS NETWORK | | The Registered Managers Network meetings provide support to managers and leaders with up-to-date information on changes within legislation, training initiatives, opportunities and funding.
We hold these once a month and they can be invaluable in sharing information and support and are a great way to keep up to date.
As many of you will be aware our network provides support to managers across Dorset and regular attendees say that it is an extremely useful way of keeping up to date and discussing key issues with others in a similar role to yourself.
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| | Save the date for our next meetings: - Wednesday 25th March 2026 - 10:30-12:30 (online via Teams)
- Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - 9:30-12:30 (In-Person - The Corn Exchange, High East St, Dorchester, DT1 1HF)
- Wednesday 20th May 2026 10:30-12:30 (online via Teams)
- Wednesday 24th June 2026 9:30-12:30 (Venue TBC)
| | | | | | | | DIGITAL UPDATES, INFORMATION & WEBINARS | | | | The Digital Switchover - from analogue to digital
The digital phone switchover is a nationwide move from analogue to digital phone lines.
This will impact you if you use phone lines, monitored alarm systems and other equipment that connects to the public telephone network as part of your care service.
The digital phone switchover is the replacement of analogue telecommunication infrastructure with voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology, which carries voice calls as data using internet protocols (IPs) and technology over a broadband connection. Originally planned for completion by the end of December 2025, this digital upgrade is broadly expected to be fully completed by the end of January 2027.
You may need to upgrade or replace your systems to ensure they work with digital phone lines. View a recording of the Digital Care Hub's recent webinar on the switchover here. | | | | New Data Policy Builder – Avoid Risky One-Size-Fits-All Policies
Creating data protection policies that truly fit your organisation can be challenging. Using generic templates often leaves gaps and increases risk.
The Digital Care Hub has launched a Data Policy Builder to help care providers create tailored policies that meet legal requirements and reflect their specific practices. This tool makes it easier to stay compliant and protect the people you support.
👉 Learn more and start building your policy: New Data Policy Builder: avoid risky one-size-fits-all policies - Digital Care Hub
| | | | Digital Champions Network
Our Digital Champions Network has been running since February 2025, and due to popular demand, we’re now hosting all the resources, including session recordings, guides and templates on our website to support you in your role BPC - Digital Champions.
| | | | Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) in 2025-26
Update – 22 December 2025 Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the LDSS in financial year 2025 to 2026. The funding is available for non-regulated care staff, including deputy and Care Quality Commission-registered managers and agency staff, within the adult social care workforce. Due to good levels of demand for LDSS funding, and to support effective planning, if you have a claim ready, you are encouraged to submit this as soon as possible. A reminder that a 3-month claims window applies to LDSS courses (not including Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training), meaning:- for training courses, claims must be submitted within 3 months of course completion.
- for qualifications, a ‘combined claims’ model applies, whereby each claim is split into two parts.
- You must claim 60% reimbursement when the qualification has started and been paid for. This is known as the ‘60 part’.
- You must then claim the remaining 40% reimbursement when the qualification has completed. This is known as the ‘40 part’ and this funding is not guaranteed following a ’60 part’ claim.
- The ‘60 part’ of the claim must be submitted within 3 months of the qualification being paid for and started (whichever is the later date). The ‘40 part’ of the claim must be submitted within 3 months of qualification completion.
Webinar: Making the most of funding for training in 2025–26Skills for Care were recently joined by DHSC and NHSBSA to share key information about accessing funding for staff training through the LDSS in 2025-26. Find out more and watch the webinar. Please note the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) has now closed and will not be available in the future, however for further information on potential sources of funding please click the button below. | | | | | | Funding Available for Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training via LDSS Scheme
Adult Social Care providers can now access £11.98 million in dedicated funding to support delivery of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism through the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). This funding is ring-fenced and available for training completed between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. To claim, providers must: - Be CQC-registered.
- Have an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) account.
- Complete LDSS onboarding and submit evidence once training is paid for and completed.
Oliver McGowan Training is the government’s recommended route to meet statutory requirements under the Health and Care Act 2022 and the new Oliver McGowan Code of Practice. The training is co-produced and delivered with people who have lived experience, ensuring staff gain practical skills to provide safe, person-centred care. For full guidance and FAQs, visit the LDSS scheme page. [gov.uk]
| | | | Nursing Associate Programme – March 2026 intake - spaces available
Bournemouth and Poole College, in partnership with Bournemouth University, are delighted to welcome another new cohort of learners onto their Nursing Associate Programme starting in March 2026. This supports the continued development of skilled and compassionate professionals across health and social care. If you have staff members who are interested in progressing into nursing or developing their clinical practice, now is the perfect time to get involved and there are spaces available on the programme. For further information about the March 2026 intake or future cohorts, please contact: Angelique Atack - Health Delivery Manager Email: atacka@bpc.ac.uk Telephone: 01202 205268 The Nursing Associate role plays a vital part in bridging the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. This programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to deliver high-quality, person-centred care, while embedding the values of the NMC Code and supporting professional progression. Through a combination of workplace learning, academic study, and ongoing support from experienced tutors and assessors, apprentices develop confidence, clinical competence, and leadership skills. Employers benefit from a motivated and well-prepared workforce, trained to meet both current and future service needs. They are proud to work in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, local GP practices such as The Adam Practice and Talbot Medical Centre, Oxleas Prison Healthcare Services, and a wide range of nursing/care providers to support staff development and improve outcomes within our communities. This programme offers an excellent opportunity for organisations to invest in their workforce while strengthening retention and progression pathways.
| | | | Learning Disability Screening For Women's Health 
For further details please contact uhd.healthpromotion.dbsu@nhs.net
| | | | Dorset Council Quality Assurance Reference Group
This group meets to share feedback, insights and critiques on all things quality assurance- ranging from their CQC inspection readiness to their EDI action plan. It's a place for open, round table discussions. Over the last two years, the group has met regularly to share their experience of services, and they help to shape what quality means from a resident perspective. They are a group of reliable, trusted voices who advocate for themselves and others.
So, what's in it for volunteers? It's a chance to be part of positive change in adult services, led by Dorset residents. It's an opportunity to grow in confidence in a space that will accommodate their communication or accessibility needs. It's a place to meet new people, work as a team to create solutions, and be heard.
The group meets every other month in person at County Hall. Travel costs are reimbursed, and vouchers are given as a way of recognising people's contributions. For further details or to join the meetings please contact adultsengagement@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk | | | | Research Opportunity - Oasis-Care
What is the study looking at? Oasis-Care is a collaboration between the NIHR, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Sussex Partnership NHS Trust. They want to learn more about the experience of care home staff supporting people with dementia, who have hallucinations, in care home settings. Who can take part? Those who work in care homes who have experience of supporting people with dementia. What does it involve? They are inviting staff members who work in care homes to complete an online survey to share their experiences. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Link to the online survey: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management You will be given a £5 voucher as a thank you for your time How many people are you looking for? 400 care home workers across England, Wales and Scotland Closing date: 31 March 2026 Contact details: Amaani Al- Azzawi (PhD Student) spft.researchgovernance@nhs.net Telephone: 0300 304 0088 | | | | Assistant Practitioners symposium event
Health Sciences University and Bournemouth and Poole College are delighted to welcome colleagues from across the healthcare workforce development community to an engaging event dedicated to exploring the evolving role and impact of Assistant Practitioners within the Allied Health Professions (AHP) workforce. An Assistant Practitioner is a highly skilled support worker who provides care and technical support under the guidance of registered AHPs to help deliver safe, effective patient services. AHPs typically include professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, art/music/drama therapists, and operating department practitioners, among others. Assistant Practitioners are vital to the AHP workforce strengthening service capacity, improving productivity, and enabling registered AHPs to focus on more complex care through safe and effective delegation. It is essential that we retain and grow people in these roles and widen participation into the AHP careers by creating clear development pathways that reflect and benefit local communities. This symposium offers a valuable opportunity to deepen collective understanding of how Assistant Practitioners contribute to service delivery, workforce transformation, and enhanced models of care across AHP services. The event will feature: - Nationally recognised speakers discussing the development of Assistant Practitioner roles, their contribution to patient care, and the wider implications for AHP workforce capability, transformation, and sustainability.
- Insights from AHP Assistant Practitioner Trainees sharing their lived experiences. Expect reflections on challenges, growth, and the impact on the AHP workforce and patient care.
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration, bringing together workforce leads, educators, service managers, and clinical leaders to explore future directions, training pathways, and collaborative initiatives that support the effective development and deployment of Assistant Practitioners within AHP teams.
The event will be online on Wednesday 11th March 10am-1pm and free to all to attend. 👉 Reserve your place now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AHP practice. Exploring the role of Assistant Practitioners in the AHP Workforce Tickets, Wed 11 Mar 2026 at 10:00 | Eventbrite | | | | .png)  .png)
We have rounded up a selection of the exciting podcasts available across the care sector: Also click here to read some interesting blogs and articles from Skills for Care. | | | | TRAINING COURSES AND LEARNING | | | | Mouthcare Matters Webinar: Practical Prevention in Daily Care
Free webinar - Tuesday 24th February 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Mouth care and oral health training for carers webinar
Oral health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing, particularly for people who depend on others for their daily care. Poor mouth care can lead to pain, infection, difficulties with eating and speaking, and wider health complications including pneumonia — making effective prevention as part of daily care essential.
This session is aimed at care staff, informal carers, social care professionals, managers and anyone involved in delivering hands-on care who wants practical, evidence-based guidance to support good oral health. This includes colleagues working in care homes, domiciliary care, residential settings for people with additional needs, end of life care, hospital trusts, as well as informal and family carers.
Developed in collaboration with NICE, this Skills for Care webinar will focus on simple, effective approaches to oral health that can be embedded into everyday care routines, helping to improve comfort, dignity and quality of life for those receiving care. The session will cover the basics of oral health and why it matters, the wider health implications of poor oral health, including links to nutrition, hydration and pneumonia, and practical guidance on providing day-to-day mouth care for others. It will cover the delivery of mouth care to those who are end of life. If you are interested in attending, please register here
| | | | Skills for Care launch new dementia resources
Explore Skills for Care's range of dementia resources to enhance care and support for people living with dementia and their carers. These resources have been developed to support the adult social care workforce including home care workers, care home staff, community teams and family carers. They aim to make dementia information more accessible, person-centred and practical for carers, professionals and community members. With the right skills and knowledge, we can provide a good quality of life at every stage of the condition, allowing people living with dementia to remain active and engaged, for as long as possible. Their resources cover the following areas: View all the resources here. | | | | Skills Boot Camp Courses - Bournemouth and Poole College
Please see details and course booklets attached below from Bournemouth and Poole College regarding their Skills Boot Camp courses; 'AI in Business' and 'Leadership and Management.
Leadership and Management Course This bootcamp is designed to support aspiring managers, accidental managers, and team leaders understand the different aspects of leadership and management. It will improve communication and individual target setting skills for positive change, and develop budgeting, project management and interviewing skills.
AI in Business Learners will gain valuable experience through a blend of tutor-led sessions, hands-on project work within our new Industry Standard in AI, practical exercises, group discussions, and ongoing post-training support. Our learning environment is enhanced with cutting-edge technology, both in physical classrooms and through our Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). | | | | | | | | | | Dysphagia & Referral Training
This face-to-face training is held throughout the year at venues across Dorset and is suitable for all nursing and care staff. Would you like to learn how to spot swallowing difficulties and manage them safely? Would you like the ability to refer direct to SALT instead of via a GP? Topics studied include: Signs and symptoms of dysphagia, aspiration and choking How to manage risks associated with dysphagia and why dysphagia is a patient safety issue How does the normal swallow work? How does oral hygiene affect swallowing? lnternational Descriptors of fluid & food textures (IDDSI) The training runs from 9:30am to 4pm The cost is £140.00 per person and includes refreshments For more information about the dates and venues of our training please email -dhc.dysphagiatraining@nhs.net Dysphagia & Referral Training is an accredited CPD course. Anyone completing the course can record attendance towards their formal CPD requirements for their professional body or employer. This means that as well as learning about dysphagia and how to support patients and keep them safe you will receive six hours of fully accredited CPD on completion of the course. | | | | Training Opportunities with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council provides a variety of learning and development opportunities through its Learning Management System, Skillgate. A wide range of courses are available, including: - Safeguarding Adults (for staff and managers)
- Moving and Handling
- Mental Capacity Act
Most training sessions are priced at £40 per day. To explore available courses and request training: - Visit the Skillgate homepage, click here
- Refer to the guide titled How to book onto a course using the SkillGate Partner Portal
- Click on Adult Social Care in the index to view the full list of courses.
For any enquiries, please contact: cpdenquiries@bcpcouncil.gov.uk | | | | Learning Resources - Contractures
To support you to develop and maintain awareness of the risks of Contractures, please find attached a number of resources which may be helpful to aid CPD on this topic within in your services. Materials include: - Link to to the 7-minute Learning Tool for 'Learning about Contractures' (developed in conjunction with Dorset & BCP Safeguarding Adults Boards and available on the BCP SAB website) PowerPoint Presentation
- Awareness leaflet, attached below, which includes an embedded link to a video (developed in partnership with Bournemouth University and Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust). The video is also available here. https://youtu.be/aITUZ63khr0
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: Partners in Care BPC - Science, Care & Health Room 241, North Road Poole
Dorset BH14 0LS
Contact Number - 01202 205847 E-mail - picare@bpc.ac.uk
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