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JULY NEWSLETTER Welcome to our July 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. | |
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In this issue - Registered Managers Network
- Digital Updates, Information and Webinars
- Reimbursement for Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training via LDSS Scheme
- The Filo Project
- Bournemouth and Poole College - T Level Health Case Study
- Activity Staff - What's App Group
- Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan
- Research Opportunities for Care Homes only
- Podcasts
- Training Courses and Learning
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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: - Thursday 10th September 2026 9:30-12:30 (In-Person - Canford Magna Complex (The Hamworthy Club), Wimborne, BH21 3AP
- Thursday 8th October 2026 10:30-12:00 (Virtual via Microsoft Teams)
- Wednesday 11th November 2026 10:30-12:00 (Virtual via Microsoft Teams)
- Thursday 10th December 2026 9:30-12:30 (In-Person - Venue TBC)
- Tuesday 20th October 10:30-12:00 (Virtual via Microsoft Teams)
New and Aspiring Managers Network - Wednesday 18th November 10:30-12:00 (Virtual via Microsoft Teams)
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DIGITAL UPDATES, INFORMATION & WEBINARS | |
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AI in Care Webinar
You may be interested to attend this upcoming webinar about AI in Care: Its Use and Regulation - in conversation with CQC.
An update from CQC about their new guidance on the use of AI in social care settings with opportunities to ask questions.
Join the webinar on Wednesday 22nd July at 2:30pm, you can book your place here.
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New Data Protection Complaint Requirements Now in Force
The Data use and Access Act (DUAA) is now fully in force. Since 19 June, organisations must have a clear and accessible process for handling data protection complaints.
A data protection complaint may relate to issues such as how an organisation has responded to a Subject Access Request (SAR), how securely personal information is stored, or how personal data has been collected, used, retained or corrected. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has emphasised that individuals do not need to use legal terminology or refer to legislation when raising a concern. Under the new requirements, organisations must: - Provide a clear way for people to raise a data protection complaint.
- Acknowledge complaints within 30 days.
- Investigate complaints appropriately.
- Inform the individual of the outcome without undue delay.
For further information, read this news article and access the ICO guidance: ICO updates: implications for social care - Digital Care Hub
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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. | |
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Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) in 2026-27
Update – 30 March 2026 Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the LDSS in financial year 2026 to 2027. 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.
As outlined in the LDSS guidance document, the overall funding pot is limited. If the funding pot is exhausted, no further claims can be made, and they will not be reimbursed. To claim LDSS funding, you will need an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Dataset (ASC-WDS) account. A reminder that a three-month claims window applies: - for training courses - claims must be submitted within three months of course completion (this also now applies to the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, which is funded by a separate ring-fenced LDSS funding pot.
- for qualifications – claims are split into two parts:
- The ’60 part’ of the claim must be submitted within three months of the qualification being paid for and started (whichever is the later date) and you can claim 60% of reimbursement.
- The ’40 part’ of the claim must be submitted within three months of qualification completion – this is when you can claim the remaining 40% reimbursement.
If you have questions relating to the LDSS, please email asclearninganddevelopmentsupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk 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. | |
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Reimbursement for Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training via LDSS Scheme
Update – 30 March 2026 The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that funding will continue in 2026-27 to support the rollout of Oliver’s Training, as the Government’s preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff to undertake. This funding is provided via a ring-fenced Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) pot, separate to the other LDSS pot of funding available for other LDSS eligible courses and qualifications.
As outlined in the LDSS guidance document, the overall funding pot for Oliver’s Training is limited. If the funding pot is exhausted, no further claims can be made, and they will not be reimbursed.
To claim Oliver’s Training funding, you will need an Adult Social Care Workforce Dataset (ASC-WDS) account. For full guidance and FAQs, visit the LDSS scheme page. [gov.uk]
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The Filo Project
Available to those in BCP Council only unless privately funding.
The Filo Project is an award-winning not for profit organisation that offers regular small scale daycare for people with dementia, Parkinsons or those with other age related conditions, in a homely environment supported by one of their trained Hosts. A lovely day of fun and companionship which also gives their Carer a day of respite and relaxation. 
For further information please click the box below, or visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk | |
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Bournemouth and Poole College - T Level Health Case Study
Please click here to view a case study video showcasing the T Level Health simulation facilities at Bournemouth and Poole College. | |
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Activity Staff - What's App Group
Following requests from providers, we're planning to create a WhatsApp group for employees who are involved in activities in your service and looking for inspiration in this area. The group will provide an opportunity to share ideas, resources, events and best practice with colleagues across the sector. If you would like to join, please complete our short form here. | |
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Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan
Dorset Chamber are excited to share the launch of the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan. The three-year Plan is led by employer skills needs to make skills, training and workforce support easier to access. It aims to help shape local skills provision around the current and future needs of businesses. Thank you for your support in developing the Plan which brings together businesses, education providers, local authorities and partners to: - identify local skills needs,
- support stronger employer engagement
- and set out a shared action plan to enable people to access, progress and succeed in learning and work.
It marks the latest phase of work to strengthen Dorset’s skills system and support it to continue to respond to the needs of employers, learners and the wider economy. Produced for Skills England, it identifies actions for how education and training providers, local authorities and partners will work together with business to strengthen Dorset's workforce across key sectors. We look forward to working together to support businesses to access and use the support available to support their growth through skills. Access the full Plan here: https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/dorset-local-skills-improvement-plan-2026-2029/ | |
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Research Opportunities for Care Homes only
Please see the latest research opportunities available to residential care homes.
As a reminder there are many free training courses available on NIHR LEARN including Understanding Research in Care Homes training https://learn.nihr.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1223
As always if you would like a meeting or visit to discuss support, studies, training or anything else research related please do not hesitate to contact NIHR at: swc.rrdn@nihr.ac.uk
For any of the opportunities below you can contact the researcher/team directly.
Title: Impact of having a long lie after a fall
Researchers from the University of Sheffield would like to invite you to take part in a survey that will help them understand how patients who have had a long lie after a fall are managed. We expect this will take you no more than 10 mins and you can come back to the survey at any time. You will not be asked to give any personal information and your responses will be anonymous. At the end of the survey you will be given the option to enter a prize draw for one of four £50 Love2Shop vouchers.
Who can take part? We are inviting staff working in residential homes, nursing homes, sheltered housing, homecare workers and other social care providers who manage people who may have had a long lie after a fall. Please access the survey here: https://shef.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8BSMaqJunK9ySpg
If you would like a paper copy of the survey, or need any further information, please contact longlies@sheffield.ac.uk or telephone 0114 222 0812 Who is carrying out the survey? The study is being conducted by the University of Sheffield, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Mid-Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and led by Professor Fiona Sampson.
Title: REFRESH
The study will look at how best to treat malnutrition in older adults living in care homes. They are looking for care homes in Dorset, Bath and Bristol.
If you are interested/ would like to know more you can contact the study team: refresh.penctu@plymouth.ac.uk or fill out the expression of interest form on the study website: REFRESH Expression of Interest
Care homes which join the study will be randomly put into one of three groups:
1. ONS Group; we will provide eligible residents with oral nutrition supplements (ONS).
2. FF Group; the eligible residents will be provided with fortified food (FF) and drink and
3. Usual Care Group; will carry on with their usual routines for managing malnutrition.
Care homes will not be informed which one they are in until the initial information about their residents has been collected.
A flyer for the study is attached below. The study is NIHR portfolio adopted and several homes in our region have already supported previous stages of the study. It is a great study to get involved in whether you are new to research or experienced. Also attached to this email is the "Research Information Sheet for Practices (RISP), which outlines research costs associated with the study, which would be paid to supporting care homes. We would be happy to explain this document if you have any questions.
If you do take part in this study, you will not be able to support any other complex interventional studies for the duration of the study. | |
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The following research is not adopted onto the NIHR portfolio and so although it provides a good opportunity to support early research and/or research with limited involvement, these studies would not count towards activity for the wider care setting funding model.
Title: CHOICE-D
The research team are researching why individuals may, or may not, wish to take part in Dementia research.
They are looking for responses from anybody who has an interest in dementia and/or dementia research.
More information and a link to the survey, is on this website - https://popped.org.uk/choice-d/
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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. | |
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TRAINING COURSES AND LEARNING | |
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Cancer Awareness Training
For further information or to book please contact Hannah at hannah.rees@can100.org Bookings are available from June to December 2026 across Dorset. | |
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Skills for Care Training Hub
Skills for Care have recently launched The Training Hub by Skills for Care, their new online learning platform for the social care sector with training provided by Skills for Care.
Featured on the hub is a programme designed to be a resource for CQC-Registered Managers supporting and supervising nursing students. The training is organised into four short, easy-to-follow modules: Module One sets the scene and explains the context for student supervision in social care including the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards and what they mean in practice. Module Two explains the practice supervisor role more fully and how you can supervise effectively Module Three is full of examples, techniques and resources in order to create a positive learning environment Module Four signposts you to further support, networks, and templates to use in your workplace Please click here to register.
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Health Care Support Worker - Study Day
University Hospitals Dorset, along with Macmillan and Forest Holme Hospice are delighted to announce the Health Care Support Worker Study Day will be held on Thursday, 24 September 2026. This study day will be held at the Hilton Hotel in central Bournemouth. The course fee includes all refreshments, lunch and parking. Full details and the booking form can be found here: Education | Macmillan Local
Course Description This day is aimed at HCSWs working in the NHS, nursing homes and care agencies. Aim This interactive “workshop style” study day helps HCSWs to understand what it means to offer palliative care from a holistic perspective and teaches how to support patients and families in their understanding of the stages of progressive disease and ultimately to recognise when a patient is dying.
Learning Outcome By the end of the study day you will be able to: · Understand what palliative care means · Gain a better understanding of cancer and how it is treated · Gain understanding of other life limiting conditions · To identify symptoms experienced at end of life and how they can be managed · To recognise dying · Identify stages of grief · Feel more confident in answering difficult questions
Venue & Booking Information This course will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Bournemouth. Registration will commence at 8.45am. The cost is £100 per person to include lunch and refreshments.
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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. | |
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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. | |
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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 | |
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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
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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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