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Welcome to our June 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
- Social Care T Level: Public Consultation Now Live
- Brighton Pride 2026
- Letter from Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
- Skills for Care - New Webinar
- South West Oral Health & Infection Prevention Control Community of Practice
- Catheter Care
- 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: - Wednesday 24th June 2026 9:30-12:30 (In-Person - Cobham Sports & Social Club, Wimborne, BH21 3DA) Book here
- Thursday 10th September 2026 9:30-12:30 (In-Person - The Hamworthy Club, Wimborne, BH21 3AP
- Thursday 15th 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)
- 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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Reminder: DSPT Completion Deadline – 30 June
Care providers are reminded that the deadline to complete or republish their Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) submission is 30 June. Ensuring your DSPT is up to date is essential for demonstrating compliance with data security standards and continuing to provide safe, effective care services. If you have already completed the DSPT in previous years, please remember that it must be reviewed and republished annually to remain valid. Providers who are new to the DSPT or have experienced changes within their organisation should ensure that all relevant information is fully completed before submission. To support you through this process, we will be contacting providers directly via email with clear guidance on: - What action you need to take
- How to access and update your DSPT
- Key steps to ensure your submission is compliant
Colleagues at the Digital Care Hub are also offering the below webinar to help you complete your DSPT with confidence. You can book onto the following session via the link below: This session will provide practical guidance, walk you through the process step-by-step, and give you the opportunity to ask questions. We encourage all providers to start their DSPT review as soon as possible to avoid last-minute pressures and ensure submission by the deadline.
Take action now Log in to your DSPT account today to review your submission and begin any outstanding actions. Keep an eye on your inbox for our guidance email, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need help via Mel Judd juddm@bpc.ac.uk or 07775 742886.
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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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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
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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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Social Care T Level: Public Consultation Now Live
The DfE have launched a consultation on the proposed outline content for T Levels in Social Care. This is an opportunity for you to help shape what students will learn as part of this qualification, ensuring it reflects the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for learners to progress in the relevant sectors.
Complete the consultation here What the consultation covers The consultation asks for your views on: The proposed breadth and depth of core knowledge and technical skills in Social Care How well the proposed outline content aligns with industry expectations and workforce needs How well the proposed outline content supports students to progress into employment in a skilled technical role in the relevant sectors, either directly or following further or higher-level study.
Why your input matters Your expertise will help ensure the qualification is: Relevant to careers in sport and social care High-quality and fit for purpose Designed to prepare learners for successful careers and progression
The consultation is for anyone with an interest in post-16 education for 16-19-year-olds in England. This includes but is not limited to: Schools, colleges, students, and their representative bodies Further and higher education institutions and their representative bodies Employers and their representative bodies Awarding organisations and their representative bodies
Deadline The consultation is open until 11.59pm on 9th August 2026. They strongly encourage you to share your views. Your feedback will directly influence the final design of this qualification. | |
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Brighton Pride 2026
The below message is shared on behalf of the Outstanding Diversity Forum.
Why Brighton Pride 2026 Is a Milestone for Adult Social Care
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Brighton & Hove The Outstanding Diversity Forum will proudly be marching in the Brighton Pride Community Parade - celebrating LGBTQ+ people working in adult social care and championing inclusion across the sector.
- They will be celebrating LGBTQ+ colleagues across social care
- Standing up for inclusive, values‑driven workplaces
- Supporting Pride in Care and Pride in Practice
- Connecting with colleagues, partners and allies
Let’s make adult social care visible, vibrant and united.
To find out more about the Outstanding Diversity Forum please click here | |
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Letter from Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
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Skills for Care - New Webinar
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South West Oral Health & Infection Prevention Control Community of Practice
You are invited to join the South West Oral Health & Infection Prevention Control Community of Practice. Good oral health is a fundamental part of safe, high-quality care and can be a missed opportunity within infection prevention and control (IPC). Poor mouth care is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, can affect a person’s ability to eat and drink, and has a profound impact on comfort, dignity, and overall wellbeing. In collaboration with the regional IPC team, Dental Public Health, and Dental Workforce Training & Education, they are aiming to bring together professionals across health and social care to address this gap. Who can attend?
This virtual community is open to anyone involved in infection prevention and control, oral health, or direct patient care across the South West, including colleagues working in: - Hospital trusts
- Community trusts
- Care homes
- Domiciliary care settings
The community of practice is likely to be particularly relevant for: - IPC leads and practitioners
- Nurses and nursing associates
- Dental nurses
- Healthcare support workers/HCAs
- Occupational therapists (OTs)
- Speech and language therapists (SALT)
- Dietitians and nutritionists
- Ward managers and quality improvement leads
Whether you are leading IPC work or supporting it in practice, this is an opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, share experiences, and drive oral health improvement in your setting.
What you can expect: - Training focused on oral health and effective mouth care
- Practical resources and tools to support implementation in your setting
- Opportunities to ask questions and discuss challenges to implementation
- A platform to share and learn from good practice across the South West
- Collaboration with a network of professionals committed to improving oral health
What they ask from attendees: - An interest in improving oral health and mouth care in your setting
- A willingness to implement changes and improvements in your setting
- Openness to share your experiences, challenges, and progress with the group
The first session will take place on: 14th July 2026 - 2pm-4pm This introductory session will include introductions and an opportunity to connect with other colleagues across the region looking to improve oral health. We will also have mouth care training delivered, covering: - Fundamentals of oral health: what it is and how we can achieve it for ourselves and those we care for
- Implications of poor oral health: including links to systemic disease such as poor nutrition and hydration, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP), and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
- Practical mouth care tips: how to care for someone else’s oral health, including toothbrushing techniques, useful tools and products, dry mouth care, managing care-resistant behaviours, and guidance on implementing mouth care quality improvement projects in your setting
If you have any queries regarding the oral health & IPC community of practice, please email Joelle Booth, Registrar in Dental Public Health - joelle.booth@nhs.net
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Catheter Care
To register for the free webinar please click here | |
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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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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). | |
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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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