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Welcome to our April 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
- Survey for Homecare Providers
- Researcher Development Programme for Social Care Nurses
- Shaping Tomorrow’s Talent: The Employers Role in Careers Education
- Research Opportunities
- 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 22nd April 2026 - 9:30-12:00 Book Here (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 (In-Person - Cobham Sports & Social Club, Wimborne, BH21 3DA)
Spring Nurse Managers Network - Tuesday 28th April 2026 - 9:30-12:00
Book Here (In-Person - Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AS)
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DIGITAL UPDATES, INFORMATION & WEBINARS | |
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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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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.
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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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Survey for Homecare Providers
Kings College London, funded by the NIHR Health and Social Care Delivery Programme are looking for managers of CQC-registered homecare services for older people to complete a short survey to help them better understand how homecare organisations are managing delegated healthcare. The purpose of the survey is to understand: - What and how healthcare activities that have been delegated by regulated healthcare professionals (like nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists) might be being completed by your care staff;
- What existing policies and guidance your organisation currently has regarding delegated healthcare activities
You can access the survey and further information here.
If you have any questions or require more information about this study, please contact Abigail Burgess at abigail.2.burgess@kcI.ac.uk
Please note this survey is for homecare providers only.
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Researcher Development Programme for Social Care Nurses
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) are excited to announce that applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the Researcher Development Programme for Social Care Nurses. This year long funded programme supports registered social care nurses to develop research skills, lead practice-based initiatives, and help build a strong research culture within their organisations.
Participants receive protected time (1 day per week), with funding provided to your employer, alongside mentorship, coaching and access to a national network of peers.
📅 Applications close: 14 June 2026
📅 Programme starts: 1 October 2026
More information and application details are available via the link below https://www.nihr.ac.uk/career-development/researcher-development-programme-social-care-nurses
If you have any queries, please contact the team at nursingandmidwifery@nihr.ac.uk
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Shaping Tomorrow’s Talent: The Employers Role in Careers Education
Dorset Careers Hub are hosting a forward-thinking conference, exploring the evolving role of business in shaping meaningful career pathways for young people. Join them on Wednesday 13th May 2026, 10:00 – 13:00, Battlelab, Dorset Innovation Park, for a forward-thinking conference that brings together employers of all sizes and sectors, to explore the evolving role of business in shaping meaningful career pathways for young people. This event will spotlight how organisations can drive social value, offer transformative modern work experiences, and engage in purposeful volunteering to support the next generation of talent. Through keynote sessions, interactive panels, and collaborative workshops, we’ll uncover how employer insight can translate into real-world impact, building stronger communities, more inclusive workplaces, and future ready young people. | |
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Research Opportunities
A research team at UWE Bristol are seeking a residential care home to take part in a research study. They are exploring acceptability of health devices that have a machine learning component built in (=adaptive systems) and how these might be useful for older adults exercising within a residential setting.
If you are interested or would like to know more please contact Jomari Magsakay at jomari2.magsakay@live.uwe.ac.uk | |
Stakeholder group invitation for residential services
Through NiHR's national network, they've received a request for care home managers to join a stakeholder group to inform future (potential portfolio) study investigating tailored falls prevention intervention for people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. The research will explore how this intervention could be delivered in England through better coordination between GP services and social care in both community and care home settings.
The overall aim is to identify an intervention that could improve quality of life for this population while also offering good value for money for the NHS and local authorities. To support this work, a stakeholder advisory group comprising both people with lived experience and professionals is being convened.
As a care home manager, your perspective would be especially valuable in helping understand whether a potential intervention would be practical and realistic to deliver in real-world settings.
Please contact the researcher at carmen.fierro@phc.ox.ac.uk if you are interested in becoming involved.
SW Central RRDN Ageing Research Event
21.05.26 from 09.30 - 14.00 in the Education Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, BH7 7DQ Arrival from 9:30am for refreshments, with a prompt start at 10am with a light lunch also provided. The agenda for the day includes: - Review of SWC RRDN Ageing Portfolio
- Guest Lecture: Inclusion of older adults in research: the national strategy – Dr Jane Masoli, Health and Care Director, South West Peninsula Regional Research Delivery Network
- Peri-operative Risk Assessment and Shared Decision Making in Frail Older People: A POPS Clinic Audit – POPS team, Dr Peter Robinson, University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
- Recruiting older patients and training considerations for research within the older population – Emma Gunter, Senior Research Nurse and Rochelle Hernandez, Senior Research Nurse, University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
- Plus, research ready care homes session and healthy ageing research – details to follow
Please note this is a summary agenda. A full and final agenda will be circulated in due course once all speakers are confirmed. If you have not already done so, please register for the event using the link below:
https://buytickets.at/swcrrdn/2008590 | |
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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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Adults Safeguarding - Care Provider Webinar for those within Dorset Council area
Dorset Council are delighted to invite care providers in the Dorset Council (DC) area with a contract with DC to attend the fourth Adults Safeguarding – Care Provider Webinar, delivered in conjunction with Dorset Council’s Adults Safeguarding Team.
This is the fourth event in a series of short Webinars aimed at Care Providers, to enable us to have the opportunity to share updates around adult safeguarding matters, which may be a support to you as a provider. This particular Webinar will focus on Contractures.
Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026 - 10am-11am
The 1-hour webinar will include:
Understand what a contracture is and why they develop Consider the impact of contractures upon the individual and care providers and re-visit methods to prevent the development of contractures Review learning resources available An opportunity to ask the Adults Safeguarding Team questions you may have around adult safeguarding practice
If you wish to attend please submit your details via the form here by Thursday 23rd April 2026.
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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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