| | | | 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. | | | | In this issue - Registered Managers Network
- Digital Updates, Information and Webinars
- July Infection Prevention & Control Newsletter
- The importance of hydration
- Bournemouth and Poole College launches its Health and Care Academy to train future healthcare workforce
- Join the REFRESH Study
- Alive Crowned Charity of the Year for Older People
- Bridgit - Online self-help tool for carers
- Woman's incredible journey from care worker to head of operations
- 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. 
| | Save the date for our next meetings: - Wednesday 24th September 2025 - 10:30am-12:30pm (Virtual via Teams)
- Thursday 23rd October 2025 -
9:30am-12:30pm (Face to Face - East of the county) - Wednesday 12th November 2025 -
10:30am-12:30pm (Virtual via Teams) - Thursday 11th December 2025 jointly with Dorset Care Association -
9:30am-12:30pm (Face to Face Dorchester)
We will also be hosting our Nurse Managers Network on Wednesday 1st October 2025 - 10:30am-12:00pm (Virtual via Teams) and our New and Aspiring Managers Network on Wednesday 15th October 2025 - 10:30am-12:00pm (Virtual via Teams)
| | | | | | | | 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. | | | | Artificial Intelligence and Care
Digital Care Hub's Project Lead, Katie Thorn, discusses what AI could mean for the care sector in this article published in the latest issue of Tomorrow's Care. Click below to read the full article. |
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| | | | | | Digital Champions Network
Our Digital Champions Network has been running since February, 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.
| | | | Windows 10 approaching end of life - Act now to stay secure
Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10 on 14th October 2025. After this date, there will be no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support.
For adult social care providers, this raises serious data security risks – and it’s crucial to start planning now. Digital Care Hub have published a short guide to the changes. |
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| | | | Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) in 2025-26
Update – 23 April 2025 The scheme is now accepting claims for eligible courses and qualifications that have been paid for in financial year 2025 to 2026, as well as those paid for in financial year 2024 to 2025. Regardless of the financial year in which the training course or qualification was paid for, a 3 month claims window applies: - For training courses – claims must be submitted within 3 months of course completion
- For qualifications – an initial ‘qualification’ start claim must be submitted within 3 months of the qualification being paid for and started (whichever is the later date) and the ‘qualification completion’ 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. | | | | | | July Infection Prevention & Control Newsletter
Please click the link below to view the ICS Infection Prevention and Control Newsletter for July. This month is focused on antimicrobial prescribing in C. diff cases in the community settings, including care homes and primary care.
| | | | | | The importance of hydration
Water makes up about 60% of your entire body and is vital for staying healthy.
If you are age over 65 years, did you know… • your sense of thirst decreases • your kidneys do not function as well • you may experience difficulty swallowing
This means there is an increased risk of becoming dehydrated. This can lead to urinary tract infections, constipation, risk of falls and reduce mental performance. Around 80% of water comes from drinks and a further 20% percent is contained in our food.
Please click below to view the every drop counts hydration leaflet for further information.
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Bournemouth and Poole College Launches its Health and Care Academy to Train Future Healthcare Workforce
Bournemouth and Poole College were proud to launch their state-of-the-art Health and Care Academy on 24th June, signifying a major milestone in the delivery of healthcare education in the region. The new facility was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by public speaker Alex Lewis, and in the presence of distinguished guests from the college’s partner organisations in the health, care and education sectors.
The £1.1 million purpose-built facility, jointly funded by the Department for Education (DfE), has been designed to closely simulate real-world clinical and care environments and adds to the range of refurbishments and facilities the college is offering students. The Academy offers an immersive, high-specification training setting for students pursuing careers in health and social care, comprising: - A fully equipped four-bed hospital ward simulation suite
- A care suite fitted with a kitchen and bedroom
- Three refurbished classrooms.
The launch was marked by a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony led by esteemed adventurer and adaptive rower, Alex Lewis, who pushed through extraordinary barriers following a rare infection which led to quadruple amputation and facial disfigurement. 
Alex now has a foundation dedicated to his work – the Alex Lewis Float Foundation (ALFF), which leads the innovation of assistive technology to make it affordable and accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to live more independent lives.
He spoke of: “family, resilience, exceptional healthcare, incredible World First adventure and the creation of The ALFF”, in a powerful keynote address on resilience and the future of healthcare accessibility.
Alex said: “It’s great to be invited to deliver my speech at the opening of this pioneering suite. My own connections with the college and staff here have brought about this invitation and I’m remarkably proud to be a part of the discussions for the future of the Academy. The college is really making waves in the healthcare sector, and it's really promising to be here today and be a part of this occasion.”
The establishment of the Health and Care Academy reflects Bournemouth and Poole College’s strategic commitment to supporting the development of a skilled, future-ready healthcare workforce.
If you have a good news story you would like to share please email details to picare@bpc.ac.uk
| | | | REFRESH Study
| | | | Alive crowned charity of the year for older people
Alive have received an Award of Excellence as Number One Charity of the Year for older people at the 2025 E2 Media Awards of Excellence. Coinciding with the anniversary of their beloved founder, Tim Lloyd-Yeates, who passed away ten years ago, they opened the trophy on his memorial bench at their dementia-friendly allotment in North Bristol, surrounded by some of the older people they support.
Speaking on the award and anniversary of Tim's passing, their CEO Isobel Jones, said: "To be honoured in this way, for our dedication and commitment to older people, means so much and a huge thank you to E2 for this recognition of our hard work. It is an emotional testament to the vision Tim had, to the powerful force he inspired to not only bring love and joy to the lives of older people, but to the light he shone on the care system and how he has influenced change. We need to keep pushing forward, ensuring older people’s voices and needs are heard and prioritised so that they can continue to live lives full of colour, activity, and joy - ultimately fulfilling Tim’s incredible legacy."
To find out more about Alive please click here. | | | | Bridgit - online self-help tool for carers
As discussed at the July Registered Managers Network, please find the link below to Bridgit, an online platform you can access 24/7. It is an interactive tool that provides advice, guidance, and information to help you in your caring role. It can also connect you to key services to support and inform you about local events taking place in your community.
This tool brings everything together in one place and provides ongoing support specific to your situation. You can build your own self-help plan online by selecting topics relevant to you. This app is for carers as well as providers. If you are a provider, you need to use the ‘professionals’ tab and then you can access all the services, assessments, special offers available.
Please click here for access via Dorset Council website. Please click here for access via BCP Council website.
Join the New Bridgit User Engagement Group! They want to hear from carers, partners, and stakeholders to help shape what comes next. Next Session:
Monday 4th of August at 1:00 PM Whether you're a regular or new to the group, your voice matters. Help them improve the Bridgit platform and co-design the future of support. Join via Teams: Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 3374057765277 Passcode: Yo6D8ne7ur | | | | Woman's incredible journey from care worker to head of operations 
A woman who started off as a care worker has been promoted to head of operations for national care provider Agincare. Kelly Nash first joined the organisation more than 20 years ago, when she joined the Weymouth and Portland home care service as a care worker.
According to Agincare, she demonstrated a deep commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to those in need from the outset. Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. Kelly steadily progressed through a range of increasingly senior roles, each building on her frontline experience and expanding her leadership capabilities. She was first promoted to the role of field care supervisor, supporting and mentoring new care staff, then advancing to care co-ordinator, where she helped manage scheduling and care delivery logistics.
After a few years getting to know every aspect of the service and the many clients the people supported, Kelly took on the role of registered manager, where she oversaw day-to-day operations and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. Kelly said: “There are too many people to thank who have helped me on my journey. "I’ve been very lucky to work with some amazing people during my two decades at Agincare.” In 2023, her dedication was formally recognised with the Will Mitchell Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Read the full story here by Dorset Echo. If you have a good news story you would like to share please email details to picare@bpc.ac.uk | | | | TRAINING COURSES AND LEARNING | | | | Advance Care Planning Workshop
This interactive workshop aims to provide core knowledge for Registered Nurses working within a community role or Nursing Home setting. It aims to explore the issues and challenges relating to the practical application of person-centred palliative care towards the end of life.
Contents include:
- What is meant by advance care planning (ACP)
- Aims and principles of ACP – including documentation and legal aspects
- Roles and responsibilities
Learning Outcome
By the end of the workshop you will:
- Be able to describe what is meant by advance care planning
- Be able to examine your own role and responsibilities around advance care planning
- Have increased confidence to facilitate conversations around ACP with patients and families.
Venue & Booking Information:
Only a few spaces left.
Taking place on Friday, 26 September 2025
Course hosted by Forest Holme will be held in the Coldwell Room, Forest Holme, Poole and is charged at £70 per person including refreshments.
Registration: 8.45am
To book, please complete the booking form by clicking on the blue box below and send to MMU.education@uhd.nhs.uk. | | | | | | Free cancer awareness training for carers
Local charity Community Action Network have teamed up with Cancer Research UK to offer free, 20-minute (in person or online) training sessions for paid and informal carers on spotting early signs and symptoms of cancer and potentially save lives. 'We CAN talk about cancer' Presenters will fit in around the schedules of carers to deliver in person sessions. The sessions consist of: - useful leaflets to take away
- follow up support as needed
If online training is preferred, please use the links below to register for a session: If you would like to arrange an online session for just your group of carers, or have any questions please email: hannah.rees@can100.org to find out more. Please note, this training is only being offered from July to November 2025 so please reach out to book your training.
| | | | HCA Study Day
Course Description NHS UHD along with Macmillan and Forest Holme Hospice are running a course aimed at HCAs working in the NHS, nursing homes and care agencies. Aim This interactive “workshop style” study day helps HCAs 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 Thursday, 6 November 2025 This course will be held at AFC Bournemouth Vitality Stadium. Registration will commence at 8.45am. The cost is £100 per person to include lunch and refreshments. To book, please complete the booking form by clicking on the blue box below and send to MMU.education@uhd.nhs.uk. | | | | | | Essential Safeguarding Adult Skills
Aim/About this course: To raise awareness of adult abuse and the responsibility of staff as detailed in local safeguarding adults’ policy and procedures. Participants will be provided with the knowledge to enable them to undertake the safeguarding role within their workplace.
Learning Objectives: - Reflect on the categories and indicators of abuse and how to identify adults at risk, as defined in the Care Act and take appropriate action
- Understand dignity and respect when working with individuals and mental capacity
- Recognise and consider how to apply the principles of making safeguarding personal
- Understand the procedures for raising a safeguarding concern and sharing information
- Demonstrate knowledge of policy, procedures and legislation which supports adult safeguarding
- Understand how to apply safeguarding practice within the context of your role
Dates - 2 October 2025
- 4 February 2026
The courses will be run virtually via Zoom.
Target group for our courses All staff, in a variety of roles, who support or work with adults within Care Dorset, independent, voluntary, private and community care services, including front line staff and managers. How to book you place: Please book via our website Essential skills for safeguarding adults - Dorset Council Waiting Lists If the date / time you wish to book onto is fully booked, please make use of the waiting list as we use this to contact you if a space becomes available through cancellation and it also allows us to understand demand. Late bookings- 1 week prior to the session If you book onto a course one week prior to the date, please contact the Team at AdultsandHousingLandD@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk | | | | Resilience-based clinical supervision course for Nurses
The Foundation of Nursing Studies is an independent charity that focuses its energies, knowledge and expertise around compassionate, person-centred cultures of care. The vision of the charity is that all individuals should experience health and social care as person-centred, safe and effective. This includes those who are both giving and receiving care. They have been commissioned by Deborah Sturdy to run the Resilience-based Clinical Supervision (RBCS) programme. The RBCS programme is designed to show nurses how they can give compassion to themselves and therefore to others. It is a form of restorative supervision where nurses understand how to listen, support and challenge themselves and their colleagues to be able to improve their capacity to manage the difficult and stressful situations they experience. RBCS is a participative programme which runs over five sessions. Each session builds upon the knowledge and confidence of the nurses, so they will, by the end, feel able to have supervision sessions with colleagues. It is an evidence-based model of clinical supervision which focuses on the ‘emotional systems motivating the response to a situation’. It includes elements of mindfulness-based exercises with a view to ‘enhancing wellbeing, resilience and improving patient care’. Registered nurses and registered nursing associates from any social care setting are welcome to attend the RBCS programme. All that is needed is agreement from their manager, time to attend, a quiet space and a laptop with a camera. It is a participative and interactive facilitated online programme. An early participant on the programme was asked if they would recommend it to colleagues, her reply was: - “I would definitely recommend the programme to all the nurses I know, as this would really create meaningful conversations within the team and will help our colleagues to be able to voice their concerns and be able to find productive ways to cope with it.” The programme is currently fully funded for all social care nurses. Nurses need to register using this link https://forms.office.com/e/f5jg6Rky1k Managers need to agree and sign this form https://www.fons.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RBCS-Manager-Form-August-2024.docx Once they have that information they send details of current cohorts available. We run cohorts at different times of the week and start about 5 new cohorts a month. For more information, please visit their website www.FoNS.org | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: Partners in Care BPC - Science, Care, Health & Foundation, Room 241, North Road Poole, Dorset, BH14 0LS
Contact Number - 01202 205847 E-mail - picare@bpc.ac.uk
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