A Workforce Strategy for adult social care in England – presentation
We attended the launch of Skills for Care’s Workforce Strategy for adult social care in England recently. Skills for Care’s presentation is now available. See also the Homecare Association’s response to the Workforce Strategy.
CQC update on the safer management of controlled drugs
CQC has published its annual update on the safer management of controlled drugs, with insights on the use of controlled drugs in health care and adult social care services. There is also CQC guidance for providers on controlled drugs.
Guidance on when you should get your flu vaccine
Amended guidance has been issued on who is eligible and when people can get vaccinated for flu this year. Most eligible adults will be offered a flu vaccine from early October, which might be slightly later than in previous years, because the latest scientific evidence shows that protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time in adults, so it better to have the vaccine closer to when flu typically circulates.
Be the Business scheme for small business
There is updated information on help for small businesses with 5 to 50 employees. The Be the Business scheme provides a 6-month Productivity Programme, giving SMEs the tools, energy, confidence and connections to tackle business challenges, the opportunity to learn from experienced senior professionals and the chance to connect with other ambitious SME leaders.
Allocation of House of Commons Committee Chairs
A Motion has been laid in the House of Commons on the allocation of committee chairs, with the Liberal Democrats given the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee. If this Motion is approved, there may be a competition for some Chair positions. The window for nominations will be open for 14 days, followed by a ballot the following day. We may not know the outcome until after Parliamentary Recess.
Local Government Capacity Survey – Adult Social Care
The Local Government Association has published its Local Government Capacity Survey – Adult Social Care report. This Research Report for October to January 2024 examines workforce capacity within councils in England, and looks at staffing numbers, vacancy rates and recruitment issues, and highlights councils’ challenges in recruiting, developing and retaining staff across the different adult social care specialisms, and increasing pressures facing adult social care teams.
Digital Technologies to support social wellbeing
University of Hertfordshire have shared a briefing on Digital Technologies to support social wellbeing of community dwelling older adults in receipt of care and their carers, following events held last year where they shared research findings on digital inclusion of older adults.
