All posts - caredaily

Deck the Halls: Tips for Preparing your Service for Christmas

Getting ready for Christmas? ClouDoc has some tips for your health and social care service in preparing for this year’s festive holiday. Tip #1 – Get your shift/rota planning sorted Sort and send out your staff rotas as soon as possible to allow your staff members to make their plans over the festive season. Most care staff will understandably want to spend time with their family, especially on Christmas Day, so you might need think about some incentives that encourage staff members to come in on these highly coveted periods of leave. Incentives you may want to consider include: Enhanced pay during the festive period Half shifts (instead of a 12 hour day, staff work the morning or afternoon) Time off in lieu Alternating Christmas and New Year shifts Allocating annual leave Swapping shifts People that do this year’s shifts get next year’s shifts off Care staff who use public transport...

Winter’s on Its Way — Here’s How to Prepare

November 17, 2023

Winter’s on Its Way — Here’s How to Prepare

Health and social care services face unique challenges at this time of year. But there's a few things you can do to keep your business running smoothly through the winter.

November 7, 2023

Care Inspectorate Wales is introducing a new rating system for Welsh providers

Care Inspectorate Wales plan to implement a rating system for Care Home and Domicillary Care Providers, akin to CQCs current rating system.

October 18, 2023

Ofsted’s Supported Accommodation: What We Know So Far

In this post we’re going to provide updates on the current state of Supported Accommodation for Young People (SAYP) and clarify some important deadlines.

Children Services, Local Government, Semi-independent Living

Improving Outcomes for Care Leavers in Education and Employment

August 10, 2023

Improving Outcomes for Care Leavers in Education and Employment

In a follow-up to our April blog post on the widespread adoption of care experience as a legally protected characteristic by local councils and other institutions across the public and private sectors, ClouDoc’s August blog post delves deeper into the recommendations made by advocacy groups like the Office for Students and the Care Leaver Covenant to improve the equality of opportunities for care-experienced individuals. We explore the ways in which time spent in the care system can hobble the future prospects of talented and hardworking young people, but also the broad improvements slowly but surely making their way into our educational and other institutions, and how advocacy and visibility can continue to reduce the influence of these inequalities. Though we touched briefly on the lack of educational support for young people in care in our earlier blog post, the magnitude of inequality in educational outcomes is truly disturbing. Less...

Adult Services, Care Homes, CQC, Home Care, Local Government, NHS

Unpaid Carers: The Unacknowledged Backbone of The UK Care System

July 5, 2023

Unpaid Carers: The Unacknowledged Backbone of The UK Care System

In the United Kingdom, there exists a group of unsung heroes whose dedication and selflessness form the backbone of the nation’s care system. Unpaid carers, individuals who provide essential support to their loved ones, have emerged as an indispensable force within the realm of caregiving. Recent research has shed light on the immense value these individuals bring to society, with the rough value of their yearly contribution matching the NHS’s multi-billion-pound budget. This article aims to acknowledge the critical role of unpaid carers and highlight the potential consequences should their tireless efforts go unrecognised. According to a groundbreaking new study by Carers UK, in conjunction with University of Sheffield, the value of unpaid carers in England and Wales is now equivalent to the NHS’s £162Bn yearly budget. These individuals, often family members or close friends, provide invaluable care and support to their loved ones, enabling them to live fulfilling...

Care Homes, Compliance, Healthcare, Local Government

Preserving Privacy and Protecting Lives: The Importance of Cybersecurity in Care

June 2, 2023

Preserving Privacy and Protecting Lives: The Importance of Cybersecurity in Care

As the business landscape continues to become ever more digital and global geopolitics contribute to an unprecedented number of cyberattacks, robust cybersecurity measures have never been more vital to running a successful company, and this is especially true in the health and social care sector. When your business handles sensitive data like care plans and health records, and when your digital infrastructure supports people and not just products, it’s crucial that you and your company maintain a cybersecurity solution which is resilient and forward-thinking. In ClouDoc’s June blog post, we explore this key element of delivering a high-quality service, considering some of the emerging trends, problems, and solutions in today’s digital business world, and discussing why the stakes are higher than ever in the cybersecurity arms race. The healthcare sector, which operates in close symbiosis with health and social care, is one of the most common targets of cyber-attacks...

Children Services, Ofsted, Semi-independent Living

Daughter is explaining to her mother what happened at school

April 30, 2023

Care Experience Growing as a Protected Characteristic

Oldham, Salford and Trafford Councils have now joined a growing number of Local Authorities who recognise care experience as a protected characteristic in the law. But why are these protections important, and how can they help to address the inequalities faced by care-experienced individuals? For ClouDoc’s April blog post, we explore the ongoing efforts of care leavers, campaigners and advocacy groups to establish this legislation nationwide, and why recognition in the Equality Act can be such a powerful tool to improve outcomes for the care-experienced. The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to discriminate against, harass, or victimise a person because they have or are thought to have one of the characteristics protected under the act, or because they associate with someone who does. While the act already formalises protections for race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more, young people’s groups argue that the disparity of opportunities...

Government Announces Final Timeline for Unregulated Supported Accommodation Ban

March 31, 2023

Government Announces Final Timeline for Unregulated Supported Accommodation Ban

In a press release made public on 23rd March 2023, the Government released their latest timeline for the implementation of Ofsted regulations in the Supported Accommodation (formerly Semi-Independent Living) sector. But why is the regulation of this sector so important for young people in care, and how will this affect service providers? In Care Agency Media’s March 2023 blog post, learn more about the Government’s latest updates on the upcoming ban on unregulated accommodation for young people in care. Under the new regulations, all accommodation for young people in care must be regulated by Ofsted, regardless of whether it is provided by local authorities, private providers, or voluntary organisations. This means that all providers will be subject to regular inspections to ensure that they are meeting the required standards of care. The ban is designed to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse, and to ensure that...

Lessons From The Government’s Adult Social Care Winter Statement, 2022-2023

February 28, 2023

Lessons From The Government’s Adult Social Care Winter Statement, 2022-2023

Stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and Government strategies for adult social care this winter. The Government recently published its Winter Statement for 2022-2023, outlining its lessons learned supporting the adult social care sector during the colder months, and its future initiatives and strategies for the months to come. For our February blog post, we explore the key points outlined in this government review, and the best ways you and your business can stay prepared to integrate new initiatives and best practices into your work. Hospital Discharges In the statement, the Government announced they had allotted additional funding of 500 million pounds to local authorities and care boards in order to enhance their capacity to speed up safe discharges in hospitals and free up much-needed beds. This initiative was called the Adult Social Care Discharge Fund, and saw 40% (£200 million) given to local authorities while 60% (£300...

CQC Announces Delays to New Adult Care Assessments

January 24, 2023

CQC Announces Delays to New Adult Care Assessments

On the 21st of December, the CQC released ‘Our revised plan and approach for transformation,’ a news post detailing changes to their New Assessment Approach and delays to the rollout of new Adult Care Assessments. For our January 2023 Blog Post, ClouDoc bring you the key points of this latest CQC press release and let you know how these changes might affect your care business this year. Changes to Inspections In November 2022, the CQC released an article on how their plans would affect their day-to-day operational practices, and these changes will have the most significant effect on their inspections processes and the structure of their operational teams. The deputy chief inspectors who currently head up CQC’s operational teams will be superseded by a dedicated director, meaning teams will now be administered by an officer in a more specialised role. The CQC hopes this will provide more objective oversight...

IR35 Explained: Navigating The Laws Around Off-Payroll Working

December 15, 2022

IR35 Explained: Navigating The Laws Around Off-Payroll Working

Staying ahead of changing regulations allows you and your care business to avoid headaches and keep operating smoothly. In our December blog post, ClouDoc review changes to ‘off-payroll working’ (OPW) rules and IR35, and how these changes might affect your company. To learn more about how our policies can help the smooth operation of your temporary staffing healthcare business, visit https://www.caredaily.co.uk/company/subscription-detail/temporary-staffing-policies-and-forms, drop us a line at support@caredaily.co.uk or give us a call today on 0330 808 0050! What is IR35 and what are the ‘IR35 Reforms’? IR35 refers collectively to the tax legislation, introduced in 1999, which seeks to stop individual traders from avoiding tax payments by supplying as a limited company. When a company is ‘inside IR35’ this means they are in violation of the regulations because the relationship between the contractor and the buyer is more akin to that of an employee and employer than a self-employed,...

Children Services, Children's Homes, Ofsted

Ofsted: Social Care – Looking After Children With Complex Needs

December 8, 2022

Ofsted: Social Care – Looking After Children With Complex Needs

Dispelling Myths About Inspections and the Need for Suitable Homes. There is a growing need for highly specialised homes that can provide good quality, nurturing care for children with multiple and complex needs. In some cases, these children are deprived of their liberty – many have mental health needs that are not being met elsewhere. Ofsted knows that some providers are worried about caring for some children and the perceived ‘impact’ on inspection grades. Ofsted knows that the progress of many children will not be linear, with new crises arising and risks identified. They want to see homes and services adapt and respond appropriately to children, and we know this takes time and tenacity. But ultimately, this should not affect the grading of a home. In context, provision for children with the highest level of need continues to be good and outstanding in line with other provider types. What...

Children Services, Children's Homes, Ofsted

Ofsted Social Care Update: Children’s Homes Need Strong Leadership and a Stable Workforce

November 30, 2022

Ofsted Social Care Update: Children’s Homes Need Strong Leadership and a Stable Workforce

November 2022 Strong leadership and a stable workforce are imperative to the survival of a children’s home. Ofsted is aware that there are many committed leaders and staff delivering excellent care across children’s residential care. However, they know that high levels of staff turnover and not enough experienced staff continue to be a real problem, meaning that some of the most vulnerable children are still being left without the consistent level of care they require. Ofsted has recently been concerned about the impact of high staff turnover, particularly that of registered managers, on the care delivered in recently opened children’s homes. The early days of a new home can be challenging as staff settle into new roles, teams establish themselves and, most importantly, children come to live in the new home. With this in mind, Ofsted has decided to strengthen its oversight, for example, by asking new homes to inform...

Compliance, Healthcare, Legal

Harpur Trust vs Brazel Case – Your Business and Paid Holiday Entitlement

November 29, 2022

Harpur Trust vs Brazel Case – Your Business and Paid Holiday Entitlement

The Harpur Trust vs Lesley Brazel is an important case to consider in developing any company and recruiting staff members. In this case, the Supreme Court was asked to consider two different methods of working out holiday pay. Case Law Update: Paid Holiday Entitlement The Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal’s judgement on the Harpur Trust vs Brazel case. The ruling states that holiday pay for permanent staff who only work part of the year, such as term-time workers, should receive a full 5.6 weeks of annual leave a year. Pay should be calculated over a 52-week average rather than based on 12.07%. The same principles apply to those on zero-hours, variable-hours, or casual contracts. Why is this important to your Business? The key takeaway from this judgment is that all workers should be getting 5.6 weeks’ leave, regardless of how many weeks in the year they work....

Shot of a young nurse caring for a senior woman

CQC

November 7, 2022

The Importance of Pre-inspection Audits

Pre-inspection audits are crucial to your business in preparing for a CQC inspection. Understanding what the CQC expects from regulated providers will ensure that you are prepared and can demonstrate that you are delivering Good and Outstanding care. Why Are Pre-inspection Audits Important? Pre-inspection audits allow you to evaluate your service provision against actual standards. They are measured against the same standards the CQC use, including the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOES) and their Five Key Questions – Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. A pre-inspection audit will provide detailed feedback from a different perspective and allow you to take a step back, reflect and review your service. The Five Key Questions There are Five Key Questions that the CQC will ask your care service: Are they safe? Are they effective? Are they caring? Are they responsive to people’s needs? Are they well-led? Common Compliance Factors Affecting Providers During Inspections...

Building a CV for a CQC and Ofsted Registered Manager

Compliance, CQC, Ofsted

October 24, 2022

Building a CV for a CQC and Ofsted Registered Manager

October 2022 When applying for the role of a Registered Manager, it’s essential to ensure that your CV is completed to a professional standard. The CQC and Ofsted will analyse your background, skills, education, and experience to ensure you can fulfil the requirements expected of a Registered Manager. What Do Employers Look For in a CV? Depending on the job description and requirements, you can usually predict what the hiring manager wants to see in your CV. It’s important to create a highly targeted CV that gets you noticed. Expertise and Achievements Relevant Skillset Data and Quantifiable Metrics Proper Spelling and Grammar CQC and Ofsted Registered Manager Criteria The CQC state the intention of this regulation is to ensure that people who use services have their needs met because the regulated activity is managed by an appropriate person. This is because providers who comply with the regulations will have a...

Compliance, CQC, Healthcare

October 18, 2022

CQC New Single Assessment Framework

In July 2022, the Care Quality Commission outlined its new single assessment framework, focusing on a system that connects its registration activity to its quality assessments while offering a structure with greater transparency. They are looking to move away from their old approach of monitor, inspect and rate and work towards a more flexible approach where inspections won’t be determined by frequency. The CQC will base their quality assessments in all types of services, and at all levels, on the single assessment framework. For local authorities and integrated care systems, the CQC will use a subset of the quality statements.

Children Services, Children's Homes, Compliance, Ofsted, Social Care, Supported Living

Ofsted: Social Care – Registering Unregulated Provisions

September 8, 2022

Ofsted: Social Care – Registering Unregulated Provisions

Unregulated provision – strong oversight is required to ensure young people are safe, secure and doing well. In December 2021, Amanda Spielman, Ofsted Chief Inspector, agreed to the government’s request that Ofsted should register unregulated provisions for 16- and 17-year-old children in care and care leavers. Although supported accommodation remains unregulated, it is hard to predict when inspections will begin. Quality standards and regulatory oversight are crucial. The government expects to implement the supported accommodation regulations by January 2023. Ofsted will begin registering supported accommodation providers in April 2023 and conduct inspections in April 2024.

Children Services, Children's Homes, Compliance, CQC, Legal

All CQC-registered providers to ensure their staff receive training on interacting with people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

September 1, 2022

All CQC-registered providers to ensure their staff receive training on interacting with people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

From 1st July 2022, all health and social care providers registered with the CQC must ensure that their staff receive training on interacting appropriately with people with a learning disability and autistic people at a level appropriate to their role. This new legal requirement is introduced by the Health and Care Act 2022. The Government is required to consult and publish a Code of Practice, which would outline the content, delivery and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training that it has developed. It is anticipated that it will take at least 12 months to publish the Code of Practice. The CQC will provide statutory guidance until the Code of Practice is published. During the assessments and inspections of providers, they will regularly look to see if staff are working with people appropriately. If not, they will consider what training and support have been provided to staff...