CMM sat down with Michelle Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer at Digital Care Hub at last month’s Digital Care Summit London 2026, to take stock of the sector’s digitisation to date, and look forward to the future.

Hosted by Digital Care Hub, the Summit brought together care providers, policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, people with lived experience and frontline professionals for a day of meaningful discussion, learning and collaboration focussed on how digital care solutions can facilitate Government’s Neighbourhood Health agenda.

Behind every shift and handover is a person, and sometimes that person is quietly struggling, writes Alice Hendy MBE, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity.

The Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) team explains what the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) return to good approach means for adult social care providers and how they can keep evidence, governance and everyday practice inspection ready. 

Kevin Humphrys, Chief Executive Officer at Oakland Care Group and Board Member of West Sussex Partners in Care, champions transparent, auditable artificial intelligence (AI) systems that reduce administrative burden and keep care decisions in human hands.

Gerard Crofton-Martin, Interim Chief Executive at the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), argues that the Supreme Court’s revised approach to deprivation of liberty should refocus adult social care on strong Mental Capacity Act (MCA) practice, rights-based decision-making, workforce support and long-overdue reform.

The announcement from PM Andy Burnham to speed up social care reform has been welcomed across the sector, but not without a degree of scepticism. Tim Coolican and Emma Watt from social purpose law firm, Anthony Collins, discuss whether effective change is really possible.

Liz Jones, Policy Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the National Care Forum (NCF), looks back on the 2026 Care Innovation Challenge’s Innovation Weekend, facilitated by NCF and hosted at Coventry University’s Techno Centre on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June.

A new Prime Minister always brings renewed expectations for reform. For adult social care, those expectations are particularly high, writes James Watson-O’Neill, Chief Executive at Sense.

Working in home care can sometimes feel isolating, even for the most dedicated carers. Kam Gill, Registered Manager at Walfinch Oxfordshire, explains how investing in wellbeing, connection and peer support can help carers feel happier, more valued and better supported in their role.

Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care, analyses the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) recent update on assessments, aged ratings and unassessed services.

Jon White, National Culture and Diversity Lead at Skills for Care, discusses the implications of Skills for Care’s latest annual report on the racial inequalities across England’s adult and children’s social care workforce.

Working in home care can sometimes feel isolating, even for the most dedicated carers. Kam Gill, Registered Manager at Walfinch Oxfordshire, explains how investing in wellbeing, connection and peer support can help carers feel happier, more valued and better supported in their role.

Government’s recent 80-page consultation signals an intention to pursue the introduction of new guaranteed hours offer (GHO) legislation – so how should providers respond? Anna Dabek, Employment Law Partner at Anthony Collins, investigates.

Last Updated on June 5, 2026 The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) draft sector-specific assessment framework for adult social care marks an important moment for providers, writes Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care. When the single assessment framework was introduced, it aimed to create a more flexible and consistent approach Read the full article…

Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care, shares the organisation’s response to the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) March update and explains what the proposed move towards sector-specific inspection frameworks could mean for providers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming impossible to ignore in social care – not just in the tools providers use but in the correspondence they receive. Keara Bowgen-Nicholas, Senior Associate at RWK Goodman, explores what that means for providers.

Colleen Haller, National Learning and Development Lead at Skills for Care, discusses what inclusive and collaborative leadership means in adult social care, and how to lead from the bottom-up.

Last Updated on September 3, 2026 Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care, explains the steps providers should take to respond proactively to a CQC enforcement notice. Enforcement action from CQC represents a clear escalation in regulatory concern. It is rarely a sudden or isolated event. In most cases, enforcement Read the full article…

Last Updated on February 17, 2026 In this blog, the care home mystery shoppers at Bounce Forward describe what they look for from an initial enquiry call through to visit and follow-up. The team also shares insights about how small touches make a big difference. With over 40 years of Read the full article…

Last Updated on September 4, 2026 Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care, outlines how to challenge a CQC report effectively and protect your service’s reputation. Knowing how to challenge a CQC report effectively can make a lasting difference to your service. Beyond public ratings, reports shape regulatory history, influence Read the full article…

Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care, considers CQC’s recent update on its progress during 2025 and explains why improvements in regulation do not reduce the need for strong governance within services.

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 As the end of the year approaches, Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive Officer at Skills for Care, looks back on what 2025 has brought for social care. 2025 is drawing to a close and, as I look back on the year, I am proud of Read the full article…

Simon Trevethick, Head of Communications at StepChange Debt Charity, offers a few tried and tested routes to improving your finances, dealing with debt and setting yourself up for a future with less financial worry.

Fabio Cecchi, Commercial Director at Fulcrum Care, shares Fulcrum Care’s response to CQC’s recent update on its improvement plans and explains what providers should do now.

Drawing on analysis of Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessments of local authorities and recent safeguarding adult reviews (SARs), James Arrowsmith, Partner, and Julia Catherall, Principal Associate, both at Browne Jacobson, examine current concerns and effective responses to self-neglect for authorities delivering adult social care in England, as well as those working with councils.

Challenging an unfair outcome from CQC can often feel daunting – especially when all the standard avenues for complaint and review have been exhausted, and further escalation requires political backing that is not always forthcoming.

Hempsons CQC Q&A: Prosecutions of health and social care providers in England. Are there material changes providers should be aware of?

Days out can help care professionals, as well as those receiving care, to stay happy, healthy and better connected to their local community. Marcelo Navarro, Managing Director of Walfinch East Barnet, discusses the importance of days out to the wellbeing of professional carers.

Last Updated on November 19, 2025 In this practical guide, Dr Shelley James, international consultant, speaker and educator, explains the key regulatory points care providers need to know, and gives clear, actionable advice on choosing a lighting-and-controls solution that delivers a win-win for people and planet. The changes in Part Read the full article…

This National Stress Awareness Day, Jo Rankin, National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)-registered counsellor and psychologist, highlights the impact of workplace stress, explains how to reduce stigma and promotes helpful coping strategies.

Kate Gore, Relationship and Engagement Manager – Workforce Intelligence at Skills for Care, discusses the latest workforce data and shares why these insights are important in shaping the future of social care.

Philippa Doyle, Head of Social Care at Hempsons, looks at how services that have previously had regulatory breaches during an inspection, can evidence that strategies have been implemented to address them upon reinspection?

Last Updated on September 24, 2025 In this blog series, Philippa Doyle, Head of Social Care at Hempsons, answers the most common questions providers ask when dealing with the CQC. This time, Philippa answers: What are the key legal risks for complex care providers under CQC regulation, especially when delivering Read the full article…

Following its 2025 Wellbeing Survey, Karolina Gerlich from The Care Workers’ Charity shares key statistics reflecting the current position for registered managers in adult social care.

Natalie Spinks, Programme Head – Care Workforce Pathway at Skills for Care, discusses how the pathway will enhance the professionalism of social care and make the sector a more attractive place to work.

In the first of a new series of blogs, Philippa Doyle, Head of Social Care at Hempsons, answers the most common questions providers ask when dealing with the CQC. 

With over 40 years of combined experience in the care sector, we at Bounce Forward truly understand what the ideal customer journey should look like. While many mystery shopping companies exist, we are the only one that specialises exclusively in senior care. 

Jonathan Gardner, Chief Executive Officer at Bluebird Care, shares why he believes homecare should be placed at the heart of the future of the NHS. 

Last Updated on August 7, 2025 Rebekah Cresswell, Chief Executive of Priory and a member of the Care England working-age adult care policy board takes a look at why we need to shift public opinion on social care. When people hear the term ‘adult social care’, they often picture care Read the full article…

Rob Walton and Olivia Stevens at RWK Goodman outline key legal and practical considerations when renting property to employees, helping providers stay compliant and avoid common pitfalls, especially in relation to employment rights and pay.

It is full steam ahead for the National Care Forum’s (NCF’s) Care Innovation Challenge which is taking place at Coventry University’s Techno Centre on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, explains Helen Glasspool, Events and Partnership Lead at NCF.

Jayne McCabe, National Leadership and Management Lead at Skills for Care, discusses the organisation’s latest leadership campaign and the resources available to support leadership at all levels.

Yasmeen Hassoun, Head of International Marketing at Person Centred Software (PCS), explains why #GladToCare Awareness Week is set to be a fun-filled event designed to celebrate carers and the invaluable contributions made by everyone in the care sector.

Blythe Senior discusses how three distinct sector groups have grappled with the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC’s) target to ensure 80% of Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered providers and 80% of people who receive care have a digital social care record (DSCR) in place by March 2025.

Faye Blackwell from NCPS outlines what counselling and psychotherapy can help with, and what you can expect to happen in your first counselling session.

Last Updated on May 22, 2025 Gemma Nicholas, Senior Associate in the Health and Social Care team at RWK Goodman, explores the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) historical and recent approach to prosecutions, emerging themes in enforcement and what providers can do to protect themselves as enforcement activity evolves. Sir Julian Read the full article…

Factual Accuracy Challenges (FACs) are crucial for ensuring that Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports accurately reflect the quality of services provided.

Jess McGregor, newly-appointed President of ADASS, tells us what’s at the top of her in-tray and what she considers the sector’s key challenges ahead.

Valerie Hanson explores how we can alleviate the administrative burden on care staff and discusses the need for human-centric care and quality frameworks in adult social care settings.

Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive Officer at Skills for Care, discusses why the ‘Celebrating social care’ campaign is so important and the change it is hoped the campaign may bring.

Resilience-based clinical supervision (RBCS) Project Manager and Facilitator at the Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS), Sue Hill, explores RBCS in social care.

As the sector looks ahead to a new financial year, care providers are facing an increasingly difficult dilemma, says Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer at Community Integrated Care

Exposure to trauma in the care sector means an increased risk of developing serious, detrimental conditions. Andy Holmes explains how to recognise trauma-associated symptoms and how to adopt a trauma-informed practice in the workplace to help those affected and yourself.

Rob Newby, Head of National Workforce Development, Capability and Skills, at Skills for Care, talks about learning and development as a solution to social care’s challenges that goes beyond quick fixes.

The phrase self-care is mentioned a lot, but what actually is it and how can care managers practice it? Alicia Dawson takes us through the importance of checking in with yourself, some examples of self-care and how to make them second nature.

Gina King, independent trainer and consultant, assesses the impact of the Assisted Dying Bill and explores the possible public and professional response.

One in three adults do too little physical activity. For people receiving care, more movement can provide numerous health, social and mental wellbeing benefits. Amrit Dhaliwal explores the ways carers can encourage motivation and therefore increased mobility in care settings.

Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive Officer at Skills for Care, reflects on the year passed and how 2024 delivered some important work for those working in and supported by adult social care.

When the Alzheimer’s Support Day Care Team won the Dementia Care Award at the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards in March 2024, the description in its nomination made for very emotional reading. Beth Britton, one of the judges, reports on her recent visit with Liz Jones, Policy Director at the National Care Forum (NCF), to see the service in action.

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer at the National Care Forum (NCF), previews the upcoming CEOs & Senior Directors Conference, a highly anticipated annual gathering of not-for-profit care and support providers.

From simple breathing exercises to mindful observation, Jess Farazmand shares accessible techniques to help care workers manage stress.

Last Updated on October 29, 2024 George Appleton, Head of External Affairs, and Helen Broad, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, both at the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE),  reflect on the key takeaways from each conference and what SCIE learned from the discussions it hosted. As the dust settles Read the full article…

Will Fenton, Analytics Manager at Skills for Care, writes about the release of the 2024 ‘State of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report and the impact of international recruitment on the adult social care workforce. 

Care home managers face unique emotional and practical challenges, including dealing with the grief and trauma of losing residents. Seren Foster explores strategies that can help you navigate the complexities of bereavement without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is of great importance, especially in the life of a care manager. Don French talks through strategies for preventing work from affecting your personal life, setting boundaries and nurturing connections.

Tobi Alli-Usman, Founder and Managing Director at Prosperwell, discusses the value of robust sales and marketing strategies to grow your care business and previews a new learning opportunity delivered in partnership with Care England.

Christopher Harley builds on our understanding of burnout and highlights strategies for care workers and managers to prevent burnout, build resilience and maintain a supportive work environment.

Skills for Care operates more than a hundred networks across England to support leaders and managers through peer-to-peer support, best practice sharing and communal learning. In this blog, Georgina Turner, Director of Engagement at Skills for Care, discusses the different networks available to leaders at all levels.

CMM hears from Sarah Buxton who explains what burnout is, what it looks like in the life of a manager and how to say no when the pressure is piling up to prevent burnout.

Clive Parry, Director at ARC England, discusses the impact of a recent film screening depicting how an individual received insufficient end-of-life care and explains how he hopes that it acts as a catalyst for change. In late May 2024, ARC England held a screening of a 15-minute film about the Read the full article…

The challenges facing the health and social care system are well documented but, encouragingly, things can be done right now to make a difference. Informed by work immersed in the care sector, Tom Owen, Director at My Home Life England, shares some recommendations to support a better, brighter future for social care.

Patricia Higham talks about ‘in the moment’ difficulties and how registered managers can acknowledge these challenges with understanding and work on a calm response, paving the way for effective resolutions.

Last Updated on July 4, 2024 Care providers are giving up more and more of their precious time and resources each year to manage inquests and attend hearings, but could they be doing more to avoid this by taking a more preventative and proactive approach? Tim Coolican and Freya Cassia Read the full article…

Sarah-Jane Dale, Chief Operating Officer at Affina Organisation Development (part of the Skills for Care Group), discusses the importance of a great induction and how Skills for Care’s new managers’ toolkit is supporting social care employers to deliver an effective induction.

The life of a registered manager involves significant emotional challenges and constant responsibility. With the right tools and mindset, self-care can make all the difference. Featuring insights into the lives of three registered managers, Jessica Weatherall highlights the importance of working through doubt and making yourself a priority.

Last Updated on June 20, 2024 Claire Henry MBE and Clare Thomas, at Claire Henry Associates Ltd, share how they have used personal and professional experiences of grief to upskill the sector’s workforce. There are large numbers of people caring for loved ones who they are losing emotionally, day by Read the full article…

Amidst the responsibilities of life as a registered manager, Donna Morgan writes an open letter offering support and tips to help navigate stress and anxiety.

Skills for Care has been #CelebratingSocialCare once again this April. Chief Executive Officer, Oonagh Smyth, shares her thoughts on why it’s so important to dedicate time to recognising the vital work done by the care sector.

With the rollout of the new CQC single assessment framework underway, social care providers are concerned that too much reliance on past performance could be distorting their new assessment ratings. Tim Coolican and Freya Cassia at Anthony Collins discuss how care providers should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Many people wrongly assume that cyber criminals will sidestep care homes because of the moral and ethical implications involved; however, the truth is that cyber criminals don’t care. They do target care homes and in a number of different ways, as Carolyn Baker-Mellor, Head of Care Insurance at Towergate, explains. Read the full article…

If you are thinking about how your business can implement AI, but are not sure how it might help, Michael Manuccia, Chief Executive Officer at FuturU, has the answer, providing clarity and identifying further potential outcomes for the sector.

Rob Hargreaves, Information Services Manager at Skills for Care, discusses tangible ways to be Care Quality Commission (CQC)-compliant as the Single Assessment Framework comes into use. 

Paul Kelly, Head of Employment law at Blacks Solicitors, discusses the Carer’s Leave Act, the impact this will have on the social care sector and how employers can best support employees with care responsibilities once this comes into force.

Les Bright, volunteer with book club ‘Sharing Stories’, discusses his experiences, the value of volunteering, and the importance of such projects in care settings.

Ben Higgins, Chief Executive at Bild and the Restraint Reduction Network, explains the progress that’s been made to ensure people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions receive the respect they deserve and that their dignity is upheld and what changes the Network is calling for. 

When former Chief Executive Sara Livadeas secured a casual job working in the kitchen of her local care home, she didn’t expect to experience such a range of emotions. In this week’s CMM blog, Sara shares what lessons can be learned to strengthen employee retention.  

Oonagh Smyth, CEO, Skills for Care, reflects on the year for the adult social care sector and the work that Skills for Care has done this year to support people who work in the care sector. 

Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, outlines the current pressures and challenges impacting carers and what social care providers can do to help. 

Baroness Morris of Yardley, Chair, House of Lords Public Services Committee, tells us more about the findings in their new report: Homecare medicines services: a lost opportunity 

To coincide with the launch of their latest report, Markel UK invited expert speakers from the care sector, including the National Care Forum, and Markel’s insurance team, to delve into the details and to share their own experiences of the pandemic and insurance. 

Martin Knapp CBE, Director of NIHR’s Research Programme for Social Care, updates on NIHR’s projects and highlights current projects happening to drive forwards social care best practice.  

As a nation, we must have no time for hate crime says Mark Brookes, Advocacy Lead at Dimensions. In this blog for CMM, Mark shares details of Dimension’s new research and makes reference to his own experiences.  

Annie Waddington-Feather, a consultant working in the health and social care sector, reflects on the key trends and discussion points from the International Social Care Workforce Summit

Nigel Taylor, Head of Learning and Development for CareTech, explores the key benefits of apprenticeships in the sector and explains how they contribute to the growth and successes of organisations

Person Centred Software is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it also reaches a new milestone of over 6,000 customers on its Connected Care Platform. This is Person Centred Software’s all-in-one cloud-based care management system.

Libby Price, co-founder and director of The Filo Project, a not-for-profit community interest company offering unique, home environment dementia care days shares how the enterprise is supporting people with dementia.

Consultant Psychologist Barbara Wren, helped to develop a series of reflective groups to support social care leaders and social care staff deal with the emotional impact of working during the pandemic. Here are her insights.

Rachel Calladine at Exemplar Health Care shares her thoughts on putting people at the heart of commissioning and suggests a collaborative approach towards providing care.

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 Charlotte Miller, Founder and Director of Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) and Co-Founder of Intergenerational England, shares insights into the first national body working in intergenerational practice and outlines guidance to support care homes. Britain is one of the most age-segregated countries in the world, Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 3, 2023 A new Cochrane Review has found that physical restraints on care home residents can be reduced without increasing the risk of falls. Significantly, the Review has found that this is when frontline care staff are empowered by supportive managers. Ralph Möhler, a researcher in Read the full article…

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 We are delighted to announce the return of The Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards. The ceremony will be held on Friday 15th March 2024 at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham. We are very excited to be organising this event once again, but this time it Read the full article…

Oakland Care has eagerly made progress with ESG to show what is possible for care homes across the country. Here, Joanne Balmer, Chief Executive, explores the journey, and how others in the social care sector can take care of ESG responsibilities too.

Markel 3rd Sector Care Award winner Annie Waddington-Feather, Volunteer Trustee to The Shrewsbury Ark, explains how the charity’s work is breaking down barriers and reducing health inequalities through strategic partnerships.

Experts from Inclusive Employers explore the six pillars of inclusion and diversity and provide good practice examples for how you, as owners, operators and chief executives of adult social care services, can be confident to build inclusion into everything you do.

Debra Edwards, a co-production champion for Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation’ (TAPPI), shares her lived experience of drawing on care and support housing and reflects on the key principles that make co-production a success.  

Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive of Skills for Care, discusses the recently published guiding principles for delegated healthcare activities to support person-centred, safe and effective delegation.

Last Updated on June 28, 2023 Consumer demand is changing. To protect and grow care revenues, build brand reputation, and attract new residents, patients, customers, and staff – care providers need to put greater focus on the digital experience. Lauren Williams, who heads up the health and care sector at Read the full article…

Michael Neave – a social care worker with an autism diagnosis – shares his experiences of working in social care and how he feels his autism gives him unique insight and skills in his job.

Last Updated on June 19, 2023 Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director for Better Security, Better Care – the national and local programme supporting adult social care providers to improve their data and cyber security, explains what homecare services can do to strengthen digital security. Mention cyber security to the manager of Read the full article…

Michael Voges, Chief Executive at ARCO, previews the seventh ARCO Annual Conference which takes place this summer on 5th & 6th July in London

Last Updated on June 8, 2023 As the sector struggles with record numbers of vacancies, specialist care provider, Cornerstone Healthcare’s Chief Executive, Johann Van Zyl, says companies need to give staff the confidence to care and be confident to wave them goodbye. There is no doubt that the care sector Read the full article…

CMM catch up with Maaha Suleiman, runner up in the first ever Care Innovation Challenge, to find out how the Challenge helped her get set up and the impact her business is having now.

Last Updated on May 23, 2023 Earlier this year, the Care Quality Commission released its progress report on oral health in care homes. Here, Mary Cridge, Director of Adult Social Care at the Care Quality Commission, shares some of the tips providers themselves have offered on how to continue to Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 18, 2023 Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between 15th- 21st May and the theme for 2023 is anxiety. My Home Life Englands’s Director, Tom Owen, shares findings from the organisation’s Rebuilding Together report and highlights the importance of open conversations within the team to support Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 17, 2023 To mark Brain Injury Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of brain injury and give a voice to those affected, Rudi Coetzer, Clinical Director of The Disabilities Trust, shares his insights and thoughts on best practice, new research, and the optimal techniques to Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 9, 2023 In this week’s blog, Sharon Allen, Chief Executive of Arthur Rank Hospice, offers insights and tips on supporting the workforce through grief. Even though I don’t know who is reading this, there is something I do know about each one of you. We all Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2023 Ahead of Dying Matters Awareness Week, Sheryl Smith, Jewish Care’s Emotional & Wellbeing Lead, offers a personal look back at the COVID-19 pandemic and talks about the importance of reflection as a tool to move forward. This year, for Dying Matters Week, we are Read the full article…

Last Updated on October 21, 2025 The prospect of a care home having to close its doors can have a monumental impact, not just on the care home but also on the wider community. Geetika Mutch, the Director of Vital Care Services, and a trainee solicitor, shares how the care Read the full article…

Last Updated on April 6, 2023 Emily Stuart, a registered Dietitian with apetito, explores how care homes can combat malnutrition. Every year Nutrition and Hydration Week runs with the aim of highlighting, promoting, and celebrating improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration. These core aims are shared locally, nationally, Read the full article…

Last Updated on March 30, 2023 Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care explores why care providers need to do more to share with service users how their information is used. We’re all more aware of how our information is used. We’ve seen how our online searches and Read the full article…

Last Updated on April 19, 2023 Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at Cornerstone Healthcare Group, explains why the group decided to invest in the new position. In late 2022, Cornerstone made a strategic decision to establish an in-house de-escalation NAPPI trainer position. As we continue to expand our services and Read the full article…

Last Updated on March 9, 2023 Geoffrey Cox, Managing Director at Southern Healthcare, summarises the sector’s reaction to recent leaked WhatsApp messages revealing Matt Hancock’s disregard of expert advice relating to care home testing and admissions at the height of the pandemic. Apparently, Matt Hancock ignored advice from Chris Whitty Read the full article…

Last Updated on March 2, 2023 Professor Graham Stokes, HC-One’s Director of dementia care services, discusses the principles and foundations of the care home provider’s transformational new dementia strategy. For those of us at the forefront of planning and providing care, the evolving needs of our ageing population remain a Read the full article…

Last Updated on February 23, 2023 Amrit Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of homecare company Walfinch, explains how providers can work collaboratively with staff to create a robust workforce retention plan. Around 30% of homecare staff leave their jobs every year – but that doesn’t mean your homecare staff will leave you. Read the full article…

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 Sporting Memories is a charity and social enterprise that helps older people to reminiscence, replay and reconnect through the power of sport and physical activity. Chris Wilkins MBE, Co-Founder and current Chief Executive of Sporting Memories, explains the importance of sports-based activities to support Read the full article…

Last Updated on February 9, 2023 The cost-of-living crisis has been tough for businesses of all sizes, with adult care providers suffering a series of blows, potentially the biggest of which has been delivered recently. Wendy Cotton, Social Welfare Line Manager at Markel UK, explains how providers must assess current Read the full article…

Last Updated on February 2, 2023 Sarah Holmes, Individual Service Fund Manager at Affinity Trust, a charity that supports over 900 people with learning disabilities across England and Scotland,  shares details of a new pilot to deliver an Individual Service Funds offer. At Affinity Trust, we are exploring the possibility Read the full article…

Last Updated on January 26, 2023 Why should school leavers choose a career in care, and how can we bring them into the sector? Charles Armitage, Chief Executive of Florence, the healthcare platform using technology to help tackle the shortage of healthcare staff globally, shares his thoughts on recruiting and Read the full article…

Last Updated on February 28, 2023 The care sector is under mounting pressure. Rising costs coupled with severe staff shortages – there are currently 165,000 social care vacancies in the UK – mean retaining good staff is a major concern, as well as a priority for many care providers. Fiona Read the full article…

Last Updated on January 13, 2023 Lucy Buxton has spent the last 32 years working in social care and the NHS and now spends her time working as an NLP trainer and coach. By drawing on her own experiences, Lucy shares her journey with Long covid and offers her advice Read the full article…

Last Updated on January 11, 2023 The CareTech Charitable Foundation announced its partnership with the organisation, The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), partnering together on their Learning Disability Vision Friends project. Mike Adams OBE, Chair of the CareTech Foundation and Chief Executive of Purple, a not-for-profit organisation, shares insights Read the full article…

Last Updated on October 21, 2025 Michelin-star quality food in care homes might seem like an unattainable dream. However, all care homes should be aiming to deliver to their residents the best meal experience possible and there is no reason why this cannot be done. Darren Klein, Catering Manager at Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 20, 2022 The Lancashire Registered Care Manager Network (RCMN) Annual Meeting took place on 30th November to discuss the changes facing the sector. Paul Simic, former Chief Executive of Lancashire Care Association and Policy Advisor for National Care Association, and Katie Barnes, Chair of the Lancashire Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 15, 2022 As the cost of living rises, many care workers are finding themselves in a difficult financial situation. Kevin Shaw, Chief Executive of Hartford Care, reacts to the challenges being faced by today’s care workers and asks what care providers can do to help, following Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 15, 2022 The House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee has been looking into what needs to change to create a fair, resilient and sustainable care system that better enables everyone to ‘live an ordinary life’, and in so doing, to have greater choice and control Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 6, 2022 As the dust settles, Julie Tyas, Senior Social Care Consultant, Access Health, Support and Care, outlines what the delay to adult social care charging reforms means for local authorities and why councils shouldn’t lose sight of the immediate challenges to service delivery. The last Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 1, 2022 One of the most important safeguarding priorities for care organisations should be to create a culture which supports and encourages people to raise concerns. Without this culture, concerns will often go unreported and people unprotected. Ample evidence for this assertion is found in well-publicised Read the full article…

Last Updated on November 24, 2022 The state of the workforce has now eclipsed funding as the biggest issue of concern in adult social care. Recent data confirms the seriousness of the deepening people crisis. But it’s important to dig behind the numbers and challenge some of the conventional assumptions Read the full article…

Last Updated on November 17, 2022 Jill Manthorpe CBE talks about how developing contacts with researchers and research funders may help social care leaders retain and upskill their stretched workforce There are over 160,000 staff vacancies in care services and vacancy levels have increased 52% in the past year to Read the full article…

Last Updated on November 9, 2022 What do you need to consider before becoming a trustee in the social care sector? What’s involved in the role and why is it important? Sara Livadeas has experienced working with boards from both a trustee and a chief executive role. She shares her Read the full article…

Last Updated on November 4, 2022 Jonathan Freeman MBE, Chief Executive of CareTech Foundation, details how charity Breaking Barriers is working to provide refugees with an employment pathway into the social care sector. Breaking Barriers is a charity that supports refugees into meaningful employment with one-to-one advice and guidance, education, Read the full article…

Last Updated on October 14, 2022 Phil Orton, Chief People Officer at Making Space believes that school-leavers possess great potential to contribute proactively to the adult social care workforce. In this blog, Phil reflects on his personal experiences and encourages providers to harness the talents of the next generation.  For Read the full article…

Last Updated on September 7, 2022 Say hello to Lucy Gillespie: Skills for Care Project Manager for Nursing. Lucy is a registered nurse and Project Manager for the Regulated Professional Workforce at Skills for Care. She tells us about how her new role is highlighting opportunities and raising the profile Read the full article…

Last Updated on September 5, 2022 The Health and Social Care Secretary has recently announced a new 10-year plan to tackle dementia and boost funding into research to better understand neurodegenerative diseases. It is planned that the actions will explore how technology, science and medicine can help reduce the rates Read the full article…

Last Updated on September 7, 2022 The growing reliance on volunteer staff in the face of the UK’s recruitment crisis is becoming ever more critical with staffing shortages within the care sector a growing concern. British charity Skills for Care warned that, at 8.2%, adult social care vacancy rates in Read the full article…

Last Updated on October 21, 2025 Changes are coming for CQC and they’re starting now. Ridwaan Omar, Head of Regulatory at Forbes Solicitors outlines the latest updates to CQC’s assessment framework here. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) intends to implement a new Single Assessment Framework to regulate health and adult Read the full article…

Julie Tyas, Senior Qualified and Registered Social Worker and Senior Social Care Consultant, Access Health, Support & Care, shares her views on the care cap funding announcement.

Last Updated on June 24, 2022 How can new and emerging digital technologies advance, rather than put at risk, the human rights of older people who draw on social care? On the face of it, technology presents exciting new possibilities for people in care. However, there is the danger it Read the full article…

Last Updated on June 23, 2022 Kari Gerstheimer, Chief Executive of Access Social Care, shares her opinion on the cost-of-living crisis and explains how its impacting the social care sector and the people it supports.  When are windfalls like swings and roundabouts? It might sound like a cryptic crossword clue, Read the full article…

Feelings of loneliness can arise for many reasons, even when we are surrounded by people we love. In this blog, Alex Ramamurthy from Mirthy explores the reasons behind loneliness and the importance of belonging.

Last Updated on May 13, 2022 Ex-Armed Forces personnel might not be the first people care providers think of when looking for new employees, but Paul de Savary of Home From Home Care tells us why this is a pool of talent the sector should not be ignoring. A few Read the full article…

The Government’s decision to revoke the need for compulsory vaccinations for care staff was the right one, but the damage has already been done – and it will have long-term effects on the sector, says Neil Russell, Chairman of PJ Care. 

Last Updated on March 23, 2022 In recognition of International Women’s Day, Lucy Campbell, CEO at Right at Home UK, shares how the organisation has successfully created opportunities for women to reach senior roles, details the importance of attracting more men to work in care, and explains why men must Read the full article…

Last Updated on March 23, 2022 We welcome the Government’s vision for a fair price for care in the white paper, ‘Putting People at the Heart of Care’, and the further detail in the subsequent ministerial statement, ‘The Fair Cost of Care and Market Sustainability Fund: Purpose and Conditions for 2022-23’. Read the full article…

There is general heightened awareness of the threat of cyber-attacks in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and care providers are not immune to the potential for disruption.  Daniel Casson, Care England’s Digital Transformation Adviser, gives instruction on how providers can protect themselves and their data.

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 During times of stress such as the pandemic, sleep is usually the first thing that is disrupted. Simon Edmonds and Holly Jackson who work at How to Sleep, a team of sleep enthusiasts, share tips to a good night’s sleep and provide insight on how Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 6, 2021 The Government is pressing ahead with plans to extend its mandatory vaccination programme to the wider health and social care sector with effect from 1st April. Having spent the last few months working with care home providers to implement mandatory vaccination, James Sage, Partner in the Employment Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 Have you considered what impact your words may have on someone else? In this blog Simon Gamewell, Health and Social Care Advisor at TAP (Thank and Praise), shares why he decided to join the TAP community and we hear a heartfelt poem by care Read the full article…

Last Updated on November 21, 2025 After the height of the pandemic, many care staff will be feeling tired, burnt out and could even be struggling with mental health issues. Providers may be turning their attention to their employees and how they can offer support to help them cope, build Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 At TAP (Thank and Praise) we are big believers in the power of gratitude to boost the mental health and wellbeing of care workers. It’s a simple act to say thank you to someone who deserves it and yet it can have a profound Read the full article…

Last Updated on July 19, 2026 Summary Persistent high levels of workplace stress mean care sector employers must continue to prioritise supportive environments for staff wellbeing. Investing in mental health first aid training equips colleagues to offer immediate, non-judgemental support and reduce stigma. Managers should watch for signs of burnout Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 For many people, the act of saying ‘thank you’ is within our conscious; it’s an instinct, a means of communication. Yet, how we deliver the message to our care workforce can have a lasting impact on morale and work ethic. In the first blog Read the full article…

Ben Phillips, founder of the Samaritans’ NHS and Social Care Helpline, gives us the low-down on the service and explains how Registered Managers can encourage their staff to reach out for help when they need it most

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 (10th to 16th May), CMM’s editor Olivia Hubbard speaks to two registered care home managers about how working in social care impacted on their mental health during the pandemic. In the second post of the series, Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 (10th-16th May), CMM’s editor Olivia Hubbard speaks to two registered care home managers about how working in social care impacted on their mental health during the pandemic. In the first of the series, Registered Manager Dawn Read the full article…

Last Updated on January 21, 2021 The sight of COVID-19 vaccinations being administered to care home residents over recent weeks will be a great relief to care workers, family members and health officials alike. With residents and staff among the highest priority groups targeted for the vaccine, the task of Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 23, 2020 Whilst a number of our clients have been concerned about numbers of residents in care homes falling, there are times when new admissions are not wanted or when a provider must refuse a new admission into their home. This may occur for example, when Read the full article…

Last Updated on July 19, 2026 Summary: Engaging activities in care homes Activities in care homes are essential for residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, rather than just being a nice extra. To be truly successful, an activity must be meaningful and tailored to the unique interests and needs of the Read the full article…

A ban on staff movement between care homes is coming – but there’s help for care providers to ensure their service is safely staffed.

Last Updated on September 17, 2020 0% VAT for Social Care is a campaign that is based around a simple, actionable premise. It is well documented how badly social care requires reform. However, precisely what shape social care reform should take is a far more difficult subject to agree upon. The campaign has been set up Read the full article…

Last Updated on July 28, 2026 Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE is a national health campaigner, GP, and founder of Homeless-Friendly, a health charity for rough sleepers. Here, he explores how wrong the Prime Minister is to lay blame at the feet of care staff.   In the North of England, Read the full article…

Last Updated on June 29, 2020 Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) explores why the Covid crisis could lead to an increase in PTSD. An introduction by Mat Whittingham, CEO and founder of Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) “In years to come, when we look back at the coronavirus pandemic, what will be Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 22, 2020 The Government recently announced a new support package for care homes. Here, Minister for Care, Helen Whately gives details of the package and how it is expected to help.   Bravery, compassion, dedication – in recent weeks we’ve seen many thousands of health and Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 We all act in ways that don’t betray the way we really feel, but is it good for us? Claire Henry and Marie Cooper share the meaning behind what we are doing and why we need to be aware of our emotional labour.   Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 20, 2020 We know mental health will be a big issue for care staff coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) spoke to the British Psychological Society, National Care Forum, Age UK, TRICRES and the Social Care Institute for Excellence to find out Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 7, 2020 Key issues for care providers and managers during the pandemic The Chief Coroner has published his most recent guidance to coroners covering issues surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic.   He has previously published three updating guidance notes to coroners covering emergency laws and how Read the full article…

Last Updated on December 23, 2020 CMM COVID-19 special edition Links to the latest COVID-19 guidance and resources available for the adult social care sector. New information is being released almost daily for adult social care providers on the coronavirus pandemic. From the correct use of PPE to organisations offering Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 Why is it important to consider resilience? In many ways, we show our resilience on a daily basis. We usually and love the ‘cut and thrust’ of whatever the workday or home life throws at us. But we also know there are times when Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 Jonathan Papworth, Co-founder and Director of Person Centred Software, explains how dedicated video calling for social care can overcome communication challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.   As well as piling strain onto stretched care providers, COVID-19 is exacerbating risks to vulnerable elderly people who Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 For providers, there is an urgent need to ensure everything is in place for making end of life care decisions in care services. Claire Henry MBE writes about the best ways to make sure you’re prepared.   In these unprecedent times, making decisions feels Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 Digital solutions are an essential part of streamlining business practices, and can be an enormous help with data gathering. We spoke to Duncan Campbell about what the new C19 CONTROL service is, how it works and what it can do to support providers through Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 With the care sector playing a vital role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and supporting the most vulnerable in society, many providers are exploring innovative methods to ensure they can continue to deliver an outstanding level of care while operating with the highest Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 Rishi Jawaheer, Director of the Jawa Group takes a look at some of the issues arising from COVID-19 that affect people with dementia, and what care home professionals can do to help. Here, he shares how he and his team of care workers have Read the full article…

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 Are there any changes to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 following the enactment of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (the ‘Act’)? The Coronavirus Act does not directly amend the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). However, the provisions of the Act are likely to have implications for Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 Carren Bell, Founder of Lagan’s Foundation, writes on the lack of protective equipment for social care and the failings the sector’s been subjected to. When history looks back at the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020, it is sure to bemoan how poorly prepared we were Read the full article…

Last Updated on May 4, 2020 For the social care and healthcare sectors The Coronavirus Act provides significant changes. The Act received Royal Assent on 25th March 2020 and is now law. Here is a brief guide to some of the key recent statutory changes.   Temporary Registration of Social Workers In the exceptional Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 We know that death is a certainty, but it can still come as a shock when it happens. In social care, while we understand and expect that families and close friends need to grieve and remember, we can forget that sometimes staff, including you Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 We all understand that kindness matters in our day-to-day lives. But how often is kindness practised in workplaces? Claire Henry shares her thoughts. ‘Kind’ is a four-letter word you tend not to see in any job description, role competencies or organisational policies.   Yet Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 Care staff and registered managers are increasingly suffering from stress, are over-worked and are running on empty. Constant pressure to perform to regulatory standards is a common cause of this stress for registered managers and added pressure can contribute to increasing workloads and unmanageable Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 Being a registered manager is one of the most complex and challenging jobs in the care sector. But it can also be incredibly rewarding, and it comes with real opportunities to see the impact that you can make on people’s lives.   Over the Read the full article…

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 We hear the term ‘wellbeing’ mentioned so often these days, but what does it mean? For me, and I cannot be alone in this, it means different things on different days. There are many answers to ‘What is wellbeing?’. Some say that wellbeing.   Read the full article…