SEPTEMBER 2026
ISSUE 7
OUTSTANDING
Voices
Bringing the feeling of Brighton Pride into care every day. Page 9
Also featuring:
Extreme Weather, Resilience & Adult Social Care p6 Healthy Ageing Begins at Home p16 Winter Preparedness Starts Now p23 AI Governance in Adult Social Care p26
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Knowledge Sharing
continuous improvement in the quality of care delivered to
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The Outstanding Society DIRECTORS Zoë Fry OBE
Executive Director Nursing & Residential Care
James Rycroft
Executive Director Specialist Dementia Services
TEAM
Alan Fry
Head of Operations
Sonia Pritchard
Executive Administrator
Ruth French
Lucy Knight
Samantha Crawley
Mike Slator
Director of Policy & Regulation
Director of Leadership & Wellbeing
Sanjay Gasiorski-Dhrona Director of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Vivaldi Social Care Lead
Project Specialist
Livvi Bywater
Marketing & Content Assistant
Caroline Cosh
Director of Homecare
Lara Bywater
Director of Learning Disability, Autism & Mental Health Care
info@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk www.theoutstandingsociety.co.uk
Editor Notes When the Weather Changes, Care Endures
Yet amidst these growing challenges, one thing continues to stand out: the extraordinary dedication
This summer has once again reminded us that
of our sector.
weather is no longer just a topic of casual conversation. Across the UK, adult social care
While thermometers rise, routines are disrupted, and
providers have faced soaring temperatures, periods
operational pressures increase, care professionals
of drought, water shortages, and increasing concern
continue to do what they have always done. They
about the impact of climate-related events on some
adapt. They innovate. They place the wellbeing of the
of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
people they support at the centre of every decision. Across residential homes, supported living services,
As discussed during The Outstanding Society's recent
domiciliary care providers and community-based
Extreme Weather Learning webinar, these events are
organisations, colleagues have worked tirelessly to
becoming more frequent and can no longer be
maintain safety, comfort and dignity, often while
regarded as exceptional. Instead, they are rapidly
managing the very same challenges in their own lives.
becoming part of the operating environment for health and social care services.
As we look ahead, the challenge facing the sector is clear. We must move beyond reacting to individual
The consequences of extreme weather for adult
weather events and focus on embedding resilience
social care are significant. People drawing on care
into everyday practice. That means learning from
and support are often disproportionately affected by
recent experiences, investing in preparedness, and
heat, especially older adults, those living with frailty,
ensuring that social care has the resources, guidance
and individuals managing complex health conditions.
and support needed to protect both people drawing on care and the workforce that serves them. Most importantly, however, we should take a moment
to
recognise
and
celebrate
the
professionalism shown by social care colleagues throughout these periods of extreme weather. Whatever the conditions, providers continue to demonstrate
compassion,
commitment
and
an
unwavering determination to deliver outstanding care. The weather may be changing, but the values that underpin adult social care remain constant. And that should give us all confidence as we prepare
Alan Fry
for the future.
Editor and Head of Operations
04 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Highlights 06
Extreme Weather, Resilience & Adult Social Care
Building resilience across adult social care in response to heatwaves and other climate-related challenges.
08
Outstanding Spotlight
Outstanding Voices celebrates adult social care services that have achieved an Overall Outstanding rating.
the feeling of Brighton 09 Bringing Pride into care every day Reflecting on Brighton Pride and the importance of creating care environments where both colleagues and those drawing on care feel safe, respected and able to be themselves.
16
Healthy Ageing Begins at Home
Why supporting people to age well requires more than home adaptations, focusing on prevention, independence, technology and community connections.
Preparedness 23 Winter Starts Now Over 100 colleagues and people who use services proudly came together to march as one Adult Social Care team at this year's Brighton Pride.
26
AI Governance in Adult Social Care
Why social care providers must establish robust AI governance, ensuring innovation is balanced with safety, accountability and regulatory compliance.
Extreme Weather, Resilience & Adult Social Care. Why Adult Social Care Must Build Resilience for a Changing Climate Heatwaves, wildfires, water shortages and severe weather events are no longer rare occurrences. As adult
social
care
providers
face
increasing
environmental challenges, the focus is shifting from emergency response to long-term resilience. Recent discussions hosted by The Outstanding Society brought together experts and practitioners from
across
adult
social
care,
alongside
representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Care Quality Commission (CQC), Skills for Care, academia and care providers. The message was clear: the sector must begin treating periods of significant heat and other weather-related disruptions as part of the "new normal" rather than exceptional events. As temperatures continue to rise, the impact on people drawing on care and support becomes increasingly significant. Older people, those with long-term health conditions, and individuals reliant on medication or specialist equipment can be particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. At the same time, social care staff face additional pressures as they work to maintain safe, high-quality support under challenging conditions. A key theme emerging from the webinar was the
Particular emphasis was placed on the work of Dr
importance of preparedness. Contributors shared
Dan Hind of Leeds University, whose research into
practical
Heat Action Implementation in Long-Term and
learning
on
workforce
resilience,
medication management, emergency planning, data
Domiciliary
collection and protecting those most at risk. The
approaches to helping care services adapt to a
discussion highlighted that resilience is not simply
changing climate. His work reinforces the need for
about responding effectively when temperatures
practical planning that supports both the people
rise, but about embedding adaptation measures into
who receive care and the workforce responsible for
everyday service delivery.
delivering it.
06 Outstanding Voices
Care
explores
evidence-based
August 2026
By reflecting on recent experiences and sharing learning
across
the
sector,
organisations
can
strengthen their preparedness and reduce the risks posed by future weather events. The webinar resources also extend beyond heatwaves, offering guidance and practical tips covering issues such as wildfires and water outages. Ultimately, building resilience is a collective effort. Adult social care has always adapted to changing challenges, and climate-related pressures are now becoming part of that landscape. The opportunity is not simply to react better, but to create services that are resilient, adaptable and prepared for whatever the future brings.
"Together, we can move from reacting to weather
events
to
building
lasting
resilience across adult social care."
Find Out More Read the full blog article, access presentation slides and supporting resources at:
For providers, the questions now are straightforward but crucial: What
The Outstanding Society will continue to explore this worked
well
during
this
summer's
heatwaves? What challenges were encountered?
important topic through future events and sectorwide learning opportunities as preparations begin for summer 2027 and beyond.
What improvements can be made before the next period of extreme weather arrives?
07 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Outstanding Spotlight One of the most popular features in our magazine is Outstanding Spotlight, where we celebrate services that have achieved an Outstanding rating and share the stories behind their success. We have decided to refresh the feature to allow us more time to engage with organisations, learn about their journeys, and showcase the innovative practice, leadership, and dedication that underpin their achievements.
The result will be a richer and more in-depth feature that better reflects the incredible work taking place across the sector. So, watch this space for the updated Outstanding Spotlight, coming soon. In the meantime, if your service is rated Outstanding and you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you've introduced a groundbreaking initiative, overcome significant challenges, or simply want to inspire others with your journey, please get in touch. Your story could be featured in a future edition.
Congratulations! Behind every Outstanding rating is a team with a story worth sharing. If your service has recently achieved an Overall Outstanding rating, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a Registered Manager, provider, nurse, care worker or another member of the team, we invite you to work with The Outstanding Society to showcase the approaches, innovations and everyday practices that have contributed to your success. Get in touch with us at comms@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk – together, we can share and celebrate best practice for the benefit of everyone.
Bringing the feeling of Brighton Pride into care every day by Nicola Hobbs
I remember working with an elderly gentleman who
Business Development Manager
had never married. During a conversation about his life, I asked if there had ever been anyone significant in his life. As he started to tell me about his younger years, he quietly told me he was gay. He almost
On August 1st, four of the team from Trinity Homecare team had the privilege of joining the Outstanding Diversity Forum in walking the Brighton Pride parade. We knew it would be a day of colour, music and celebration, but what really struck us was the feeling around us. There was so much kindness, warmth and acceptance. People were free to be exactly who they were, without judgement and without needing to explain themselves. It felt safe.
everyone should have, and it is something we want to see reflected across adult social care. Trinity
Homecare,
we
waiting for my reaction. That has never left me. It should never be the case that someone reaches later life still unsure whether it is safe to be honest about who they are. By creating a workforce where people feel safe and supported to be themselves, we help create care environments where the people we support can do
That feeling of safety and belonging is something that
Within
whispered the words and I could see him visibly flinch,
are
the same. Adult social care is about people. It is about their stories, their relationships, their experiences and
seeing
more
colleagues feel able to be open about their sexuality and gender identity. We feel incredibly proud that our colleagues trust us enough to share who they are and feel safe being themselves at work. For some people, that may sound like something that should be easy, but for others it represents years of
everything that makes them who they are. Good care means seeing and respecting all of that. Walking in Brighton Pride was a reminder of how powerful it is when people feel accepted for exactly who they are. Our role now is to carry that feeling forward, into our teams, our services and the wider care sector every day.
experience, uncertainty or having to decide whether it is safe to be open. Knowing you can come to work, be yourself and still feel respected and valued matters. But this is not just about our workforce. It is also about the people we support. Many LGBTQ+ older people have lived through times when being open about who they were was not safe. Some have spent a lifetime hiding parts of themselves, and those experiences do not disappear when someone needs care.
09 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Why prevention and early interven 24-Hour postural care. By Mary Snow Occupational Therapist Posture is something we often take for granted, until it starts to impact our health, function, and quality of life. For Occupational Therapists and allied health care professionals, understanding posture is about observation, early action, prevention, and promoting long-term wellbeing. At the annual conference in 2025 the Royal College of Occupational Therapists launched ‘Right support. Right time: unlocking the power of OT’. Highlighting the benefits of Occupational Therapy in prevention and early intervention. 'Occupational therapists help people do the things they need and want to do- but too often, they’re brought in too late. We’re calling for a shift in how and when people access Occupational Therapy. Embedding OT earlier in communities helps people stay well, reduces pressure
on
services
and
builds
a
sustainable,
preventative health and care system.' -Karin Orman, RCOT’s Director of Practice and Innovation Find the full article here Understanding posture Posture can be described simply as the body’s alignment and positioning. But behind this simplicity lies a complex interaction of: Why is prevention key? Gravity and centre of mass
Humans have evolved to move and function
Muscles, joints, and skeletal structure
efficiently; whilst maintaining stability against the
Movement and functional ability
force of gravity. And with gravity being an everpresent force it has a significant part to play in our
Good posture allows for even weight distribution,
evolution, development of our body structures and
stability, and efficient movement, while poor posture
range of movement.
and poor alignment can quickly lead to fatigue, discomfort, reduced function and damage to body
Our ability to continually reconfigure body segments
systems.
to complete a variety of tasks are infinite.
10 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
vention matters Key drivers of postural change include: Ageing and frailty Changes in muscle tone or body shape due to medical diagnosis Pain and discomfort Neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s) Sensory or perceptual difficulties Environmental factors such as unsuitable seating and more broadly inadequate support surfaces Without
intervention,
alignment
can
small
develop
changes
into
fixed
in
body
postural
asymmetries, making them harder to manage later. Spotting the early warning signs One of the most important roles of clinicians is recognising early changes before they escalate. Watch for: Uneven weight distribution Leaning to one side or forward when in seated, standing or lying Reduced ability to reposition independently Limited range of movement Increased pressure areas & development of pressure ulcers Poor fitting seating If posture starts to deteriorate and is not addressed, it will continue to worsen. However, our movement, mobility and flexibility developed when fit and well, will in-turn leave us vulnerable to damage if we are unable to maintain good posture and mobility against this force. A medical condition, aging and frailty can result in an individuals’ inability to continue to maintain body symmetry, stability & function in both standing and sitting. Equally, it will also leave them vulnerable to
The link between posture and pressure When posture is poor: Weight distribution is concentrated over smaller areas Pressure increases significantly Risk of tissue damage and development of pressure ulcers rise. Maintaining good body alignment helps distribute load evenly and reduces risks of skin damage.
11 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
The importance of 24-Hour postural care
Final thoughts
Postural care doesn’t stop when someone leaves
Postural care is not just about comfort- it’s about
their chair. Many individuals spend significant time in
protecting body shape, preserving function, and
bed, and without proper support their:
maintaining dignity.
Body shape can deteriorate Muscle wasting and deconditioning occur
By shifting from a reactive to a proactive mindset,
Risk of contractures increases
clinicians can:
At the same time, lying has benefits such as:
Prevent long-term complications
Increased surface area for pressure redistribution
Improve outcomes
Rest and recovery
Enhance quality of life for those they support
The challenge is achieving the right balance between
The earlier we act, the greater the impact!
support, positioning, and movement throughout a 24-hour period.
We're excited to be launching a range of new webinars over the coming months, all focused on
Postural care in practice
prevention and early intervention.
Effective postural care is:
Explore our latest prevention and early intervention
Person-centred
webinars and book your place on our website:
Preventative
https://accora.care/academy/webinars
Simple and practical Comfortable and sustainable
•
Osborne LJ, Gowran RJ, Casey J. Evidence for24-
hour posture management: A scoping review. British It relies on: Identifying who is at risk
Journal of OccupationalTherapy. 2023; 86(3):176-187. doi:10.1177/03080226221148414
Supporting movement and positioning Providing appropriate equipment
•
Pope, P (2007). Severeand Complex Neurological
Ongoing review and adaptability
Disability. Butterworth Heinemann.
Solutions may range from basic seating adjustments
•
StinsonM, Crawford S, Madden E. Current clinical
to specialist chairs with tilt-in-space adjustment and
practice in 24-hour posturalmanagement and the
lateral supports for complex needs.
impact
on
carers
and
service
users
with
severeneurodisability. British Journal of Occupational What can you do as a clinician?
Therapy.2021;84(6):355-365. doi:10.1177/0308022620944739
Early intervention starts with awareness and action: Advocate for individuals’ postural needs Recognise and record risks early Improve clinical knowledge and skills Work collaboratively with colleagues Educate carers and support networks Ensure access to appropriate equipment
12 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Supported Living and Learning Disabilities At Milestones Trust, we're celebrating 40 years since our Trust's formation. Back in 1986, our vision was to provide community living for people with learning disabilities who were then living in long-stay hospitals. Since then, we've gone from strength to strength, always focused on ensuring that people we support have opportunities to live happy, fulfilled lives. Ten years after our launch, we'd opened our first supported
living
service,
and
also
started
supporting people with enduring mental health needs. Fast forward to today, and Milestones Trust has expanded to offer services across Bath, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire and, following a merger with White Horse Care Trust in November 2024, now supports over 530 people to live their best lives. Our services include nursing, residential, short breaks, day services and supported living, and are based on what support a person needs.
Whilst
community-based
living
shouldn’t
vary
depending on the commissioned support compared to ‘typical’ classifications, supported living services help to facilitate a mixture of person-centred support with social activities and personal care, and can also include core teams supporting with day-today activities, building of independent skills and the seeking
and
maintenance
of
meaningful
employment. People living in supported living also are able hold their own tenancy agreements, which support them to live as part of their community and have the same rights as the ‘general population’.
For people with learning disabilities who live in our services, this truly reflects the paradigm shift there has been towards the understanding of how people with learning disabilities can be best supported, and to be seen in and welcome in their communities.
We are honoured to continue to support people who resided in these long-stay hospitals, who now live their lives in their own homes where they can enjoy more choice, increased independence and when support is great, improved quality of life.
The support people with learning disabilities living in supported living is often also unique. The support can range from several visits a week, to a mixture of bespoke packages of 2:1 and core staff support, and everything between this. This reflects the support needs
of
the
person
to
maximise
their
independence. Support can sometimes include health support where it is working with people to manage
their
health
needs
independently
in
conjunction with their relevant health teams.
13 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Winter pressures Preparing your service for the challenges ahead By Rob Hargreaves Central Engagement Lead Every winter, adult social care teams work hard to maintain safe, consistent and high-quality care amid increased illness, workforce pressures, adverse weather and rising costs. Whether arranging cover for
staff
absence,
responding
to
transport
disruption or supporting someone whose health is affected by the cold, winter resilience is an essential part of care delivery. Effective
preparation
brings
these
activities
together. It helps providers anticipate risks, clarify responsibilities and give staff the confidence to
staff, people drawing on care and their families.
make good decisions under pressure.
Plans should identify the main risks, the actions needed to reduce them, the triggers for activating
Looking beyond the weather
contingency
arrangements
and
Winter pressures are about more than snow and
responsible for making decisions.
the
people
ice. Services may face seasonal infections, staff fatigue, higher energy and transport costs, supply
Testing is equally important. A simple scenario
disruption and increased demand. Pressures across
exercise can reveal whether emergency contacts are
health and care can also lead to more complex or
current, staff understand escalation routes and
short-notice hospital discharges.
proposed staffing or transport arrangements will work in practice. Plans should then be reviewed and
The effects are personal too. Cold weather can
updated to reflect what has been learned.
worsen existing health conditions, reduce mobility and increase the risk of falls. People may become
Building workforce resilience
isolated, struggle to access food or medicines, or
Staffing pressures can intensify quickly when
avoid using their heating because of the cost.
seasonal
illness,
annual
leave,
vacancies
and
increased demand occur together. Good planning therefore starts with a simple question: who, or what, could be most affected if
Preparation might include planning rotas early,
winter pressures disrupt our usual way of working?
reviewing bank or agency arrangements, identifying staff who can work flexibly and establishing clear
Turning plans into action
escalation
processes.
Regular
check-ins,
A strong winter plan should be a live working
supervision, travel assistance and wellbeing support
document, not something written once and placed
can also help staff remain safe and able to work.
on a shelf. For community-based services, effective responses Providers can start by reviewing previous winters,
may include allocating visits to staff who live closer,
including incidents, near misses and feedback from
prioritising people with the greatest needs and
14 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
communicating changes promptly. Staff who feel informed, valued and supported are better placed to respond calmly and maintain continuity of care. Protecting people and maintaining services Providers should identify people whose health, mobility, living situation or financial circumstances make them more vulnerable to illness, cold weather or disruption. This can inform prioritised visits, welfare
checks,
continuity
arrangements
and
conversations with families, carers and advocates. Operational plans should also cover severe weather, loss of power or heating, transport difficulties, shortages of essential supplies and communication failures.
Staff
should
understand
their
responsibilities, who to contact and how to report an emerging risk. Our forthcoming Winter Pressures and Contingency Planning Checklist will help adult social care providers assess their preparedness and identify actions. The updated checklist will be released during our upcoming webinar.
11:00 to 12:00
Prepare your service for winter To support registered managers and care leaders with this work, Skills for Care and The Outstanding Society are delivering the free Winter pressures: practical advice to refine your contingency plans webinar. Taking place online on Tuesday 22 September, from 11:00 to 12:00, the session will explore how to create, test and implement effective winter plans, identify and manage operational risks, and maintain quality and continuity of care under pressure. It will combine sector expertise with frontline experience and
examples
of
how
Outstanding
services
approach winter preparedness. The webinar is suitable for registered managers, deputy managers, service leads, adult social care providers
and
anyone
involved
Tuesday 22nd Sept 2026
in
planning or service delivery. Find out more and book your free place.
workforce
Winter pressures: Practical advice to refine your contingency plans This webinar is designed to help registered managers, care leaders and providers prepare effectively for the challenges that winter can bring. Delivered in partnership between Skills for Care and The Outstanding Society, the session offers practical, actionable guidance to strengthen contingency planning and support safe, high-quality care during periods of increased demand. Drawing on sector expertise and examples from Outstandingrated services, the webinar explores how to build, test and refine winter plans, manage operational risks, and maintain service resilience in the face of workforce pressures, disruption and rising costs. Attendees will also learn about effective communication, partnership working and governance approaches that support continuity of care. Participants will gain practical insights into operational preparedness, risk management and the resources available to support winter planning. The session is ideal for registered managers, deputy managers, service leads, adult social care providers and anyone involved in workforce planning or service delivery. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
15 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Healthy Ageing Begins at Home Why the Future of Social Care Is More Than Home Adaptations By Cindy Willcocks, Southwest SCNAC Co-Chair People across the UK are living longer than ever
Prevention Must Replace Crisis
before, but longer life does not always mean healthier
Too often, people receive support only after they have
life. As our population ages, increasing numbers of
reached a point of crisis. A fall leads to an avoidable
people are living with multiple long-term conditions,
hospital
frailty and dementia. The challenge facing the NHS,
dependency. Loneliness contributes to deteriorating
local authorities and adult social care is therefore not
mental and physical health. Frailty is recognised only
simply to extend life expectancy, but to increase
after confidence and independence have already been
healthy life expectancy—enabling people to remain
lost. By this stage, interventions are more intensive,
independent, connected and in control of their lives
more expensive and often more disruptive to people's
for as long as possible.
lives.
For most people, home is where they want to be. It is
The NHS 10-Year Health Plan sets out a clear ambition
where memories are made, relationships flourish and
to shift from treating illness to preventing it, moving
communities provide a sense of belonging. Remaining
care
connected to familiar places, neighbours, family and
neighbourhood health services. This vision closely
local
aligns with the direction of adult social care policy,
networks
is
fundamental
to
wellbeing,
admission.
closer
places
to
Declining
home
prevention,
mobility
and
increases
strengthening
confidence and quality of life. Supporting people to
which
early
intervention,
stay at home for longer is not only a personal
personalised care and independence at its heart.
aspiration; it is central to delivering sustainable health and social care.
Delivering
this
ambition
requires
more
than
redesigning services; it requires a change in mindset. For many years, the conversation around ageing well
Investment must move upstream, supporting people
at home has rightly focused on home adaptations.
to maintain strength, mobility, confidence, cognitive
Grab rails, level-access showers, improved lighting,
wellbeing
wider doorways and stairlifts have transformed
significant deterioration occurs. Prevention is not
thousands of homes, reducing falls and enabling
simply about reducing demand on acute services—it is
people to remain independent. These adaptations
about enabling people to live healthier, happier and
represent one of the most practical and cost-effective
more fulfilling lives.
and
social
connections
long
before
forms of prevention available, helping people remain safe while reducing pressure on health and care
Homes That Support Health
services.
Home is far more than a physical environment. It is where identity, purpose and independence are
However, if we are truly committed to healthy ageing,
nurtured.
we must broaden our thinking. The future of adult social care is not simply about creating accessible
Adult social care has always understood that people
homes—it is about creating homes and communities
achieve the best outcomes when they remain
that
connected to their homes, families and communities.
actively
support
health,
wellbeing
and
independence throughout later life.
16 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Yet support is still too often introduced when needs have escalated, rather than helping people maintain the strengths and capabilities they already possess. The next generation of healthy ageing should combine home adaptations with proactive, strengths-based support. Alongside accessible housing, people should have opportunities to maintain physical activity, improve balance and mobility, build social connections and access personalised support that promotes emotional and cognitive wellbeing. When homes become places that actively support health, they become more than settings where care is delivered—they become environments that prevent deterioration and promote independence. Technology as an Enabler
They reduce isolation, maintain confidence, promote
Technology has an increasingly important role to play
independence and prevent unnecessary deterioration.
in supporting healthy ageing, but its purpose should
As the NHS seeks to improve population health
never be to replace human relationships.
through neighbourhood-based care, adult social care must be recognised as an equal strategic partner. The
Across
the
UK,
digital
care
planning,
remote
relationships
built
by
social
care
professionals,
monitoring, wearable devices, falls detection and
together with their understanding of people's lives,
assistive
homes and communities, make them uniquely placed
technologies
are
helping
professionals
identify changes earlier and intervene before crises occur.
Used
well,
technology
enables
to deliver the prevention agenda.
more
personalised care, empowers people to take greater
Collaboration Creates Better Outcomes
ownership of their health and provides reassurance to
Healthy
families without reducing independence.
organisation acting alone.
The goal is not surveillance; it is confidence.
Housing
Technology should enable people to remain safely
occupational
connected to the people and communities that matter
physiotherapists, voluntary organisations, technology
most while giving professionals better information to
providers and local authorities all have an important
support proactive care.
contribution to make. Increasingly, Integrated Care
ageing
cannot
providers,
be
social
therapists,
delivered
care
by
one
professionals,
community
nurses,
Systems and neighbourhood teams are demonstrating Social Care: A Partner in Population Health
how collaborative working can improve outcomes by
Adult social care has always recognised that good
bringing together expertise around the individual
health is about much more than medical treatment.
rather than organisational boundaries.
Care professionals support people to remain active, connected and engaged in everyday life. They help
The same principle should guide the future of ageing
people
relationships,
well at home. Home adaptations, community support,
continue volunteering, access community activities
digital innovation and personalised care should no
and retain control over the decisions that affect them.
longer be viewed as separate services but as part of
These everyday interventions are often overlooked,
one coordinated approach focused on helping people
yet they are powerful forms of prevention.
remain independent.
prepare
meals,
17 Outstanding Voices
maintain
August 2026
Measuring Success Differently Traditionally, success has been measured through practical outcomes such as fewer falls, improved accessibility and delayed admission to residential care. These remain important indicators, but they tell only part of the story. Future success should also be measured by whether people remain physically active, socially connected and confident in their daily lives. We should ask whether
individuals
continue
participating
in
meaningful activities, whether technology has enabled earlier intervention and whether people feel able to make choices about how they live. These are the measures that truly reflect healthy ageing. They move the conversation beyond safety towards wellbeing, resilience and quality of life. A Shared Vision for the Future Healthy ageing is not simply about living longer—it is
SCNAC Regions
about living better. It is about preserving dignity, purpose, independence and choice throughout later life. The homes of the future should be safe and accessible, but they should also promote movement, support cognitive health, encourage social connection and enable people to remain active participants within their communities.
North East & Yorkshire North West Midlands East of England London
Adult
social
care
has
always
recognised
that
independence is not defined by the absence of support but by the presence of opportunity. By bringing
together
housing,
health,
technology,
South East South West
community organisations and social care, we can redefine what ageing well at home truly means. The next generation of home adaptations should therefore be judged not only by whether they prevent accidents but by whether they help people continue living the lives they value. If we achieve that, we will have done far more than improve
homes—we
will
have
strengthened
communities, advanced prevention and demonstrated that the future of health and social care begins where people most want to be: at home.
18 Outstanding Voices
For more information on SCNAC and opportunities to get involved, reach out to The OS or speak to your regional contacts today. https://theoutstandingsociety.co.uk/scnac/ Admin.SCNAC@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk
August 2026
Why a training gap is increasing risk in social care
Delegated Healthcare Activities (DHAs) have the
There are insurance considerations too. As the
potential to make a real difference to people
responsibilities undertaken by care teams evolve,
receiving care. By enabling appropriately trained care
providers need to understand whether their existing
workers to undertake certain healthcare activities,
insurance arrangements reflect the activities they
people can receive more joined-up support in familiar
are delivering and the potential exposures involved.
surroundings, without unnecessary trips to a clinical setting.
In their latest article, Howden explores the training gap around delegated healthcare activities, what it
But as delegation becomes more common, care
could mean for care providers and why open
providers also need to consider the risks that come
conversations with insurers and brokers should
with it.
form part of the wider risk strategy.
New evidence suggests there is a significant training
The support that wraps around them is designed to
gap. New research found that 68% of care workers
help them exercise choice and control over their
surveyed had been asked to perform a delegated
own lives, not to manage them.
healthcare activity. Yet only 48% said they regularly receive learning and skills development related to
For a care worker, this changes everything about
these activities. A further 40% said training was only
how the job is done. There is no ward round, no
occasional and insufficient, while 12% reported
shift handover in a staff room down the corridor, no
receiving no ongoing training.
hierarchy of clinical oversight sitting just above them. Often it is one worker, sometimes two,
For care providers, this is about more than training
present in someone's home, making decisions in
alone.
real time about how to support that person to live
Competency
assessments,
supervision,
communication and a culture where colleagues feel
the life they want to live.
able to speak up when they are not confident undertaking a task all form part of effective risk
Read the full article
management.
19 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Driving Excellence How the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) supports and enables social care research At the NIHR we know that outstanding care and highquality research are intrinsically linked. For care providers, research can empower the workforce, refine daily practices and improve the lives of people who use social care services. The NIHR enables the social care system to attract, optimise and deliver high-quality research that is inclusive and accessible
Developing a quality of life tool with care homes
to all. A
consortium
of
NIHR
Applied
Research
Online training offers research training to care home
Collaboration (ARCs) across the country are working
workforce.
together
on
a
project
to
develop
and
pilot
approaches to care planning for care home residents The NIHR has developed free online training to
that focus on important quality of life measures.
support care home staff to better understand research delivery in care home settings. The training
Quality of life is about understanding a person’s
is hosted on the NIHR Learn website and covers:
general wellbeing and ability to do what matters to them. A care plan informed by quality of life focuses
explaining what research is and why we do
on their specific goals around areas such as
research in care homes
independence, personal relationships and ability to
mapping the organisations responsible for funding, carrying out and supporting care home research in England
engage in activities. What a good quality of life looks like is different for every person, and is difficult to measure. Using standardised outcome measures measures that assess whether an individual is able
identifying ethical issues that could occur
to achieve their quality of life goals, such as self-care
defining some of the core roles of a research
and engagement with hobbies - we can assess
team
whether a care plan or pathway is delivering good
This training is for care home professionals and people working in and around care homes who are interested in learning a bit more about research. It’s a great starting point for anyone curious about how research fits into their day-to-day work in a care home and how to learn more about getting involved
quality of life to patients. Using standard measures like this also allows us to compare different approaches, so we can see what methods of care planning work best to improve quality of life for residents. In this project, the team at the NIHR ARC West is
in care home research.
developing and piloting care planning using 2
NIHR Learn is available to anyone employed by the
ICECAP). This involves working directly with care
NHS or other health and care organisations with an
standardised sets of outcome measures (ASCOT and homes to understand how these tools are being
interest in research, including care homes.
used already, what barriers exist to implementation
https://learn.nihr.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1223
care planning.
20 Outstanding Voices
and the benefits of embedding them into day-to-day
August 2026
So far, the team have: reviewed the existing research in this area and talked to professionals worked with the care sector to develop a set of best practice guidelines for care planning spoken with residents and their families and friends to develop resources to support them to be directly involved in planning their care The
project
team
includes
2
independent
engagement advisors, who bring lived experience of caring for a relative in a care home. This has provided invaluable insight into the lives of residents
A recipe for positive mealtimes: supporting people
and their loved ones, embedding their voice in every
with dementia Choice, independence and social
stage.
interaction are some of the essential ingredients of a positive meal for care home residents living with
This project has led to publication of a best practice
dementia,
guide to care planning in care homes,with the
Research Fellow at the NIHR Applied Research
support of family members of care home residents,
Collaboration: North East and North Cumbria, in a
and will be available here soon.
new blog.
The teams will be supporting 3 pilot care homes in
During his PhD, James worked with experts by
implementing the ASCOT in care planning tool into
experience to develop a training programme for care
routine
home professionals about good practice at mealtime
practice,
and
evaluating
whether
this
improves the quality of life of residents.
writes
James
Faraday,
a
Dementia
for residents with dementia. He’s pulled out 5 essential ingredients:
https://arc-kss.nihr.ac.uk/document-download/774well-being-in-care-homes-summary/file
choice: helping residents feel empowered and able to make decisions about what they want to eat, when they want to eat and where they want to eat independence: ensuring people are able to eat and drink as independently as possible social interaction: recognising that mealtimes are often very social occasions and helping people experience that safety: making mealtimes safe occasions and helping people who have swallowing difficulties nutrition and hydration: supporting residents who are eating and drinking less than usual Delivering mealtimes that bring these elements requires understanding residents as individuals who all bring their own preferences, skills, histories and support needs. This requires close working between the kitchen team, residents , carers, family and management.
21 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
James’
project
has
developed
a
full
training
This provides a strong foundation for alignment
programme, which has been tested in-person in the
between
the
questions
researchers
ask,
what
North East and North Cumbria region and which it is
research gets funded and what matters most to
hoped will roll out more widely. James and the team
those at the heart of care home research: residents,
have also developed an accessible animation to
families and care workers.
deliver the important messages of their work. Research is a powerful mechanism for workforce Prioritising research through engagement with
development, collaboration and embedding inclusive
older adult care homes (PREACH project)
practice in the care system. Through hands-on
The NIHR Applied Research Collaborative: East of
delivery support, multi-year funding and building
England has supported a project, which aimed to
regional networks, the NIHR is committed to making
understand the most important research priorities in
research accessible to all and achievable for care
long-term care.
providers.
Working with residents, families and social care, the
Regardless of where you are in your research
PREACH project gathered research ideas to address
journey, we encourage you to get in touch with us to
what matters most. They then mapped these
find out how we can support you to deliver research.
priorities to data sources to develop ‘oven-ready’ research questions to seek answers to the questions that matter most to those in long-term care. This project came at an important moment, when research in care homes is expanding and more vital data is available about the outcomes, care and lived experience of residents in long-term care facilities. However, despite this, the priorities of research do not always reflect what matters most to those who live, work, and care about people in these settings. The PREACH project sought to achieve 3 key objectives: identify and build relationships with care home stakeholders who could help share the project within their networks and support sharing of results identify key research priorities, particularly those of care home residents and the people who care for them, through online, postal and in-person engagement map identified priorities to data in the Virtual International Care Homes Trials Archive trials archive and other data sources The project developed a comprehensive list of research priorities that could be shared across the research community to inform the next generation of care home research proposals.
22 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Winter Preparedness Starts Before Winter Arrives By Natalie Sherlock, Creative Guru - Ashfield Services As summer draws to a close, it’s time for health and social care teams to start thinking ahead to winter. Every year, the colder months bring additional pressures. Services become busier, staff sickness can increase and the people we support may be more vulnerable to seasonal illness. Preparing early can help teams feel more confident and ready for the challenges ahead. One of the biggest seasonal concerns is influenza (flu). While many people recover within a week or two, flu can have a much greater impact on older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. It can also affect the workforce, with staff absence adding further pressure at an already demanding time of year. Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after others. If you’re feeling unwell, listen to your body. Rest, stay hydrated and give yourself time to recover. When services are busy, it can be tempting to carry on through illness but taking the time you need to recover also helps reduce the risk of passing infections to colleagues and the people in your care. Simple measures matter, too. Good hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment and following local infection prevention procedures all play an important part in reducing the spread of winter illnesses. Vaccination is also an important measure in protecting yourself, your colleagues and the people you care for against seasonal flu. And, of course, flu isn’t the only infection health and care teams need to be prepared for. Norovirus, often referred to as the “winter vomiting
23 Outstanding Voices
bug”,
spreads
particularly
easily
in
care
environments and can quickly affect both residents and staff. Recognising symptoms promptly, following appropriate
isolation
procedures,
environmental
cleaning
and
effective
maintaining
good
infection prevention practices can all help to limit its spread. But winter preparedness is about more than responding when illness occurs. It’s about giving staff the knowledge and confidence to recognise risks early, understand current best practice and continue providing safe, effective care throughout some of the busiest months of the year. At Ashfield Services, we support health and social care organisations with education designed to strengthen winter preparedness. From immunisation training and infection prevention and control to to sepsis awareness and other clinical programmes, our training helps teams build the knowledge and confidence they need to support the people in their care. If you’re visiting The Care Show at the NEC Birmingham this October, come and meet the Ashfield Services team. We’d love to hear about the challenges your organisation is preparing for and talk through the training available to support your workforce this winter. Because the best time to prepare for winter is before it arrives.
August 2026
From Monday 14 to Friday 18 September, we're running Professional Care Workers' Week (PCWW) 2026, our ninth year celebrating the people who make up the UK's adult social care workforce. The week is a series of free, hour-long virtual panels bringing together care workers, sector leaders, policymakers and academics. It's a good opportunity for you, your colleagues and networks to hear directly from the sector, and for anyone interested in our work to see the issues we exist to address.
🔸 Tuesday 15th, 10am - Digital Wellbeing: When Tech Helps and Hurts. Sponsored by LDC Care,
exploring technology's benefits and risks for the
🔸 Tuesday 15th, 2pm - The Economic and Emotional Cost of Bereavement in Care. Sponsored by FuneralExperts.com.
🔸 Friday 18th, 10am - The Road Ahead: Creating a Sustainable Future for Care. Sector leaders on the long-term changes needed.
🔸 Friday 18th, 1pm - Care Worker Pensions:
Building Financial Security for the Future, with Centre for Care, University of Sheffield and MoneyHelper. The full programme, with all eleven sessions and registration links, is here:
workforce.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and it's a good way
🔸Tuesday 15th, 12pm - Care and Culture: The Care
to introduce people to the work of The Care Workers'
Workers'
Charity
Wellbeing
Report
Insights.
Charity.
Sponsored by TLC Care, sharing findings from our latest Wellbeing Report.
24 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
We’re excited to announce that The Care Workers’ Charity will be attending Care Show Birmingham, and we hope to see as many of you as possible over the two days!
We’ll be sharing more information very soon, so make sure you stay tuned across our channels for all the details on how you can take part and support our work.
Find us at Stand C20 Come along and meet members of our team, who will be there to tell you more about The Care Workers’ Charity, the support we provide to care workers, and the difference your support helps us make across the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet members of our Care Workers Advisory Board and Champions Project, who will be joining us at the stand. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from people with experience of working in and supporting the care sector, and to find out more about the work happening behind the scenes at the charity. Our CEO, Karolina Gerlich, alongside members of Care Workers Advisory Board and Champions Project, will also be taking part in several panels and discussions throughout the two days. Karolina will be sharing her expertise and contributing to important conversations around the challenges facing care workers and the wider care sector.
Runners! We’re also getting ready to cheer on nine incredible runners taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon! Our runners will be proudly flying the flag for care workers while taking on the challenge and raising vital funds for The Care Workers’ Charity. Every pound they raise will help us continue providing support to care workers across the UK, including financial assistance for those experiencing hardship and other essential support when they need it most We want to say a huge thank you to all nine runners
Get Involved With Our Fundraising! We’ll also be talking all things fundraising at Care Show Birmingham!
for taking on this challenge and to everyone who has donated,
shared
their
fundraising
pages
or
supported them along the way. Your generosity
Come and visit us at Stand C20 to find out more about our fundraising plans and activities for next year, and discover how you, your organisation or your team can get involved in supporting care workers.
makes a real difference. Whether you’re attending Care Show Birmingham, taking part in one of our fundraising activities, supporting our runners or simply helping us spread the word about The Care Workers’ Charity, thank you
There’s plenty happening before then too! This winter,
Cheering on Our Royal Parks Half Marathon
we’ll
be
launching
exciting
fundraising
activities including our 24-Hour Challenge and Winter Prize Draw.
25 Outstanding Voices
for being part of our community. We can’t wait to see you at Care Show Birmingham! Come and find us at Stand C20 and say hello.
August 2026
AI in Adult Social Care: Governance Can No Longer Wait
Role, Expectations and Plans. The document makes a crucial point: there is no separate AI regulatory
By Keara Bowgen-Nicholas
framework for adult social care providers. Instead, AI
Senior Associate, RWK Goodman
will be scrutinised through the existing regulatory framework and Fundamental Standards of care. CQC emphasised that it does not approve individual AI products. Rather, its role is to ensure that technology contributes to safe, effective, equitable and person-centred care. The regulator's focus will therefore be on how providers select, implement, oversee and monitor AI systems. Importantly, CQC has made clear that AI should support human decision-making, not replace it. Providers remain accountable for decisions affecting people who use services, regardless of whether or not an AI tool was involved. What will CQC expect to see? The CQC’s statement on AI identifies a number of
As
I
have
written
and
said
before,
artificial
intelligence (AI) is no longer a future issue for adult social care providers. It is already being used across the sector to produce care records, identify patterns in data and automate administrative tasks. Used appropriately, AI has the potential to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency and help providers focus more time on delivering care. However, AI also presents significant legal, ethical and regulatory risks. The question for providers is no longer whether AI should be used, but whether it is being used safely, lawfully and with appropriate governance. CQC's message is clear: existing regulation already applies On 21 May 2026, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its first formal statement on AI, entitled Artificial Intelligence in Health and Social Care: CQC's
26 Outstanding Voices
core principles that providers should be able to demonstrate, including: Human oversight and accountability. Transparency about how AI is used. Appropriate staff training and competence. Effective governance and risk management. Evidence of fairness and mitigation of bias, recognising that AI tools have been shown to demonstrate bias. Cyber security and data protection compliance. Systems for identifying, reporting and learning from AI-related incidents. In practice, providers should expect inspectors to ask familiar questions: Who approved the use of the AI tool? What assessment was undertaken before implementation? How are risks monitored? What training have staff received? How are decisions checked and verified? What evidence demonstrates that the technology benefits people using the service?
August 2026
Regulation
is
developing
but
enforcement
3. Completing risk assessments and data
remains uncertain
mapping/Data Protection Impact Assessments,
The publication of CQC's AI statement is a welcome
where appropriate.
development.
It
acknowledges
both
the
4. Identifying clear organisational accountability for
opportunities and risks associated with AI and provides a helpful framework for providers seeking
AI oversight. 5. Training staff on both opportunities and
to innovate responsibly using technology.
limitations of AI. 6. Establishing mechanisms for monitoring
However, there remains a significant gap between regulatory expectations and regulatory capability.
accuracy, bias and errors. 7. Ensuring human review remains central to
While CQC has set out ambitious expectations around AI governance, it is far from clear whether
decision-making. 8. Reviewing contracts with AI suppliers and
the regulator currently possesses the specialist expertise,
resources
or
operational
capacity
software providers. 9.
necessary to assess complex AI systems effectively
Looking ahead
across the adult social care sector.
AI is likely to become a routine part of adult social care delivery over the coming years. Providers that
There is a risk that providers are expected to
embrace
innovation
while
maintaining
strong
implement sophisticated governance arrangements
governance will be best placed to realise the
while inspections continue to focus on traditional
benefits.
compliance indicators and inconsistent evidencegathering.
The key message from CQC is straightforward: AI is not exempt from regulation. Existing legal and
In our view, there remains a considerable distance
regulatory duties already apply.
between the regulator's aspirations for AI oversight and the CQC’s practical ability to deliver robust,
The challenge for providers will be demonstrating
consistent assessments in this area.
that AI improves outcomes while preserving safety, dignity, accountability and trust. The challenge for
Other regulators are also taking an interest
regulators,
meanwhile,
will
be
ensuring
that
Providers should not assume that AI governance is
inspection and enforcement frameworks evolve
solely a CQC issue.
quickly enough to keep pace with the technology they are seeking to oversee.
The
Information
Commissioner's
Office
(ICO)
continues to emphasise accountability, transparency and fairness in AI systems that process personal data. Organisations using AI must comply with UK GDPR requirements, including lawful processing, data minimisation, security obligations and, where appropriate,
completion
of
a
DPIA
before
deployment. Practical steps providers should take now Providers do not need to wait for further regulation to strengthen their position. Providers using, or intending to use, AI should consider: 1. Developing a dedicated AI governance policy. 2. Maintaining an inventory of AI tools in use.
27 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Strong Partnerships Deliver Better Care
By Angela Jones, Head of Business Development
At Care Quality Pharmacy (CQP), we're proud to be a
The best outcomes come from working together, and
member of the Outstanding Society. Like the Society,
that's exactly what Care Show Birmingham is all
we believe that sharing knowledge, supporting one
about.
another and building strong partnerships are key to delivering outstanding care.
📍 Come and meet the CQP team at Stand K01.
Pharmacy should be more than simply supplying
We look forward to seeing you there.
medication. It should be a trusted partner that helps care
teams
manage
increasingly
complex
medication, improve safety and provide practical support when it's needed most. That's why we're looking forward to exhibiting at Care Show Birmingham. While we'll be on our own stand,
we're
equally
proud
to
support
the
Outstanding Society and the work it does to bring providers together to learn from one another and celebrate excellence across the sector. If you're attending the show, we'd love you to come and see us at Stand K01. Whether you want to discuss your current pharmacy service, digital medication
management,
or
simply
have
a
Have you registered for your FREE ticket? CLICK HERE
conversation about the challenges facing adult social care, our team will be there to help.
28 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Connected Care for the Season Ahead
As the colder season approaches, pressure across
Bringing medication and care data together will also
health and social care inevitably grows. For care
strengthen IQ, a key part of PCS’s care intelligence
providers, the challenge is not simply responding
engine, to help identify meaningful changes and
when something goes wrong, but having the right
emerging risks earlier. Over time, IQ will combine
information available to recognise changing needs,
signals across a person’s care - such as medication
manage risk and act sooner. With teams balancing
changes, reduced hydration or lower mobility - to
increasingly complex needs and greater operational
provide stronger insight than any one event viewed
pressures, transparent and timely information can
in isolation. Our ambition is to turn those signals
make a meaningful difference to informed decision-
into actionable insight that supports earlier, more
making.
proactive and person-centred care.
Since Camascope joined Person Centred Software
As we head towards Care Show Birmingham, we're
(PCS), our focus has been on how technology can
looking forward to sharing more about this next
better connect the different parts of care. Medication
chapter. Together, Camascope and PCS are bringing
should not sit in isolation from the wider care record:
medication management, care planning and wider
bringing these areas closer together can give teams
care information closer together - helping build a
greater context and help them understand changes
more connected view of a person and giving care
in people’s health and wellbeing earlier.
teams the insight they need to act with greater confidence.
The first step is deepening the connection between Camascope’s eMAR and PCS's digital care planning and delivery solution. While care and medication are managed through specialist workflows, our aim is to make those experiences increasingly connected, allowing care teams to move more seamlessly between them while retaining the depth and specialist functionality of each platform.
29 Outstanding Voices
Heading to Care Show Birmingham? Come and meet the Camascope and PCS teams and discover what a more connected future for care could look like. August 2026
Research in Action: Making a Difference Together
that leaders were "very motivated to improve and develop healthcare provision both inside The Oaks and in the wider community." One example was our involvement in the national Vivaldi research programme. Through this work, our teams strengthened their knowledge of infection prevention and outbreak management, helping us keep people safe whilst maintaining what mattered most — connection with family and friends.
By Samantha Crawley, Chief Executive Officer
CQC noted how learning from Vivaldi helped shape
At EQ Care, we believe that great care comes from
practical improvements, including the introduction of
never standing still.
‘Outbreak Boxes’ within each household, providing immediate access to equipment and guidance should
Whilst compassion, kindness and relationships sit at
it ever be needed. The result was not simply
the heart of everything we do, we also know that
improved processes; it meant people could continue
providing
enjoying
exceptional
care
means
continually
learning, listening and looking for ways to do things
visits
from
loved
ones
and
remain
connected to those who matter most to them.
even better. That is why we are proud to be involved in research programmes such as the Vivaldi Study and to work alongside organisations such as The Outstanding Society. These opportunities help us learn from others, share our own experiences and contribute to improving care across the sector. The impact of this approach can be seen throughout our CQC inspection reports. At
The
Rowans,
inspectors
recognised
that
At The Oaks, rated Outstanding overall, with
involvement in research projects, including the
Outstanding
Vivaldi Study, gave leaders valuable insight into
in
Effective,
Caring
and
Well-led,
inspectors highlighted that learning and innovation
issues
were key drivers of improvement. They recognised
opportunities to help shape the future of social care.
30 Outstanding Voices
affecting
older
people
and
created
August 2026
Similarly, at The Maples, CQC highlighted our
For families, it provides reassurance that decisions
commitment to working with external partners and
are informed by evidence as well as experience.
participating in studies that improve people's health and wellbeing outcomes.
For our teams, it creates opportunities to grow, develop and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. And for the wider sector, it helps ensure that social care continues to influence the future of health and care provision across the country. At EQ Care, research is not about paperwork or projects. It’s about people.
Across all three services, a common thread emerges. The
strongest
improvements
happen
when
It’s about asking questions, learning together and
organisations are willing to learn, share and remain
using that learning to make life better for those we
curious.
support every day.
Our involvement with The Outstanding Society has also played an important role. CQC recognised how these networks provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, peer support and collaborative problemsolving. In practice, this means our teams are able to learn from outstanding services across the country, bring back new ideas and adapt them in ways that make a meaningful difference for people living in our homes. Research can sometimes sound like something that happens in universities or laboratories. In reality, some of the most important research starts with a simple question: "Could we do this better?" Every team member has a role to play. Whether it is noticing a trend, suggesting an improvement, sharing an idea or taking part in a study, each contribution helps build a culture where learning never stops. For the people who live in our homes, this means care that continues to evolve, improve and respond to what matters most to them.
31 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
What are your experiences of clinical supervision? Do you have a checklist that your manager goes through asking specific questions each time? Does it feel like you are being managed or do you have the opportunity to explore how you feel and how experiences at work are impacting on you? Clinical supervision provided on a regular basis can sustain the wellbeing of nursing staff and develop resilience. It has been shown to improve retention, help with job satisfaction (Martin et al., 2021), improve quality of care, and impact on the working environment (Rothwell et al., 2021). However, despite increasing evidence to the contrary, clinical
supervision
can
be
associated
with
punishment or being disciplined. Others believe it is focused on watching others complete a task. Experiences of clinical supervision vary across, teams, organisations and geographical regions (Masamha et
By Sue Hill
al., 2022).
Project Manager and Facilitator
Would you like to be able to enjoy and feel the
Or go to our website to book onto the programme
benefits of meaningful conversations where you realise what you are feeling is not unusual?
today https://www.fons.org/programmes-development-
Resilience-based Clinical Supervision may be what you, your team and your organisation need.
opportunities/clinical-supervision/rbcs-for-socialcare/
A recent participant said: RBCS is about… “Creating safe spaces, learning how to open up and discuss with your team. Building trust and confidence to promote positive change. Accepting what you cannot change and focus on what you can.” The Foundation of Nursing Studies offers RBCS to all registered nurses working in Social Care. It is a 13hour
programme,
over
5
sessions,
online
participatory programme and completely free to nurses working in Social Care settings. Please register for our webinar on 30th September if you or your manager wants to learn more about it.
32 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Is your Nursing Team interested in learning more? A unique opportunity exists for Registered Nurses, Registered
Nursing
Associates
and
Assistant
Practitioners to get involved with Devon’s exciting social care nursing programme which has been approved by the University of Greater Manchester, accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and supported by NHS England. There are two programmes; one at HE level 7 and
“The outstanding consortium approach to the
designed for Registered Nurses, and one at HE level 6
development of the programme, incorporating
designed for Nursing Associates and Assistant
the viewpoints of all key stakeholders.”
Practitioners. The content of the programmes focus on high-quality, person-directed care along with
This Level 6 & 7 course, mapped to the 2021 QiCN
clinical expertise, an inquiring mind, and reflection of
Standards of Education and Practice for Nurses New
practice for those practitioners who work within
to Care Home Nursing, will embrace innovative
nursing and care home environments.
immersion of learning, using up-to-date technology to make the subject material interesting, relevant,
It is a dynamic, immersive and experiential learning
and compelling. It is a predominantly online learning
experience focusing on practical, reflective and
programme together with in-workplace face-to-face
critical thinking in practice. Learning is orientated
assessment of practice and competencies. There are
towards clinical practice as well as understanding the
10 face-to-face clinical days led by clinical nurse
needs of residents, promoting values such as
tutors and invited specialists, guiding the nurses to
kindness,
relationship/person-
take a ‘deep dive’ immersion of critical practice and
centric well-being. It explores all aspects of adult
clinical skills. This goes hand in hand with an
social care nursing with its day-to-day challenges,
interactive learning application accessible on a
deliberating on situations and successful resolutions.
learner’s mobile phone.
The
Participants will be fully engrossed in the process of
compassion
programme
has
and
received
the
following
commendations:
problem-solving, innovation and reflective practice. This provider-led and sector accredited programme
“The ground-breaking nature of the programme
will support participants to improve skills, enrich
which has been designed to address sectoral
team development, promote leadership values and
changes within the Health and Social Care
help boost confidence in practice, commencing in
environment.”
Sept 2026.
“The
programme
adding
value
to
and
empowering the role of social care nursing and
To Apply for the Programme, Scan Left QR Code for L6 or Right QR Code for L7
providing a career trajectory for professionals in the field.” “The provision of excellent resources across multiple platforms and the integral opportunities for students to provide weekly feedback.”
33 Outstanding Voices
For further information: email s.kershaw@greatermanchester.ac.uk
August 2026
Nourish Social Care Research Wound Care in Social Care
The initial findings speak to the prevalence of the challenges care providers face. 24% of people in care homes have at least one wound. Additionally, there were 462 wounds for every 1,000 people, showing that many people are living with multiple wounds. The Outstanding Society is a proud proponent of social care research. Through Vivaldi, they have
But the report is not simply a measure of
utilised the connections and community of The
prevalence. It also explores how digital records can
Outstanding
help providers turn everyday care information into
Society
to
produce
policy-shaping
research for social care.
oversight and practical action. Across participating services, the overall direction was positive, with
At Nourish Care, we are proud to support this
improvements in wound rates and duration, with
research and help move care conversations forward,
75% of wounds were resolved in under four weeks.
sharing anonymised user data to inform the work of Vivaldi. We believe research is vital to understanding
Data alone does not improve outcomes. Skilled care,
the realities of care and influencing decision-making
timely assessment, effective clinical partnerships
at every level.
and an understanding of the individual remain essential. What good-quality data can do is make the
Which is why, in addition to supporting Vivaldi, we
bigger picture visible. Helping teams identify trends,
conduct our own research using anonymised care
review waiting times, understand which wounds
provider data. We recently published our findings in
require
the white paper: From Treatment to Prevention,
prevention or earlier escalation could make a
where we investigated wound care in social care
difference.
most
attention
and
consider
where
settings. For
providers,
a
shared
baseline
offers
the
An estimated 3.8 million people in England are
opportunity to stop treating common challenges as
affected by wounds each year, at an annual cost of
isolated ones. It can support learning within and
£8.3 billion to the NHS, making wound care the third-
between services, strengthen conversations with
highest area of healthcare spend after cancer and
health partners and give social care a clearer
diabetes. Consequentially, most existing research
evidence base of its own.
comes from healthcare settings rather than social care. However, we know that it’s social care where a
A strong social care sector is essential to the NHS’s
significant amount of wound care takes place.
ambitions for prevention, integration and care closer to home. To strengthen it, we first need to
Our white paper, From Treatment to Prevention,
understand the reality of care in our communities.
addresses this gap in research. Using anonymised
Read From Treatment to Prevention to explore the
records from more than 26,000 people cared for in
full findings
care homes through Nourish Better Care, the research establishes a first baseline for wound care
Read the white paper:
in UK social care.
https://nourishcare.com/wounds-whitepaper/
34 Outstanding Voices
August 2026
Event Directory
Over the following pages are upcoming events that reflect our commitment to sharing
and
celebrating
best
practice
across Adult Social Care. If you would like your event to be considered for the next issue, please contact us at comms@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk
Featured Event Winter pressures: Practical advice to refine your contingency plans
22nd Sept 2026 11:00 to 12:00 ONLINE
This webinar is designed to help registered managers, care leaders and providers prepare effectively for the challenges that winter can bring. This session offers practical, actionable guidance to strengthen contingency planning and support safe, high-quality care during periods of increased demand.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Event Directory
Event Directory We talk about shared care… but do we really live it?
7th Sept 2026 14:00 to 15:00 ONLINE
This session will share learning from TIDE’s co-produced Shared Care programme, exploring how dementia carers and care home staB can build genuine partnerships.
CLICK HERE
Raising the Profile of the Care Workforce
10th Sept 2026 09.35 to 15:15 IN PERSON
An international conference exploring opportunities and challenges in supporting career pathways across Care & Health
CLICK HERE
Thames Moonlight 10 Walk
11th Sept 2026
Take in London’s skyline, riverside views, and historic landmarks under the glow of the evening sky. Starting and finishing at The Oval Cricket Ground, this looped walking event showcases the capital at its best.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
IN PERSON
What does good dementia guidance look like?
21st Sept 2026 14:00 to 15:00 ONLINE
Join us this World Alzheimer’s Day to explore what good dementia guidance looks like, what matters most to people affected by dementia, and how guidance can support high-quality person-centred care.
CLICK HERE
Event Directory Winter pressures: Practical advice to refine your contingency plans
22nd Sept 2026 11:00 to 12:00 ONLINE
This webinar is designed to help registered managers, care leaders and providers prepare effectively for the challenges that winter can bring. This session offers practical, actionable guidance to strengthen contingency planning and support safe, high-quality care during periods of increased demand.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Respiratory infection: Prevention and control in adult social care
23rd Sept 2026 10:30 to 12:00 ONLINE
This webinar is designed to help people working across adult social care strengthen their knowledge and confidence in preventing and managing respiratory infections.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Strategy to enable social care placements 29th Sept 2026 14:00 to 15:00
for student nurses and nursing associates This webinar is designed to help registered managers and care leaders understand how student nurse and nursing associate placements can benefit adult social care organisations, their teams and the people they support.
ONLINE
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Join us for the 20th Dementia Care Congress - Doncaster
17th - 18th November 2026 IN PERSON
Dementia Community invite you to the 20th UK Dementia Congress for two days of learning, sharing and being inspired to improve everyone’s experiences of dementia both in care and in wider society.
CLICK HERE
Resource Library
Over the following pages are resources that reflect our commitment to sharing and celebrating best practice across Adult Social Care. If you would like your resource to be considered for the next issue, please contact us at comms@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk
Featured Resources Do you want to understand more about local population needs and what services your local authority wants to commission? Get Adult Social Care Data (GASCD) is a new, free digital service for CQC-registered care providers. Developed with input from providers, it gives you instant access to data and trends for your area, region and across England.
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE
Resources Join the nursing community Stay informed and up to date with the latest news and developments in the nursing field by subscribing to our nursing newsletter. Learn about new research, trends, and best practices to enhance your nursing career.
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE
Claims defensibility podcast. How care homes build claims defensibility and trust Insurance claims can be stressful, but they don’t have to be chaotic. What you need to do from the first hour after an incident, how to manage CQC scrutiny and the importance of staff training. A must listen that offers practical steps to help care providers to reduce risk and protect your residents.
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE
Championing leadership development opportunities for student and early career nurses and midwives around the world The Nursing Now Challenge works with health employers as well as universities, colleges and individuals around the world to create leadership development opportunities for student and early-career nurses and midwives.
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE
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