Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update focuses on CQC inspection findings, support for implementing the Care Workforce Pathway, and preparing for the digital switchover affecting telecare and connected equipment. This Week at a Glance Organisation Update CQC Pilgrims Way Care Home with Nursing in Maidstone, Kent, has been downgraded from Good to Inadequate and placed in special measures following an inspection. Skills for Care...

Many registered managers ask whether their service is “DSCR compliant”. The honest answer is that no such certificate exists. DSCR compliance is not a badge that comes with the software. It is a test of whether your records are accurate, secure, available and governed, however you keep them. This guide sets out what is genuinely required, what is only recommended, and what inspectors will ask to see. The short answer: what the rules actually say A digital social care record (DSCR) is software...

Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update focuses on learning from CQC inspections, preparing for seasonal respiratory viruses, and understanding the latest evidence on the adult social care workforce. This Week at a Glance Organisation Update CQC Woodland House in Bedfordshire has been downgraded from Outstanding to Inadequate following an inspection, with the service placed in special measures. UKHSA The latest surveillance report...

Infection prevention and control in adult social care is not a side issue for CQC inspectors: it sits at the centre of how they judge whether a service is safe. Norovirus, flu, and drug-resistant organisms remain a routine feature of care delivery, and how consistently a service applies basic precautions shapes both resident wellbeing and the rating on the front of the inspection report. This guide sets out the essentials every registered manager needs in place. Why infection prevention and...

Every home care manager has had the moment. An inspector, a commissioner or an internal audit asks for the training record of a carer who did a visit last Tuesday, and the certificate turns out to have expired the week before. Nobody meant for it to happen. The carer was competent, the training was booked, the renewal was sitting in somebody's inbox. But the record now says the visit was done by someone whose moving-and-handling or medication competence had lapsed, and that is what the record...

This week's key regulatory and sector developments from CQC, Skills for Care and the Department of Health and Social Care Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update focuses on learning from inspections, statutory and mandatory training, and the importance of accurate adult social care data and records. This Week at a Glance Organisation Update CQC Wisteria Lodge has been rated Outstanding following an inspection highlighting...

Martha's Rule has changed how NHS hospitals respond when a patient, family member or member of staff is worried that someone's condition is deteriorating and isn't being taken seriously. It isn't a legal requirement in adult social care, but the principle behind it, that concerns about deterioration must be heard and acted on quickly, sits at the heart of what CQC expects from every registered provider. This guide sets out what Martha's Rule actually covers, why it matters for care homes and...

CareLearner is exhibiting at Care Show Birmingham 2026 on stand L60, Hall 3, NEC Birmingham, on 7 and 8 October. Our integration partner 20X joins us on the stand. Drop by for a live demo of closed-loop governance, a CQC readiness conversation, or simply to say hello. Glimpses from last year Key details • Event: Care Show Birmingham 2026 • Stand: L60 • Venue: Hall 3, National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham B40 1NT • Wednesday 7 October: 10:00 to 17:00 • ...

This week's key regulatory and sector developments from UKHSA and NHS England Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update focuses on COVID-19 and RSV vaccination, infection prevention and control, and winter preparedness as care homes prepare for the months ahead. This Week at a Glance Organisation Update UKHSA The 2026 autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme begins in October, including eligible residents in care homes for older...

When something goes wrong in a care setting, the instinct is often to fix the immediate problem and move on. But root cause analysis in adult social care asks a harder question: not just what happened, but why the conditions existed for it to happen at all. Done properly, it turns a single incident into a system-wide improvement. Done badly, it produces a file note that says "staff reminded to be vigilant" and nothing changes. This guide sets out a practical, CQC-aligned process for...

This week's key regulatory and sector developments from CQC, ISO and the Disclosure and Barring Service Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update highlights three important developments that care-home managers and staff should be aware of, covering mandatory training on learning disability and autism, the launch of ISO 9001:2026 and updated DBS eligibility guidance for adult social care roles. This Week at a Glance Organisation...

There is no single official mandatory training matrix for care workers. What Regulation 18 actually requires is "suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced" staff, plus training that's appropriate to each person's role, and the only training CQC names by law is learning disability and autism awareness. Everything else, you have to build yourself, mapped to your service's own risks. Contents Why there's no single "mandatory training list" No regulation, and no CQC document, names a...

Ask any registered manager what "mandatory training" means and you will get a list: moving and handling, safeguarding adults, medication, basic life support, infection prevention and control, fire safety, and the rest of the Skills for Care core and mandatory set. Ask what keeps them awake before an inspection and the answer is different. It is not whether the courses were done. It is whether every certificate is still in date, for every member of staff, today. That gap is worth dwelling on,...

This week's key regulatory and sector developments from CQC, UKHSA, NHS England and DHSC Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update highlights three important developments that care-home managers and staff should be aware of, covering CQC enforcement, winter flu preparedness and the latest adult social care data. This Week at a Glance Organisation Updates CQC Brushwood House in Liverpool was rated inadequate and placed in special...

A care home can have every MAR chart signed, every stock count correct, and every fridge temperature logged, and still be managing medicines unsafely. A medication audit that only checks whether boxes are filled in confirms that staff can complete a form. It doesn't confirm that a PRN dose was clinically justified, that a covert administration decision is still valid, or that a psychotropic medicine is still needed. Genuine medication audits have to check the decision behind the record, not...

This week's key regulatory and sector developments from CQC, NHS England and WHO Keeping up with regulatory and sector developments is essential for care providers. This week's update highlights three important developments that care-home managers and staff should be aware of, covering safe care and risk management, winter flu preparedness, and cognitive health and dementia care. This Week at a Glance Organisation Updates CQC A registered manager was ordered to pay £2,333 after failures...

A service can be trading comfortably and still fail this part of well-led. Not because the numbers are bad, but because nobody can produce evidence that anyone has been checking them on purpose. The gap between being viable and proving it is what this piece is about. Why this matters CQC published four draft sector-specific assessment frameworks on 24 March 2026. The adult social care draft replaces the 34 cross-sector quality statements with 24 sector-specific key lines of enquiry, removes...

What adult social care providers need to know about the Mental Health Act 2025 : what's changed, what's coming, and what to act on now.

Practical guidance for home-care providers in Great Britain 1. Purpose and scope This guideline explains how the organisation should schedule, record and pay travel, waiting time and breaks for workers delivering domiciliary care at different locations. It is designed for managers, rostering teams, HR and payroll. It assumes the worker is an employee or worker in Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales). Northern Ireland has separate working-time legislation. Employment contracts,...

If you're trying to predict what CQC inspectors ask in 2026, the honest answer is that there's no fixed script. What inspectors actually do is gather evidence across six set categories, then check whether what staff say lines up with what they observe and what the records show. Understanding those categories tells you far more about a 2026 assessment than any list of predicted questions ever will. Why this matters now CQC has said it is ahead of its target to publish 9,000 assessments by...

Social care rarely leads the national conversation. Right now, it does. Andy Burnham became Prime Minister in July 2026, and he has been explicit that social care reform sits at the centre of his agenda, not as a side issue to the NHS, but as the condition for fixing it. Alongside this, the government has brought forward the final report of Baroness Louise Casey's independent review of adult social care, moving publication from 2028 to summer 2027. For registered managers, providers and...

The Dementia Training Standards Framework sets out three tiers. Tier 1 is dementia awareness for everyone working in health and social care. Tier 2 is for staff who regularly work directly with people living with dementia. Tier 3 is for supervisors, managers and leaders. The framework was updated in February 2026. That last sentence is the reason to read the rest. The framework has been the national reference for dementia training since 2015, and a refreshed version landed in February 2026...

Face-to-face training earns its cost when the skill is a performance rather than a body of knowledge. Dementia care, distressed behaviour and de-escalation sit in that group, and NICE recommends face-to-face training and mentoring for staff supporting people living with dementia. For factual and procedural content, eLearning is usually the better spend. Most services do not have a training budget problem. They have an allocation problem. The trainer’s day rate is the small number; the real...

An honest guide to the rating process review Every provider rated Requires Improvement or Inadequate asks the same question in the first week. Can we fight this? The honest answer is: sometimes, but far less often than people hope, and only on one specific ground. This article sets out exactly when the answer is yes, so you can stop wondering and put your energy where it will actually change your rating. Start here: which situation are you in? Read these three before anything else. Only one...

Expanded sample report: 26 coded inspection and assessment reports, plus an 8-case deterioration cohort Adult social care, England, 2023 to July 2026 Executive summary This report expands the earlier 11-case pilot to 26 adult social care services holding an overall CQC rating of Requires Improvement, and adds a separate cohort of 8 services that fell from Requires Improvement to Inadequate. All figures carry a denominator of 26 or fewer and remain indicative rather than sector estimates. The...

If you believe your CQC report contains errors, you have three formal routes open to you: a factual accuracy challenge on the draft report (within 10 working days), a ratings review after publication (within 15 working days), and, in rare cases, judicial review. Each has a different purpose, a different deadline and a different standard of evidence. This guide walks through all three. Why this matters now CQC has significantly increased its pace of inspection activity through 2025 and 2026,...

A Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) sets out, in specific and measurable terms, what a provider will change, by when, and how it will prove the change has happened. Whether CQC has asked for one under Regulation 17(3) or a provider is building one proactively, the same discipline applies: evidence the problem, set a SMART action, name an owner, and show closure with data, not intention. What CQC actually means by an improvement plan CQC doesn't mandate a single document called a "QIP" for adult...

Duty of candour is not a form you complete after something goes wrong. It is a fundamental standard, one of the areas CQC pays particular attention to, and it sits at the heart of how inspectors judge whether a service is genuinely open and safe. For registered managers, that means duty of candour has to work as a live operational process, not a policy document that only gets read after an incident. This guide sets out what the law requires, how to recognise when the duty applies, and how to...

By Manu Thomas, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, CQC Specialist Advisor, NHS Clinical
Entrepreneur Fellow, NICE Associate

By Manu Thomas, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, CQC Specialist Advisor, NHS Clinical
Entrepreneur Fellow, NICE Associate | Last updated: [Date]

By Manu Thomas, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, CQC Specialist Advisor, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Fellow, NICE Associate

The Employment Rights Act 2025 brings the biggest changes to UK employment law in a generation, phased across 2026 and 2027. For care providers, the changes already in force include day one statutory sick pay, day one paternity and unpaid parental leave, and higher wage rates. The largest changes, guaranteed hours and a shorter unfair dismissal qualifying period, arrive in 2027. Why this matters for care providers Employment law changes hit adult social care harder than almost any other...

PSIRF is the NHS framework for responding to patient safety incidents. It is mandatory under the NHS Standard Contract, not for adult social care providers directly. But its four principles, proportionate, learning-led and compassionate response, increasingly shape what CQC expects to see in how your service handles incidents. Why this matters CQC is back in the field. The regulator completed over 50% more inspections in November 2025 than the year before and is targeting 9,000 assessments by...

CQC is accelerating. The regulator completed over 50% more inspections in November 2025 than the same month a year earlier, and has set a public target of 9,000 assessments by September 2026. If you haven't been inspected under the new framework yet, your window is closing. This guide walks you through the five practical steps to prepare. Why this matters In the space of six months, CQC inspection patterns have shifted dramatically. Services that expected 18-24 months before inspection are...

When I walk into a care home and ask to see the nutrition and hydration audit, I usually see one of three things. The first is a form that's been ticked green across the board, every month, for the past two years. Perfect scores. No issues. The staff member hands it over with the apologetic confidence of someone who knows what I'm thinking. The second is nothing at all. It's on the risk register as "todo." It's meant to happen quarterly. It hasn't happened since March. The third (and this is...

CQC's well-led assessment framework has evolved in 2026 with tougher expectations. It covers six domains and 24 key lines of enquiry (KLOEs). Inspectors are no longer looking for perfect systems or committees. They're looking for evidence that leaders understand their service, respond to risk, and are visibly changing things based on what they find. This breakdown explains each KLOE and what evidence actually passes inspection under the new framework. Why this matters CQC is reshaping how it...

On 24 March 2026, CQC published four draft sector-specific assessment frameworks. For adult social care providers, this marks a major reset. The Single Assessment Framework is being replaced. The 34 quality statements are becoming 24 Key Lines of Enquiry, scoring is being removed, and rating characteristics are returning. The consultation closes at 5pm on 12 June 2026. Pilots are expected through summer, with the new framework due to go live towards the end of 2026. For registered managers,...

More People Are Going Private — What the Two-Tier NHS Means for Care Workers

You’ve finished your shift. You’re in the car, on the bus, or walking through your front door — but part of you is still on the ward. You’re replaying a conversation with a distressed family member. Thinking about the resident who had a bad night. Running ove r whether you handled that incident the right way. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. Care work involves a level of emotional investment that doesn’t switch off cleanly when your shift ends....

If you've been following the news, you'll have seen the headlines: NHS England is being abolished. It's the kind of announcement that can send a wave of anxiety through anyone working in health or social care — especially when the language used is dramatic and the details are thin. So let's cut through the noise. This blog explains what has actually happened, what it means in practice, and — most importantly — what it means for you as a care professional. The short answer: for the vast...

If you work in health or social care, chances are you've been taught — explicitly or not — that putting others first is the job. That going the extra mile, staying a little longer, and saying yes when you really mean no is just what good carers do. But here's what nobody tells you early enough: boundaries aren't barriers to good care. They're what make good care sustainable. And the guilt you feel when you enforce them? That's worth examining — because it's often the very thing that burns...

What Does DoLS Stand For? DoLS stands for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards . It is the procedure prescribed in law when it is necessary to deprive a person of their liberty, a resident or patient who lacks the mental capacity to consent to their care and treatment, in order to keep them safe from harm. The legal foundation sits within the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and is underpinned by Article 5 of the Human Rights Act, which establishes that everyone has the right to liberty and security....

What Good Dementia Care Actually Looks Like (And Why It Matters in 2026)

If you work with lifting equipment in any capacity, understanding the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is not optional. It is a legal requirement. Whether you are an employer, manager, or operative working in construction, care, logistics, or manufacturing, LOLER compliance directly affects workplace safety and your organisation's legal standing. Our online LOLER course at CareLearner is designed to give you a thorough, accessible, and CPD-accredited...

We have some exciting news to share. Pentafold, the company behind CareLearner, has been officially welcomed into the NVIDIA Inception Programme , a global initiative that supports startups pushing the boundaries of AI, data science, and cutting-edge technology. For our team, this is more than a badge. It is recognition that the problem we are solving matters, and that the approach we are taking to solve it is the right one. What Is the NVIDIA Inception Programme? NVIDIA Inception is a...

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator for health and social care in England. Its role is to ensure services are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led - the five key questions that form the backbone of every inspection. In 2026, the CQC continues to evolve its approach, placing increasing emphasis on outcomes for people who use services rather than simply checking whether processes exist on paper. For care providers, keeping pace with this evolving...

Have you ever walked into the office at 8:30 am only to find your MAR charts scattered on the desk, half your team still logging on, and a frantic text saying "sorry, I've lost the new policy link"? It feels like herding cats, and you're staring down a CQC inspection in three months. That scenario plays out in care settings across England every single week. The good news? The gaps that lead to an inadequate or requires-improvement rating are almost always predictable, and fixable, with the...

A Step-by-Step Guide for Care Home Managers & Senior Staff Including Compliance Training Resources from CareLearner Why Getting Medicines Right Matters Ever had that sinking feeling when a new resident arrives clutching a plastic bag of half-empty blister packs? You know the drill: frantic phone calls, missing information and an elderly person left waiting for their morning pills. Medication reconciliation can feel like chasing ghosts — but get it right and you will slash risks and...

The Digital Revolution in Social Care: Are You Ready? Picture this scenario: It's Monday morning, and you've just received notification of a CQC inspection scheduled for Wednesday. Your palms start sweating as you think about your record-keeping system—a chaotic mix of handwritten notes, scattered Excel files, and that one filing cabinet nobody can find the key to. Sound familiar? The social care sector is at a crossroads. Whilst 81% of UK care providers have already embraced digital care...

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AI is moving fast in healthcare — faster than most organisations can redesign workflows, train teams, and put proper safety controls in place. From a Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) perspective, one of the most underestimated risks is not that AI makes mistakes. It is that AI changes human behaviour. When a system looks confident, people stop thinking as hard — especially under pressure. That behavioural shift has a name: automation bias . In health tech, it is a direct patient safety issue....

Safeguarding adults is a fundamental responsibility in health and social care. Effective training enables staff to recognise risk, respond appropriately to concerns and uphold the rights, dignity and wellbeing of adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. For Registered Managers and care providers, safeguarding training is also a key area of focus during CQC inspections and forms part of safe, well-led services. Legal and Regulatory Context Safeguarding practice in England is underpinned...

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Learn why lawful authorisation is essential to protect individuals’ rights, why good intentions or experience can’t replace legal processes, and how following DoLS procedures supports safe care, ethical practice, and timely decision-making. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation DoLS only applies to people in hospitals. DoLS covers care homes, hospitals, and supported living (Care Act...

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about dysphagia. Learn why proper assessment and care planning are essential for safe eating and drinking, why experience or assumptions can’t replace following prescribed guidance, and how clear procedures, ongoing monitoring, and the right support reduce risk and improve outcomes. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation Thin liquids are always safer than thickened ones. Evidence shows thin liquids can flow too quickly, increasing...

Have you ever found yourself sitting in your office, coffee gone cold, after realising yet another incident report was submitted late—or worse, not submitted at all? You know the scenario. A missed medication check. A near miss that never quite made it onto the system. Staff growing visibly uncomfortable at the mere suggestion of an “investigation”. You want learning, not hiding. Improvement, not fear. Yet under the old Serious Incident Framework, the process often felt heavy-handed and...

Generative AI chatbots and other large language model tools are increasingly being used to support care workers, for example to draft care plans, answer questions or provide conversational support. While these tools promise to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency, poorly supervised use can expose organisations and individual carers to significant legal liability. Under UK law, digital tools used in health and social care must meet specific clinical risk and data protection...

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about clinical governance. Learn why strong governance systems are essential for safe, high-quality care, why experience alone can’t replace evidence-based practice, and how clear standards, accountability, and continuous improvement lead to safer services and better outcomes. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation Clinical governance is only about filling in paperwork. The policy mandates integrated quality improvement activities and...

Are you ready for your next CQC inspection? Learn how to master Regulation 17 (Good Governance) under the Single Assessment Framework and avoid common compliance pitfalls. 1. The Five-Minute Evidence Challenge Ever been halfway through an evening shift, flicking through a pile of loose-leaf policies, and wondered: “If an inspector turned up tomorrow, could I find the evidence I need in five minutes?” You’re not alone. Many services provide excellent care but struggle to prove it on paper. Too...

Have you ever stepped into the lounge for a quick cuppa on your break, noticed a fresh bruise on Mrs Patel’s arm and thought, “Someone should have picked that up sooner” ? That uneasy feeling can linger all day. In social care, recognising harm early and knowing exactly what to do next can feel like threading a needle in the dark. Safeguarding adults is not just a statutory requirement – it is a shared responsibility that sits at the heart of safe, compassionate care. Quick Facts • Regulation...

Safe Use of Your Walking Stick Always hold the walking stick with the handle facing backwards. Ensure all push buttons are securely clicked and locked into position. Check that the rubber tip (ferrule) has good grip. Take extra care on slippery surfaces such as wet floors or leaves. Wear flat, supportive footwear whenever using your stick. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit — this will be listed in the instruction guide or printed on the stick. Care and Maintenance Regularly...

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about key holding. Learn why strict key-control procedures are always essential, why familiarity with a property never replaces proper authorisation, and how following clear key-holding protocols keeps people safer, protects assets, and ensures smooth, accountable access every time. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation Only managers can hold keys. Policy allows any trained, authorised staff member to be a key holder. Key-holding...

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about clinical waste. Learn why accurate waste segregation is always essential, why assumptions or past habits can’t replace clear guidance, and how following proper disposal protocols makes environments safer, more compliant, and more efficient for everyone. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation All clinical waste is infectious Only waste contaminated with bodily fluids, cultures or tissues qualifies as infectious clinical waste....

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about hoist safety. Learn why following every safety step is always mandatory, why confidence or past experience never replaces proper checks, and how strict hoist protocols actually make moving and handling safer, smoother, and faster for everyone. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation Anyone can use a hoist after a quick demo. Policy requires formal training and competency assessment. Untrained operators risk resident injury due to...

Myth vs. Reality A quick look at the five biggest misconceptions about professional ethics. Learn why confidentiality is always mandatory, why good intentions don't excuse poor records and how ethics actually speeds up decision-making. Myth The Truth / Evidence Explanation Following ethics slows down decision-making. Ethics guidelines streamline decisions by providing clear criteria. Having predefined ethical standards reduces uncertainty, ensuring quicker, more consistent decisions....

Hundreds of thousands of patients are receiving faster NHS care through new partnerships with independent healthcare providers. This approach aims to tackle waiting lists, increase treatment capacity, and uphold the NHS principle of care that remains free at the point of use. Overview of the Partnership The Department of Health and Social Care announced in October 2025 that 6.15 million NHS appointments, tests and operations were delivered by independent providers over the past year — almost...

For decades, Huntington’s disease (HD) has been considered one of the cruellest inherited neurological disorders. Passed down through families, it gradually robs individuals of their ability to move, think, and control their emotions. Until now, there has been no way to slow—let alone stop—its relentless progression. This week, that narrative changed. A Landmark Gene Therapy Researchers in the UK have announced the first successful treatment of Huntington’s disease using a gene-based therapy...

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has made significant changes to its inspection and assessment model. Two key developments are central to this shift: the introduction of Quality Statements within the Single Assessment Framework (SAF) and the implementation of Regulation 9A: Visiting and Accompaniment. Both developments alter how providers must evidence compliance and safeguard the rights and experiences of people who use services. Understanding the Shift: From KLOEs to Quality Statements...

Every year on 17 September , World Patient Safety Day reminds us that safety is the foundation of high-quality care. The World Health Organization highlights that up to 1 in 10 patients are harmed while receiving health or social care and most of these incidents are preventable. For care homes, domiciliary providers, and primary care teams, patient safety isn’t just about compliance. It’s about creating a culture where risks are managed, staff are trained, and people receiving care are...

Accidents happen in care, but failing to report them properly can lead to regulatory action, legal consequences, and even harm to residents or staff. That’s why RIDDOR training is essential. This CPD-accredited course helps staff understand the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) and how to apply them in daily practice. Why RIDDOR Matters in Care The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers and responsible staff to report certain...

Nearly all care environments rely on lifting equipment such as hoists, slings, and patient lifts. While vital, these tools can become hazards when used or maintained incorrectly. LOLER training ensures your staff know how to use lifting equipment safely—and meet legal obligations under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) . This post outlines what the course covers, who it's for, and how using CareLearner’s LOLER training supports both safety and CQC...

As the UK continues to reflect on the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the release of the Module 1 Report from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry offers a sobering yet crucial analysis of the nation's preparedness and resilience. The findings shine a spotlight on systemic failures and offer bold, necessary recommendations for reform—ones that must not be ignored. What is the UK Covid-19 Inquiry? The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is an independent public investigation established to review the response...

As the UK’s ageing population continues to grow, the next decade will be critical in shaping how we deliver adult social care. By 2035,...

We’re delighted to share that CareLearner has been awarded 3rd place at the Tomorrow’s Care Awards —a prestigious recognition celebrating...

7 June marks World Food Safety Day , a global initiative led by the WHO and FAO to raise awareness about the importance of food safety across the food supply chain. In health, social care, and hospitality sectors, food safety isn’t just a matter of quality it’s a matter of life and death. Why Food Safety Training Is Critical Unsafe food handling practices can lead to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and even fatalities especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly,...

The Children and Young People’s Survey 2024, conducted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), offers an in-depth look at the experiences...

In a significant step to strengthen collaboration and uphold the highest standards in patient safety, the Care Quality Commission (CQC)...

Last week’s Care Show London at ExCeL brought together some of the most passionate and forward-thinking people in the care sector. From...

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has provided an update on the status of Integrated Care System (ICS) assessments, following changes in government policy and broader healthcare reforms. Under the Health and Care Act 2022, CQC was granted new responsibilities to evaluate whether ICSs are effectively meeting the needs of their local populations. However, recent developments have led to a pause in this work for at least six months. Background and Initial Progress In 2023, the CQC conducted...

In an era where social media dominates teenage life, concerns about its impact on mental health and well-being have intensified. Recognising these challenges, Labour MP Josh MacAlister has introduced a bill aimed at protecting teenagers from social media addiction and harmful online exposure. The proposed measures include raising the "internet adulthood" age from 13 to 16, banning smartphones in schools, strengthening the powers of Ofcom (the UK's communications regulator), and restricting...

As a care home manager , staying on top of CQC regulatory changes is essential for keeping your service compliant and delivering high-quality care. With CQC inspections evolving in 2025 , it's time to adapt to new assessment methods, increased use of data, and a stronger focus on tackling health inequalities . Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how you can prepare your care home for the new inspection approach. What’s Changing in 2025? 1. The New Single Assessment Framework The CQC...

Every year, on the third Wednesday of November, we come together to observe World COPD Day , a global initiative to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of lung health and the need to address the challenges posed by this progressive condition. Understanding COPD COPD is a chronic respiratory disease that obstructs airflow in the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. It encompasses two main...

As healthcare and social care continue to evolve, one approach is gaining significant traction: person-centered care. This model prioritizes the individual’s needs, preferences, and values, fundamentally transforming how care is provided. For healthcare providers and caregivers alike, person-centered care isn’t just a trend; it’s a crucial shift that has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance communication, and create a more fulfilling experience for healthcare professionals. But...

So, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get much airtime in the care world: spirituality. No, I’m not talking about dimming the lights and breaking out the incense during your next care shift (though, I mean, why not?). Spirituality is about connecting on a deeper level – finding purpose, meaning, and a bit of peace in the chaos. And let’s face it, care can be chaos sometimes, right? What Even Is Spirituality in Care? Spirituality in care isn’t about preaching or turning into a guru...

As our population ages, the need for specialized and holistic healthcare solutions becomes increasingly critical. Older adults often experience complex health challenges that go beyond physical ailments, encompassing mental, emotional, and social issues. This is where a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) comes in—a multidimensional tool used by healthcare professionals to evaluate and manage the needs of elderly individuals, promoting better health outcomes and quality of life. What...

The Single Assessment Framework (SAF) is a crucial tool used by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to assess and monitor the quality of care provided by health and social care services in the UK. It aims to ensure that services meet the required standards of safety, effectiveness, and responsiveness, ultimately promoting the well-being of those who use these services. What is the Single Assessment Framework (SAF)? The SAF is a structured approach that guides the CQC's inspection and evaluation...

Oliver McGowan Training is a specialized program designed to improve the understanding and care of individuals with learning disabilities and autism within the healthcare sector. This training is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with autism and epilepsy whose tragic death highlighted the need for better training and awareness among healthcare professionals. Importance of the Training Training on learning disabilities and autism is crucial for healthcare professionals for several...

Sustainability in healthcare is a growing concern, with healthcare facilities worldwide recognizing the need to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining high-quality care. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also lead to cost savings and improved health outcomes. Environmental Impact of Healthcare Healthcare activities contribute significantly to environmental degradation through: Energy Consumption: Hospitals and clinics require large amounts of energy...

Maintaining strict infection prevention practices is essential for ensuring the health and safety of individuals receiving home care. Effective infection control not only protects patients from acquiring infections but also safeguards caregivers and other household members. Here are some best practices for infection prevention in home care environments: 1. Hand Hygiene Hand hygiene is the most crucial measure to prevent the spread of infections. Caregivers should: Wash Hands Regularly: Use...

In the dynamic world of home care, mental health often takes a backseat to physical care. However, the emotional well-being of both caregivers and clients is crucial to providing holistic, compassionate care. Addressing mental health needs in home care settings not only enhances the quality of care but also supports the overall well-being of everyone involved. The Importance of Mental Health Care in Home Care Settings 1. Mental Health of Caregivers: Caregivers are often at risk of burnout...

At CareLearner, we understand that patient safety is paramount in healthcare. With the introduction of the NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) , the NHS has taken a significant step forward in how it handles patient safety incidents. This framework aligns closely with our commitment to providing quality training and education that empowers healthcare professionals to deliver safe, effective care. What is the PSIRF? The PSIRF is a modern approach to managing patient safety...

Home care is more than just a profession; it’s a calling that demands empathy, resilience, and a wide array of skills. As the need for in-home care continues to grow, so does the demand for highly trained, compassionate caregivers who can provide top-notch care to clients with diverse needs. Whether you’re a seasoned caregiver or just beginning your journey in home care, these training tips will help you enhance your skills and ensure that you deliver the best possible care to those who...

The landscape of home and social care is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in healthcare, shifting regulatory requirements, and changing expectations from individuals and families. As these changes occur, it is imperative for caregivers to stay updated through continuous professional development (CPD). By embracing ongoing training and development, caregivers not only meet evolving care standards but also enhance their skills, ensuring that the care they provide is both effective and...

World Patient Safety Day , we are reminded of the critical role caregivers play in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. This year’s theme, "Engaging Patients for Patient Safety," aligns perfectly with CareLearner's mission to support and empower the caregiving community through high-quality, accessible training. At CareLearner, we understand that the foundation of patient safety lies in well-trained caregivers who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to provide...