A Note from Dr Richard Harling
Welcome to the May 2026 edition of our Adult Social Care communications.
As we move further into the year, we continue to see important developments across the sector, from upcoming changes in employment legislation to ongoing priorities around workforce, training, and compliance. This month’s update brings together key information, events, and resources to help you stay informed and prepared.
All the best, Richard
In this edition:
- Men’s Health Week 2026
- Right to Work: Preparing for Change in 2026
- Free Webinar: New Employment Rights and Adult Social Care
- Dignity in Care Awards
- DSPT Deadline Reminder
- LeDeR Briefing for Care Providers (April 2026)
- Controlled Drugs Newsletter for Care Homes
- Social Care Academy – Latest eLearning
- Oliver McGowan Training Funding 2026–27
- Link Worker Session: Hand Hygiene & Awareness
- ASC Nursing Conference: Leading Through Innovation
- Healthy Workplace Update – May 2026
- Important Reminders
- Contact Us
Updates:
Men’s Health Week 2026
Men’s Health Week takes place from 10–16 June 2026, raising awareness of the importance of physical and mental health among men, particularly in the workplace.
This year’s focus encourages open conversations, early support, and reducing stigma around mental health challenges. In adult social care, where roles can be demanding, it’s important that male staff feel supported to look after their wellbeing.
Find out more and access resources here
Right to Work: Preparing for change in 2026 and how to stay compliant
Edward O'Brien, Senior Associate at Law Firm Lester Aldridge, will focus on the employment law considerations surrounding Right to Work checks for all workers, including how employers can carry them out in a fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner, in line with the newly published draft Code of Practice.
Edward will also cover the wider compliance framework, including links to sponsorship duties, international recruitment, and key risks to avoid
FREE Webinar: How new employment rights will impact adult social care
Tuesday 7 July 10:30–12:00
Skills for Care are hosting this event and will be joined by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It will provide an overview of the Employment Rights Act 2025, including key policy measures, changes relevant to the sector and implementation timescales.
Click here for more information
Dignity in Care Awards
A reminder that the Dignity in Care Awards recognise the dedication, compassion and outstanding work taking place across the sector. We encourage you to consider submitting a nomination to celebrate the individuals and teams making a difference.
REMINDER: DSPT deadline is coming up!
The deadline for completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit for 2025/26 is fast approaching.
Remember, you MUST complete the DSPT every year otherwise it is invalid and you cannot use it as evidence of your current arrangements.
Resource Guides
Learning from Lives and Deaths of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People (LeDeR)
Briefing for Care Providers – April 2026
This briefing summarises positive practice and key improvement areas identified in LeDeR reviews completed by Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board during Quarter 3. Themes this quarter are consistent with previous findings and highlight both strong practice and areas where focused improvement is required.
Click here to view the briefing
Care Homes Controlled Drugs Newsletter
This newsletter contains information to support safe use and handling of controlled drugs in care homes.
Click here to view the newsletter
Training and Events
Social Care Academy
Click the links below to check out the latest e-Learning:
Oliver McGowan Training 2026-27 – Funding
The DHSC have confirmed that Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) funding will continue in 2026-27 to support the rollout of Oliver’s Training. Whilst ring-fenced the funding pot for this training is limited, and it is recommended that ASC employers submit their claims as soon as they have the required evidence.
LDSS funding is available for non-regulated staff and care providers must have an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Dataset (ASC-WDS) account.
Click here for more information
Link Worker Session
May’s Link Worker Session is “Hand Hygiene – World HH Day, Meningitis and Measles Awareness” 28th May 2026, 11 – 12.30.
ASC Nursing: Leading through Innovation
9 June 9.30am to 4pm
This free conference at the University of Salford will showcase and celebrate research, practice, innovation, and education in social care.
Click here for more information
Health and Wellbeing
Healthy Workplace Update: May 2026
Please see the May edition of the workplace health newsletter for 2026 – Healthy Workplace Update
The focus of this month’s update is on Mental Health Awareness.
Important Reminders:
Integrated Care Coordination for Urgent Care (Health & Social Care Professionals Line)
The ICC is now operational 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide a dedicated line for all health and social care professionals for patients with urgent care needs.
The service will continue to support with clinical advice and referrals to an alternative pathway as appropriate.
Call them on 0300 123 0983.
As before, this is not a direct patient access line and is in place to continue to support our system health and social care professionals.
Sign up to Field safety notice, national patient safety alert, device safety information, and medicines recall/notification
Sign up here - Alerts, recalls and safety information: medicines and medical devices emails - GOV.UK
Contact us
This update is produced and distributed by the Care Market Development Team.
Our webpages have lots of information, advice and guidance for Adult Social Care Providers. Please see our Care Market Development team web page.
If you have a specific question, please get in contact with us via email: asccommunications@staffordshire.gov.uk