A Note from Dr Richard Harling
Thank you to everyone working across the sector during this period of hot weather.
High temperatures can bring additional pressures for care services, particularly when supporting people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat. Thank you for the extra care, attention and support you continue to provide to help people stay safe, well and comfortable during the hot weather.
Please continue to follow the latest guidance, check in on those most at risk, and look after yourselves and your colleagues too.
All the best, Richard
Director for Health and Care
In this edition:
There is a lot happening across the adult social care sector this summer. This update brings together the latest news, resources, training opportunities, and events for providers, managers, and care professionals across Staffordshire.
Managers Quality Networking Forum (MQNF)
Venue: Beaconside Conference Centre, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0BF
Date: 30 September 2026
Time: 9:30am to 2:15pm
Join us for a day of updates, learning, and networking.
Agenda highlights
- Health and social care updates
- Controlled drugs in adult social care, presented by NHS England specialists
- International recruitment updates and guidance
- Delivering quality palliative care, from referral to RESPECT plans
- Recruitment and retention strategies from Skills for Care
- Question and answer panel with senior leaders from Staffordshire County Council and the Integrated Care Board
- Culture Counts: lessons from inspections and the journey from Good to Outstanding
There will also be opportunities throughout the day to:
- Network with peers, exhibitors, and sector partners
- Share ideas and good practice
- Take part in our networking raffle
I look forward to providing a health and care update as part of the programme and hope to see many of you there.
Resource Guides
New Resource: Preventing Choking Deaths
Care England has published a good practice guide to help reduce choking risks for people with learning disabilities.
The guide was developed with experts and people with lived experience. It includes practical tools to help staff and providers balance safety, independence, and personal choice.
New CQC Resource for Care Workers
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a guide for care workers explaining:
- What CQC does
- What inspectors look for
- What staff can expect during inspections
The guide aims to build confidence, reduce uncertainty, and support a positive inspection experience focused on high-quality care.
Training and Events
New E-learning Course: Documenting Positive Care
If positive care is not recorded, managers, families, and regulators may not see the progress, achievements, and meaningful moments happening every day.
This free course places you in a care setting where you will:
- Identify examples of positive care
- Improve care records
- Learn how to document strengths, independence, choice, and outcomes more effectively
View the course on the Care Academy portal
Free Face-to-Face CMDT Training
Leading a Safe Adult Social Care Service
This practical two-day course will help leaders and managers:
- Understand CQC expectations
- Identify risks early
- Improve quality and compliance
- Support continuous improvement
- Achieve positive outcomes for people receiving care
Venue: Stone House Hotel, Stone
Dates: November 2026
Time: 9:30am to 4:00pm on both days
International Recruitment Webinar
Data Standards: Staying Compliant as the Home Office Goes Digital
Delivered by Borderless and Digital Care Hub, this webinar explores how digital immigration and sponsorship changes affect sponsor licence compliance.
The session will cover key risks and practical steps to help care providers remain compliant.
Date: Thursday 17 September
Time: 11:30am to 12:00pm
Book through the provider website.
Free Webinar: What the Supreme Court's Deprivation of Liberty Judgment Means for Social Care
An expert panel explains:
- The recent DoLS judgment
- Government interim guidance
- Practical actions social care providers can take now
Free Winter Pressures Webinar
Practical advice to strengthen your contingency plans
Date: Tuesday 22 September
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Delivered in partnership with The Outstanding Society, this webinar will help you:
- Prepare for winter pressures
- Improve contingency planning
- Manage operational and workforce challenges
- Maintain high-quality care during busy periods
You will also hear examples from high-performing services and gain practical actions to take back to your organisation.
Book through the provider website
RBCS in Social Care
Do you know a registered nurse or nurse associate working in social care who would benefit from dedicated time for reflection, learning, and professional support?
The Foundation of Nursing Studies has free places available on its Resilience Based Clinical Supervision programme starting in September.
Health and Wellbeing
Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
Free MECC training is available for frontline staff and volunteers. Courses include:
- Short sessions
- Lite training
- Train-the-trainer programmes
MECC helps people use everyday conversations to support health and wellbeing. It focuses on:
- Active listening
- Asking engaging questions
- Supporting positive behaviour change
- Improving physical and mental wellbeing
Find out more about MECC training
Staff Support and Wellbeing
A range of wellbeing and workforce support resources is available for adult social care staff, including CMDT support packs and links to local and national services.
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