Castleford care home enhances support for military veterans
HC-One’s Newfield Lodge Care Home in Castleford, West Yorkshire, has enhanced its support for military veterans following it’s the home’s official recognition as a Veteran Friendly Care Home. Becoming the first HC-One home to achieve this prestigious status under the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), former members of the Armed Forces in Castleford will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support after the care home they live in achieved the standards required for the VFF. The aim of the VFF is to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community, in residential care homes across England, by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer. Working to tackle loneliness and deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England, Newfield Lodge Care Home was required to meet eight standards that addressed the unique challenges facing the current generation of veterans in care. These included: noting Armed Forces status within care plans; addressing social isolation; and signposting to support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch, and other charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans. Karen Hughes, HC-One’s Newfield Lodge Care Home Manager, said: “We know that veterans can face unique challenges when entering into adult social care and we have worked hard to ensure that our home is a welcoming and supportive environment for the entire community. We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as a Veteran Friendly Care Home. This achievement is a testament to the dedicated work and compassion of our team, who go above and beyond to ensure that every resident receives the respect, dignity, and support they deserve.” Kathryn Glass, the VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter and responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme. She said: “We’re delighted that HC-One’s Newfield Lodge Care Home has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for military veterans as residents and their partners. “This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with current and future staff at Newfield Lodge, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that their residents and partners have lived through. “Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Newfield Lodge.” For more information about Newfield Lodge Care Home and upcoming events, please contact the friendly team on 01977 524 267, or email newfield.lodge@hc-one.co.uk. Newfield Lodge is a residential and residential dementia care home located on Brookfield Avenue in Castleford, West Yorkshire and rated 9.8/10 on the care home review site, Carehome.co.uk. With 64 en-suite bedrooms and attractive décor, Newfield Lodge is proud to offer person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.
HETT 2025
Health tech communications experts join forces with HETT 2025 to champion progress and innovation Highland Marketing has been named, for the second year running, the official communications partner for HETT Show 2025, the UK’s leading digital health conference and exhibition. Taking place 7–8 October 2025 at ExCeL London, HETT will welcome thousands of healthcare professionals, policy makers, and technology leaders for two days of insights, collaboration, and sector-shaping conversations. As a specialist health tech PR, marketing, and communications agency, Highland Marketing will bring its deep industry expertise to the event, supporting content development, speaker engagement, and media relations to amplify the voices of the people shaping the future of health and care. This collaboration supports HETT’s mission to unite the health and care community and accelerate digital innovation across the sector. This year’s HETT show will spotlight emerging trends and real-world digital innovation with highlights including: In addition to these dedicated zones, HETT 2025 will offer thought-provoking roundtable discussions, hands-on workshops in the HETT Workshops and Insights Zone, and curated networking opportunities – including a VIP drinks reception and informal end-of-day meetups. Cyber security will also take centre stage, with the launch of HETT’s new Cyber Security Working Group. This programme will deliver expert-led content designed to help healthcare organisations build long-term resilience and respond to evolving digital threats. Finally, a fan favourite returns the night before the show: the “Rockaoke” charity event on 6 October – combining live band karaoke and fundraising for The Brain Tumour Charity, it’s set to be a feel-good kick-off to an unmissable week of digital health. Rikki Bhachu, head of marketing, HETT said: “HETT is built on collaboration, and we’re pleased to be once again working with a communications partner that understands the health tech landscape. With so many important voices and innovations coming together at this year’s show, we’re focused on creating the space – and the momentum – for those conversations to have a lasting impact.” Highland Marketing will help ensure the ideas, breakthroughs, and people at the heart of HETT 2025 don’t just reach the room – but resonate far beyond it. Mark Venables, CEO, Highland Marketing said: “We’re proud that Highland Marketing has been named official communications partner for HETT London 2025. As a specialist agency dedicated to the health and care sector, we’re pleased to be returning for a second successive year to support a platform that consistently champions innovation and sparks meaningful progress in health tech. Our role is to ensure the sector’s most exciting ideas, initiatives, and innovators are not only heard at HETT, but recognised and remembered beyond it.” The agency’s team – supported by an advisory board of respected NHS digital leaders including CIOs, CCIOs, and CNIOs – will also be on-site for one-to-one sessions with companies seeking effective strategies for health tech marketing, communications, and market positioning. To explore these opportunities, contact the Highland Marketing team or you can register here:https://hubs.la/Q03kQpPY0
Bungee jump to raise over £1,000 for SHINE Fund
Two care workers from Hull-based HICA Homecare have raised more than £1,000 for the organisation’s SHINE Fund by completing a sponsored tandem bungee jump at Salford Quays. Carole Leach, Care Supervisor, and Sharon Foster, Care Coordinator, took the plunge despite Sharon having a fear of heights. The SHINE Fund helps to create life-enhancing experiences for people supported by the HICA Group, a not-for-profit organisation which operates care homes and community-based care services across the North of England, including HICA Homecare in Hull. Steph Smith, manager at Hull Homecare, said: “I’m so proud of Carole and Sharon, not just for going through with the jump, but for the effort they’ve made to raise money for a cause that benefits so many of the people we care for. They’re a fantastic example of the dedication we see every day in our team.” The pair took on the challenge to raise funds for the SHINE initiative, which provides extras that fall outside of core care funding such as day trips, special events or personalised items that bring joy to service users. Sharon said: “It was a terrifying but amazing experience and knowing we were doing it for such a worthwhile cause helped get us through it. The support from colleagues, friends, and families has been overwhelming.” Carole added: “I’m still in shock that we did it! But the best part is knowing the money raised will go straight back into helping people we support enjoy meaningful experiences and moments.” The JustGiving page set up by Carole and Sharon remains open for anyone who still wants to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carole-leach?utm_term=VZvZyA8Qa
How to look after yourself as a sandwich carer
Dementia UK’s new podcast shares advice from specialist Admiral Nurses on how to look after yourself as a sandwich carer 6th June 2025 – Over 1.3 million people in the UK are sandwich carers – meaning they care for both their parent or elderly relative and a child1. With one in two of us affected by dementia in our lifetime2, it’s vital that sandwich carers understand the support that is there for them to help them through the challenges they may face while supporting anyone who is dependent on them. The latest series of Dementia UK’s ‘My life with dementia’ podcast features an interview with Chris Saunders. In the episode, “Caring for Mum and Dad drove me to breaking point”, Chris shares the emotional impact of caring for both his parents who were living with dementia, juggling parenting his own son, and working full-time in the emergency services. Podcast guest Chris Saunders said:“ I’m an only child and we have very little extended family, so my wife and I assumed a caring role without any real discussion. I was working full-time in emergency services, while my wife juggled two jobs of her own. We also had a six-year-old son. To say it was a big adjustment is an understatement. “I had reached breaking point. I was so exhausted, emotionally and mentally, but the support we received from our Admiral Nurse changed our lives, I don’t know what we would have done without her.” Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK said: “If you are caring for a parent or grandparent with dementia and looking after children too, it can be a stressful and socially isolating time. “Juggling these dual caring responsibilities along with work, finances, the home and wider family life can be very challenging. You may prioritise the needs of others over your own which can take a toll on your overall health and wellbeing. It’s vital that carers take time for themselves.” Tips for looking after yourself as a sandwich carer Dementia UK’s new podcast, ‘My life with dementia’ is presented by charity ambassador and award-winning journalist and podcaster, Marianne Jones. The podcast brings together real-life stories of people impacted by dementia alongside practical advice from the charity’s Admiral Nurses. For more first-person stories and advice from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out. You can find out more about the podcast on the Dementia UK website: dementiauk.org/dementia-podcast/ If you need information or advice on being a sandwich carer visit https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer/what-is-a-sandwich-carer/. You can also contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline for further support on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org
Care Home Hosts Annual Super-Paw Dog Show
Friends of the Elderly’s Alton Residential Care Home Hosts Annual Super-Paw Dog Show For The Third Year To celebrate this year’s Care Home Open Week, The Lawn, the Alton-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, is ‘em-barking’ on the preparations for the care home’s third annual community Dog Show, which is affectionately known as ‘The Scruffies’. “Both the 2023 and 2024 ‘Scruffies’ were such ‘pawsome’ community events, the inclusive, accessible and fun day is now a ‘fur-m’ fixture on our events calendar,” said Catalina Constantin, The Lawn’s Activities Coordinator. “Each year, the residents love getting involved with the preparations and making the rosettes and doggy treat bags. The residents not only love dogs, but all animals and frequently reminisce and talk about pets they have had and loved as children or with their own children. Between them, there have been cats, birds, rabbits – and of course dogs, it’s quite a list any zoo would be proud of.” The 2025 ‘Scruffies’ will take place at The Lawn Residential Care Home at 119 London Road, Holybourne, Alton, GU34 4ER on Friday 20th June 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. “Each year, the residents have a wonderful time at ‘The Scruffies’, interacting with the ‘’tail-ented’ dogs, their owners and our local community,” continued Steve Swift, the Registered Manager at The Lawn. “It’s a great event for the residents and also supports and reinforces our ongoing commitment to, and our strong links with, our local community.” “For the 2025 ‘Scruffies’, we have 11 award categories,” continued Catalina. “The categories will be Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Lady Dog, Best Rescue Dog, Best Junior Handler, The Waggiest Tail, The Best Behaved Dog, The Scruffiest Dog, The Dog Most Like Its Owner, The Winner of The Sausage Eating Race and, finally, The Dog The Judges Would Like To Take Home; with the final, prestigious award going to Best in Show.” “We will set The Show Ring up on the lawn outside the care home’s dining area, giving everyone a good view and the opportunity to see the ‘claw-ver’ dogs ‘un-leash’ their ‘paw-tential,” added Steve. The Entry Fee will be only £5 per dog for as many categories as you’d like to enter. The Lawn’s residents will act as Judges for the event and handmade rosettes will be awarded to the top three winners in each class. In addition, the winners of the Best Behaved, Best Trick, Best Rescue Dog and Best in Show categories will win a £20 gift voucher. However, no pup will leave with empty paws, as each dog who enters will be given a doggie bag of tasty doggie treats which the residents will also make for them. “All the money we raise from the 2025 ‘Scruffies’ will go into the Resident’s Activity Fund,” said Catalina. In addition to all the canine fun, Steve and the care team will be on hand to give any visitors tours of The Lawn. “From 2 p.m. on 20th June, we will also be able to take visitors on tours of the care home. Hosting ‘The Scruffies’ is the perfect opportunity for visitors to see the care home – both inside and out – and see the dedicated care team in action as they deliver individualised, person-centred care to each resident and respite guest,” continued Steve. There will also be ‘fur-bulous’ ‘whining and dining’ for visitors and all the dogs’ humans to enjoy too, as The Lawn will be offering tasty afternoon teas for only £5 per person. Hot and cold beverages will also be available to purchase. If you would like to enter your dog into any – or all – of the 2025 ‘Scruffies’ categories, please email Catalina on: catalina.constantin@fote.org.uk or give her a call on telephone number 01420 84162. “We look forward to welcoming as many dogs, their owners and visitors as ‘paw-sible’, to make our 2025 ‘Scruffies’ bigger and ‘bark-ier’ than last year – and really hope everyone will raise the ‘woof’. Knowing how much the residents love animals, they are ‘def-fur-nately’ looking forward to it,” concluded Steve. www.fote.org.uk
Hermitage House Achieves Outstanding 10/10 Rating
Morar Living, a leading provider of premium residential care, has announced that Hermitage House in Helensburgh has received a perfect 10 out of 10 rating on carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care home review site. Of the 764 care homes for retired people in Scotland, only 25 have a rating of 10/10. Hermitage House is one of Morar Living’s flagship residences, offering luxurious, person-centred care in a modern, purpose-built setting, near the centre of Helensburgh on the Clyde Estuary. With beautifully designed interiors, landscaped gardens and a full range of care services, the home provides a valued service for people in and around Helensburgh. The 10/10 rating on carehome.co.uk is based on reviews from residents and their families who consistently praise the home’s warm atmosphere, exceptional care standards and strong sense of community. Elaine Rankin, Managing Director of Morar Living, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the entire team at Hermitage House. This exceptional achievement is testament to the hard work, empathy and professionalism of manager Lynn Cumming and her team. “At Morar Living, we are passionate about creating an environment where residents feel truly at home, and Hermitage House exemplifies this mission every single day.” Hermitage House continues to welcome new residents and families looking for outstanding care in a luxurious and comfortable environment where each individual is supported to live life to the full. To find out more about Morar Living visit https://moraruk.co/
Disciplinaries and grievances significantly higher in care sector
New research from law firm Birketts has revealed that care sector employers are having to deal with a significantly higher number of disciplinaries and grievances than other sectors. Employment lawyers at Birketts warn the number of employment tribunal cases in the care sector could also increase as a result of measures in the Employment Rights Bill, at a time when it will also be grappling with changes to immigration rules. The Birketts view: Employment tribunals in the care sector impact report 2025, which surveyed HR professionals in businesses in England and Wales over a two-year period, found that on average, respondents from the care sector reported 53 disciplinary matters over the preceding 24 months, compared with an average of 37 across all sectors. Grievances were also significantly higher in care sector businesses (29% higher) when compared with all sectors, with respondents indicating that managing grievances was the area in which they thought line managers needed most support. On average, care organisations had received 39 employment tribunal claims in the previous two years, which is broadly in line with the average of 40 across all sectors. The research shows that among care organisations, 60% of HR professionals surveyed had dealt with between 26-50 employment tribunal claims in the previous 24 months. The average amount of time spent by HR professionals dealing with such claims was 4.66 weeks over the two-year period, very slightly below the average of 4.78 weeks across all sectors. Of those who had elected not to engage in the Acas early conciliation process, 54% said it was because they thought it would either not resolve the issue or be a waste of time (compared with 56% across all sectors), with 36% indicating that it was because they were not willing to negotiate with the claimant (32% across all sectors). In contrast, settlement via Acas once the employment tribunal process had started, was reported by 31% of care sector respondents, the most frequent conclusion to claims brought against the business once they had commenced. Holiday pay claims featured more highly in the care sector compared with the average number of holiday pay claims across all sectors. Analysis of the types of employment tribunal claims handled by care businesses in England and Wales in the previous two years shows that those most commonly reported were: unfair dismissal, including constructive dismissal (27%); disability discrimination (23%); wrongful dismissal (20%); and holiday pay (20%). This suggests that the high staff turnover rate within the sector – alongside a legacy of holiday pay claims brought by care sector workers following recent case law developments – has affected employment tribunal rates. A 2022 Supreme Court ruling on holiday pay entitlements for part-year workers (Harpur Trust v Brazel) may also have led to a potential artificial ‘bump’ in claims, according to Birketts. Only 16% of respondents from the care sector reported any cases being struck out by the employment tribunal, compared with 23% of respondents across all sectors. Commenting on the findings, Catherine Johnson, Partner in Birketts’ Employment Team, said: “The care sector is renowned for having high staff turnover, and employers in the sector often face claims on multiple legal grounds because their staff do not meet the two-year minimum service requirement for an ordinary unfair dismissal claim and instead pursue ‘automatic’ unfair dismissal claims. “This includes whistleblowing, as well as discrimination and/or victimisation, which do not require a minimum length of service. However, unlike ordinary unfair dismissal claims, these claims attract unlimited compensation, are complex to handle, and will often require a preliminary hearing to determine issues, such as whether any aspects of the claim are out of time. It is also common for claimants in the care sector to name individual managers as respondents, along with their employer, adding to the complexity. These factors can considerably increase the costs of defending claims. “Because of this, the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill – which will remove the two-year minimum service requirement for bringing an unfair dismissal claim – could, in some respects, be regarded as a mixed blessing for care sector employers. While the number of claims is likely to increase, some of these should be more ‘straightforward’ to manage in the future.” “These challenges, combined with those posed by the recently announced immigration crackdown on care workers, paint a bleak picture for the sector. Employers should therefore act now to get their houses in order before these new measures take effect.” On disciplinaries and grievances: “Employment claims pose huge costs for businesses – both financially and from a resources perspective. While managers may view grievances and disciplinaries as inconvenient, they must take care not to rush their investigations as this could increase the risk of claims being successful. This is where good manager training in investigations and disciplinaries could make all the difference. “While the courts and tribunals are still grappling with a backlog in employment claims and new workplace rights on the horizon, including a ‘day one’ right to claim unfair dismissal, employers in the care sector would do well to ensure they are ahead of the curve and tackle any potential claims early on to avoid costly tribunals.” The most common reason cited by respondents from care businesses for settling employment tribunal claims was witness credibility (36%), with the cost of defending claims a close second (34%). Settlement of claims in the sector often comes late in the process, most commonly the day before (25%) or during the hearing itself (28%). Birketts advises employers to implement clear workplace policies, provide quality training to line managers and maintain open lines of communications between management and employees to avoid an escalation of issues. Last minute settlements The study showed that on average in the past 24 months, the majority of respondents (59%) reported settling employment tribunal claims before the final hearing, slightly lower than the average across all sectors (62%). A quarter (25%) of HR professionals surveyed reported that employment tribunal claims were settled the day before the hearing was due to commence.
National Nurses Day
Jill Shares Her Nursing Journey To Honour This Year’s National Nurses Day At Little Bramingham Farm, the Luton-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, 93-year-old resident, Jill Samuel, has been honouring this month’s National Nurses Day – and Florence Nightingale’s 205th Birthday – by reminiscing and sharing her own Nursing journey. Jill, who has been a resident at Little Bramingham Farm for 15 months, knew from an early age that she wanted to be a Nurse. “I was very little when I knew that I wanted to be a Nurse,” said Jill. “I think being able to look after and care for people was my calling.” As a child, Jill attended Beech Hill School on Dunstable Road in Luton. “I liked all the classes, but as soon as I left school, I began training as a Nurse,” Jill continued. “All the training took part in hospitals, and I was fortunate enough to work in lots of different departments.” Jill worked mainly at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, which was opened by Queen Mary on 14th February 1930, working for the majority of her time on the Surgical Wards. “Back when I worked at the Hospital, Wards 1 and 5 were my main focus. I found the work the surgeons and doctors did on these two wards fascinating and so complex and it was wonderful to see how the patients recovered from their operations, illnesses and injuries. “I loved my job, but being in the Theatre and working as part of the Surgical Team was so interesting, it was my favourite – but I was also lucky enough to spend time working in the Children’s Annex, which was also so rewarding,” added Jill. In 1952, Jill married her Husband, Roy and the couple were happily married for 57 years and had two lovely two daughters; and Jill is now a proud Grandmother to four Grandchildren. “I have always loved to cook and sew,” continued Jill. “I think it comes from raising our family; and I still enjoy cooking and sewing today – and also reading. You can usually find me with my nose in a good book at some point during the day.” Jill also has a few surprises about her – she is exceptionally well-travelled having visited Australia, New Zealand and Canada – and has seen the internationally famous singer, Tom Jones at The London Palladium. “I actually met the lovely Bruce Forsyth at the theatre,” said Jill. “As we were walking into the Foyer, Bruce was there, welcoming everyone and chatting away. I was also very lucky as a family friend managed to get me a signed photograph of Tom too. “I decided to move to Little Bramingham Farm as it’s very close to my family, is set in lovely surroundings and my room is beautiful – and, of course, everyone here is so kind and lovely, it’s a really loving home and place to live. There’s always something going on, you could never be bored here,” continued Jill. “Jill is such a wonderful lady and it’s an absolute pleasure to have her living with us at Little Bramingham Farm,” said Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at the care home. “She always has a kind word to say to everyone, is always smiling and, if you didn’t know that Jill had spent her career working as a Nurse, I think you would suspect as soon as you met her as she’s so caring, considerate and kind.” “Throughout my Nursing career, I really did love all my patients and thoroughly enjoyed my job, even though it was hard work. I’m always telling my family and friends to prioritise their health, as that what I do, and I’m doing OK,” concluded Jill. www.fote.org.uk/care-homes/little-bramingham-farm-luton-care-home/
Transforming the CQC
Transforming the CQC – does the answer lie beyond the English border?Keeping up with the Joneses (and the MacDonalds and the Maguires) Over the last year, England’s adult health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has suffered an unceremonious fall from grace, marred by severe internal failings and widespread public criticism. Jenny Wilde and Beverley Jones, senior lawyers in health and social care at Acuity Law, delve into recent developments and highlight future transformation opportunities for the CQC. The independent review led, by Dr. Penny Dash and published in full in October 2024, exposed stark deficiencies in the regulator’s operations, including reduced inspection levels, inconsistent assessments, and a worrying lack of clinical expertise among inspectors. These failings have significantly weakened the CQC’s ability to assess and assure the quality of health and social care services across England. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting responded with frank concern, declaring: “It’s clear to me the CQC is not fit for purpose.” His statement reinforced the urgency of reform to restore public confidence in the regulator. That urgency was amplified by the revelations of a failed £99-million transformation programme – an expensive misfire riddled with technical issues and a poor user experience, which caused widespread operational disruption rather than progress. In October 2024, the newly appointed Chief Executive, Sir Julian Hartley, took the helm, inheriting a regulator in crisis. He has since openly acknowledged the CQC had “lost its way” and committed to regaining public trust by rebuilding the organisation’s credibility and performance. Part of that work has involved collaborating with providers and sector leaders, such as the Care Provider Alliance, to map out what a reformed CQC should look like and how it should behave. The transformation is, at last, underway. A sceptic (or perhaps a seasoned lawyer) might view these listening sessions as strategic PR, intended to project an image of reform and responsiveness. The real test lies in whether those views are heard, taken on board and reflected in the final product. But in this moment of reform and introspection, is the CQC missing an opportunity to look outward, beyond England, and learn from its counterparts in the devolved nations? Practical lessons from beyond the English border Each devolved nation has its own regulator: Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), the Care Inspectorate in Scotland, and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland. Lawyers and providers operating across these borders often speak of clear cultural and procedural differences – most notably a more collaborative and constructive approach to regulation. Take CIW, for example. It has a reputation for working alongside providers, offering guidance on training, promoting best practice, and fostering supportive environments to improve care. Inspectors are more likely to offer concrete advice or signpost resources when concerns arise. Compare that with the CQC’s more rigid model: a tick-box inspection, a grade, and often radio silence when providers ask how they might improve. The CQC’s long-held stance – that it is not there to advise providers – feels increasingly unhelpful in a sector that relies on practical improvement and learning. Clients have reported that dealing with Care Inspectorate (Scotland) is like interacting with a fellow care provider and there is no “us and them” approach. The Care Inspectorate’s mission is that “everyone in every community, experiences high quality care, support and learning, tailored to their rights, needs and wishes”. The tone is such that “we” (the Care Inspectorate and the care provider) are for the same reason: to help promote a better outcome for people living in care. There is clear collaboration, and Scottish clients are extremely heartened by the Care Inspectorate’s support. The Scottish regulator also has a “Quality Improvement Team”, which creates excellent resources that are shared on the website and in the weekly newsletters runs. It offers workshops – some virtual, to widen access, some in-person and even provider-specific. For example, a client reported an increase in complaints, so the Care Inspectorate arranged a face-to-face workshop that was attended by all of the provider’s Scottish home managers, and three other colleagues per home. During the workshop, they discussed the client’s complaints process, gave suggestions on what it could do to make it better, and completed coaching with colleagues. The aim of the session was to try and upskill colleagues working on the floor to manage and recognise complaints before they become formal. English providers can only dream of this type of engagement. Since Ian Trenholm’s appointment in 2018, the CQC has leaned into a model of enforcement, often accompanied by harsh press releases that spotlight failure rather than enable recovery. Of course, action must be taken against unsafe providers, but what if the CQC followed the lead of its neighbours and used inspections as an opportunity to guide, not just judge? What if it embraced a more transparent, less adversarial model? We’ve seen CIW and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland share examples of excellent care between providers, encouraging dialogue and improvement across the sector. That kind of openness fosters a climate where providers welcome inspection and feedback rather than fear it. CIW, Care Inspectorate Scotland, and RQIA show that it’s possible to regulate firmly while still being fair and supportive. Their inspectors are present, personal, and pragmatic. And while no regulator is perfect, their approach feels more aligned with the sector’s ultimate aim: improving the lives of those who use services. There’s a cautionary tale in all this, not just for the CQC, but also for the regulators in the devolved nations as well. CIW has recently adopted a rating system similar to the CQC’s, in an effort to promote transparency and aid customer choice and decision making. However, we hope it resists the temptation to drift into the same trap as CQC: chasing statistics and ratings to justify its existence, rather than focusing on meaningful assessments and sector relationships, and improving outcomes for the people supported. Regulators that try to win headlines risk losing the confidence of those they oversee.
