Website to help employers recruit social care workers
CareJobFinder.org is an innovative, free service
to help employers contact people actively looking for work in social care. The service
has been created by
UKHCA and funded by the Department of Health.
Employers recruiting staff to work in homecare agencies, extra-care housing schemes
and housing support services can register to use the service by visiting
www.carejobfinder.org/join. When prospective recruits submit their details
on-line, employers in the local area will receive an e-mail containing full contact
details, a summary of previous experience and the recruit's work preferences. Employers
then have the option to contact prospective recruits directly and begin their normal
recruitment processes.
More information, frequently asked questions and the simple registration process
for employers can be found at www.carejobfinder.org/join.
Welcome
United Kingdom Homecare Association
Ltd
(UKHCA) is the professional association of home care providers from the independent,
voluntary, not-for-profit and statutory sectors.
UKHCA helps organisations that provide social care, which may include
nursing services, to people in their own homes, promoting high standards of care
and providing representation with national and regional policy-makers and regulators.
The Association represents over 1,900 members across the United Kingdom, in England,
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Switchover to new UKHCA phone system delayed
Due to complications with the handover from one telephone service provider to another, our new phone system has been delayed. Please could UKHCA members continue to use our current numbers until further notice. Thank you.
UKHCA main number 020 8288 5291
Disclosure Service 020 8288 1572.
Announcement posted on: 27 January 2012
New Social Services Bill for Wales
The Welsh Government has outlined its plans for a new wide-ranging Social Services Bill for Wales. The Bill will provide the architecture to deliver 'Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action' and a wider programme for public service reform. It will set out powers to establish a national outcomes framework, portability across local authority boundaries and early intervention and co-operation between health and siocial care, particularly for older people. The Welsh Government plans to launch a full public consultation on the Bill in March, with a view to introducing it into the National Assembly in October 2012.
More on "New Social Services Bill for Wales"
Announcement posted on: 26 January 2012
Health Select Committee publishes public expenditure report
The Health Select Committee has today published a report on the public expenditure of health and social care. The report highlights the pressure facing the social care sector and the reality that local authorities are having to raise eligibility criteria and use money from the NHS earmarked for reablement services just to maintain services for those people with substantial or critical needs.
The Committee has also urged that more money be transferred from the NHS to social care and tangible plans are produced that support integration. With the social care White paper due shortly, Ministers are likely to take note of the Committee's report.
More on "Health Select Committee publishes public expenditure report"
Announcement posted on: 24 January 2012
Homecarer January 2012 now available to members
The January 2012 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download from the members’ area of our website at: www.ukhca.co.uk/members/homecarer.aspx
In this issue: We report on Northern Ireland’s review of health and social care; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says 2012 could be a momentous year; Chief Executive Bridget Warr reflects on the user perspective; Charity Sense describes how to provide care for deafblind people; Mel Palmer of the Social Care Institute for Excellence discusses what happens when a service user refuses reablement; We preview compulsory pension contributions; Francis McGlone reports on Scotland’s care challenge and our contribution to the Welsh Government’s Inquiry; We welcome Andrew Heffernan, our new Membership and Marketing Director and describe our new telephone system and Quick Guide, and revised medication policy guidance.
Announcement posted on: 23 January 2012
Inquiry seeks views on improving dementia diagnosis rates
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia has launched an inquiry focusing on improving dementia diagnosis rates across the UK. The inquiry aims to bring together more evidence and understanding about the current problems there are to improving diagnosis of dementia. It will also find good practice examples where services have been helpful to people with dementia getting an early diagnosis, and ensuring they have proper information and support afterwards, so that these examples can be shared. In this work, the APPG on Dementia is seeking evidence from people with dementia and their carers, health and social care providers and practitioners, and key stakeholder organisations and professional bodies. You can share your views by visiting their online questionnaire.
Announcement posted on: 23 January 2012
Worldskills UK 2012 opens for nominations
Worldskills, the annual vocational skills competition, is looking for nominees from across the UK. The UK regional heats will run from April - July 2012, with winners going through to the national finals in October 2012. The National Skills Academy is searching for nominees from the social care sector to compete in the competition. The deadline for nominations is 15th March 2012. The competition is an excellent opportunity to showcase the skills of people who work in social care, so the National Skills Academy has asked our sector to show its support by nominating staff or students. For more information please see: http://worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk/ or contact Emily.bari@nsasocialcare.co.uk.
More on "Worldskills UK 2012 opens for nominations"
Announcement posted on: 18 January 2012
Skills for Care Workforce Development Fund 2011-12 (England only)
Don't delay. UKHCA still has funding available for UKHCA members under this project to support vocational NVQ and QCF health and social care units for your staff. Units completed between 1st January 2011 and 16th March 2012 are eligible for funding. Check this website for further details and complete a partnership form to join our project www.ukhca.co.uk/fundtra.aspx
Announcement posted on: 09 January 2012
Extra money to help people leaving hospital
The Department of Health is making an extra £150 million available to local authorities in England to help people leave hospital more quickly and receive care at home. The extra money will be spent on helping to settle people back at home and have shorter stays in hospital. The Department is also providing an extra £20 million for the Disabled Facilities Grant, to help people stay at home. The funding has been found from Departmental efficiency savings. Department of Health letter to PCTs and local authorities about the extra funding.
More on "Extra money to help people leaving hospital"
Announcement posted on: 04 January 2012
NHS whistleblowing helpline extended to social care staff
The whistle-blowing helpline for NHS staff has now been extended to social care sector staff and employers. It provides a free, independent and confidential way for staff to report abuse or raise concerns about service user or patient safety. It also advises staff who have concerns and who are unsure how to raise them or simply want advice on best practice. The helpline is available on 08000 724 725 weekdays between 08.00 and 18.00 with an out-of-hours answering service available at weekends and on public holidays. CQC has also published a quick guide to raising concerns at work.
More on "NHS whistleblowing helpline extended to social care staff"
Announcement posted on: 03 January 2012
UKHCA responds to CQC fee consultation
UKHCA have responded to CQC's draft fees scheme and consultation on the proposed fees payable from April 2012.
We have been in dialogue with CQC about their disproportionate fee setting for 2011-12 since thier last consultation and we are encouraged that the Commission has recognised that small providers were significantly disadvantaged with the fee increase last year and were not being treated equitably with regard to residential care providers. We have been supportive of the proposed reduction in fees for band 1 homecare providers to £720 as opposed to the current £1,000.
We have also been critical of the Commission, highlighting that social care providers are paying more for less, receiving less regulatory services than ever before.
We have issued caution on CQC's plan to introduce an 'incentivised fee scheme' that recognises good practice in the future. There will be consultation on this issue in the future.
More on "UKHCA responds to CQC fee consultation"
Announcement posted on: 23 December 2011
Health and social care review published
Edwin Poots presented the Health and Social care review to the NI Assembly on the 13th December.
The report proposes a model which puts the individual at the centre of services, with a significant shift from provision of services in hospitals to provision in the community, closer to home. The review recommends that there should be a move to supporting more people to be as independent as possible for as long as possible and a decrease in long term residential placements. This view was supported by people who use social care services, as were the concerns that we raised about the length of time currently allocated for domiciliary care.
There may be future consultation on any fundamental changes to the health and social care system that are taken forward.
More on "Health and social care review published"
Announcement posted on: 14 December 2011
Severe weather links for Scotland
Here are some severe weather weblinks for UKHCA members in Scotland:
Announcement posted on: 09 December 2011
IT testing may delay extension of PVG Scheme to existing workforce
Disclosure Scotland may delay accepting applications for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (“the PVG Scheme”) from the existing regulated workforce (“retrospective checking”). Retrospective checking was scheduled to start on 28th February 2012, a year after the PVG Scheme went live, but IT difficulties mean Disclosure Scotland is unable to confirm this until its systems have been fully tested. The IT system has proved capable of handling the current volume of applications, but needs testing to ensure it can handle the additional volume retrospective checking would bring. With testing currently scheduled to take place during January 2012, Disclosure Scotland has apologised for the uncertainty. If testing is successful, it expects to introduce retrospective checking very soon thereafter and continuing for the following 3-year period. If the outcome of the testing is unsuccessful, further delay is likely.
More on "IT testing may delay extension of PVG Scheme to existing workforce"
Announcement posted on: 06 December 2011
Call for social care services to enter Scotland's Care Accolades
The search is on for Scotland’s most outstanding social service services, projects or initiatives. Now in their 9th year, the Care Accolades are Scotland’s national awards for the care sector. With 10 categories, including four new categories for 2012, the awards are for services who demonstrate excellence in areas such as investing in the workforce, involving the community, innovative ways of working, leadership and personalisation. The closing date for entries is 13 February 2012. Further information and online application is on the SSSC website: www.sssc.uk.com/ca
Announcement posted on: 06 December 2011
November/December 2011 edition of Homecarer now available to members
In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham reflects on human rights and quality care; Chief Executive Bridget Warr says hard times call for innovation; Mel Palmer of the Social Care Institute for Excellence discusses making decisions about people’s care and Kim Grove describes dementia care from a provider perspective; We report on evidence we have given on challenges facing the homecare sector; Francis McGlone warns that commissioning must reflect the NMW; Joyce Francis looks at progress of the Protection of Freedoms Bill; and we launch new member benefits – human resources advice and advice on paying for care.
More on "November/December 2011 edition of Homecarer now available to members"
Announcement posted on: 29 November 2011
Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2011
Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement contains the latest Government efforts to kick start the economy in the UK, and avert a slide back into recession. The detail affects bank lending to businesses, fuel duty, small business growth measures, pensions, youth employment, inflation increases to state benefits and tax credits levels. The full statement is on: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/as2011_index.htm See also BBC website: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15934564
Community Care believes that the Chancellor's Autumn Statement is not good news for social care. The magazine says that any hoped for recovery in spending to close the gap between care funding and need will not happen - regardless of how well councils fare in improving the efficiency of the system.
Press release on the Autumn Statement by Hazlewoods LLP: http://www.hazlewoods.co.uk/news/autumn-statement-george-claws-to-recovery.aspx
Announcement posted on: 29 November 2011
Human rights of older people using homecare must not be victim to public spending cuts
UKHCA welcomes today's Equality and Human Rights Commission report as an important contribution to safeguarding the well-being of people who use home-based care. UKHCA's Chief Executive, Bridget Warr, said: "Older people must receive safe, dignified and effective homecare which protects and promotes their human rights. Examples of poor practice in the EHRC report are troubling. However, the Commission has rightly concluded that many of the problems are largely caused by inadequate commissioning of homecare by local councils in England, who fund and arrange the majority of social care. This report must act as a wake-up call. Aggressive public cost-cutting is damaging the very homecare services essential to support people in their communities." UKHCA's full media release. EHRC report.
Announcement posted on: 23 November 2011
Twenty action points to help homecare workers promote human rights
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report “Close to home: older people and human rights in home care” was launched on 23rd November 2011. While stating that around half of the older people, friends and family members who gave evidence to the inquiry expressed real satisfaction with their homecare, EHRC’s report highlights some disappointing examples of homecare in practice in England. UKHCA's new guidance "Twenty action points to help homecare workers promote human rights" is a preliminary response to those findings and is intended to help providers ensure their staff provide the highest standard of care.
Announcement posted on: 23 November 2011
UKHCA responds to Government's plans for a voluntary register
Yesterday the Government announced plans to produce a Code of Conduct and voluntary register for adult social care workers, including healthcare assistants working in the NHS, in England. Skills for Care and Skills for Health have been charged with taking the project forward in partnership with the sector for implementation of a voluntary register in 2013. UKHCA has issued a media release.
Announcement posted on: 16 November 2011
Regional strategy for improving dementia services supports care at home
Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced a strategy, 'Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland - A Regional Strategy'. Its key messages are Prevention - if there is scope to prevent or delay the onset of dementia; Raising awareness and addressing stigma associated with the condition; Access to early diagnosis, enhancing existing memory services to agreed standards to provide assessment, diagnosis, information and support; Staged approach to care and support as the condition progresses, with the aim of maintaining daily living and independence as far as possible; Improving staff awareness and skills to respond appropriately to people’s needs; and Redesign of services to provide care and support, as far as possible, in people’s own homes and avoid admission to hospital or care home. The strategy contains an action plan with timescales and a jointly-led HSC Board/ PHA regional group will oversee implementation of the strategy in Northern Ireland.
More on "Regional strategy for improving dementia services supports care at home"
Announcement posted on: 14 November 2011
UKHCA responds to inquiry into social care
UKHCA has responded to the Commons Health Committee's inquiry into social care. The inquiry was set up to consider the issues facing the Government as it prepares its Social Care White Paper, and make recommendations for consideration by the Government before the White Paper is published. Amongst the issues being considered are the recommendations made by the Dilnot Commission and Law Commission, variation in access to and charges for social care, personalisation and the economic regulation of the social care system. See how UKHCA responded
Announcement posted on: 08 November 2011
Care Providers Alliance launches a vision for regulation
The Care Providers Alliance (CPA), a group of representative bodies within the adult social care sector including UKHCA, has launched a vision for regulation and inspection. Martin Green, Chair, Care Providers Alliance, said: “Care providers are committed to ensuring quality care for service users. A cornerstone of this has to be proportionate and effective regulation. The Care Providers Alliance stands ready to work with CQC to deliver a regulatory regime that will support providers to build on essential standards and deliver higher quality care.” Vision for regulation and inspection: The regulation of care and support: a Care Provider Alliance vision.
The aim of the Care Providers Alliance is to ensure a coordinated response to the major issues that affect the sector, including care regulation and inspection.
More on "Care Providers Alliance launches a vision for regulation"
Announcement posted on: 04 November 2011
Making it Real, Marking Progress - a citizen-led approach to help providers check progress on personalisation
The Think Local, Act Personal initiative has launched a useful set of statements from people who use services and carers which set out what they would expect, see and experience if personalisation is working well in an organisation. The statements, called "Making it Real - Marking Progress towards personalised, community-based support", are set against key elements an organisation should have to make personalisation possible. The markers are intended to help commissioners and care providers in England look at their current practice, identify areas for improvement and develop plans for change. UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr said: "The Making it Real statements are really important and helpful. They are a series of "I" statements, designed by citizens (through the Co-Production Group of TLAP) which show when they will feel they are in charge of their own lives and support. I commend them as a basis for UKHCA members and other homecare providers to monitor their own performance and outcomes."
More on "Making it Real, Marking Progress - a citizen-led approach to help providers check progress on personalisation"
Announcement posted on: 26 October 2011
CQC's new website goes live
The Care Quality Commission has launched its new website, which has a stronger user focus and opportunity to share experience. It contains a guide to where things are, for those used to the old site, and an opportunity to comment on the new one.
More on "CQC's new website goes live"
Announcement posted on: 21 October 2011
National Skills Academy for Social Care are looking for graduates
Due to the success of the management trainee scheme run by the National Skills Academy for social care (NSASC) in 2009 and 2010, they are running the scheme for the third time. If you are a hardworking, motivated graduate interested in working in social care, please visit the NSA-SC website to apply before the 27th October 2011.
More on "National Skills Academy for Social Care are looking for graduates"
Announcement posted on: 14 October 2011
Andy Burnham MP returns to health and Liz Kendall MP takes over care and older people
In Ed Miliband's shadow cabinet re-shuffle, Andy Burnham MP returns to health, taking up the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Health, as John Healey quits the Opposition front-bench. Liz Kendall MP becomes Shadow Minister for Care and Older People and Emily Thornberry MP moves to be Shadow Attorney General. Labour's Shadow Cabinet. Liz Kendall's website. We will be writing to Liz Kendall with congratulations on her promotion and an update of the concerns of the homecare sector.
Announcement posted on: 07 October 2011
UKHCA's response to the Low Pay Commission
UKHCA has responded to the Low Pay Commission's consultation on the National Minimum Wage focusing on the current homecare market and including evidence from our recent Commissioning Survey that shows the increasingly difficult outlook for some providers, as their commissioning councils grapple with cuts in adult social care budgets.
We also urged the Commission to make a repeated recommendation to Government to investigate the impact of commissioning practice on pay and conditions of the workforce, and (should the Commission share our view) to remind Government of a lack of tangible evidence of action on the Commission’s previous recommendations.
UKHCA's response to the Low Pay Commission
National Minimum Wage rates from October 2011.
Announcement posted on: 03 October 2011
UKHCA Annual General Meeting papers now available
UKHCA’s 2011 AGM will be taking place on Thursday 27th October at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.
Information about board nominees, the motion to be discussed and voting procedures can be found at the link below.
More on "UKHCA Annual General Meeting papers now available"
Announcement posted on: 30 September 2011
Employment Law changes on 1st October
There are a number of changes in employment law coming into force on the 1st October 2010:
You can find more information on each of the changes in the links above and the July and September issues of Homecarer magazine.
Announcement posted on: 30 September 2011
Update on CQC's proposed excellence award
Dame Jo Williams, Chair of CQC, yesterday suggested that CQC's proposed excellence award would not be going ahead. Responses to their recent consultation on the excellence scheme were almost universally negative, prompting the CQC to reconsider their proposal. We were able to clearly demonstrate the view of the homecare sector in our response, many thanks to all the members that fed in their views.
In her speech, Jo Williams emphasised the fact that there has been no formal announcement from the Department of Health but she has met with the Minister to discuss the issue
UKHCA recognise the need for a quality recognition scheme for the adult social care sector and we will continue to work with CQC to ensure that a future quality scheme works for the homecare sector.
Announcement posted on: 29 September 2011
UKHCA's Noni Cobban gives evidence to Health and Sport Committee
UKHCA Vice President Noni Cobban, one of our experts on homecare in Scotland, had the opportunity to tell MSPs direct about issues facing the sector when she gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sport Committee, with other representative and professional bodies. Responding to the scare caused by Southern Cross, MSPs wanted to know if the scrutiny of providers should be tightened up and how best to protect service users. Noni Cobban was able to explain that how homecare is commissioned impacts on individual's experiences of care. Although SCSWIS's plans to carry out unannounced inspections had merit in care homes, there were difficulties doing this in people's own homes where notice and consent are needed. Noni called for a better understanding of how homecare operates day to day, and for investment in the workforce, which is vital to care for the growing older population. UKHCA Policy Director Colin Angel said: "We are very grateful to Noni for sharing her expertise with MSPs, and drawing their attention to our recent commissioning survey - and finding that local authorities under financial pressure are reducing the frequency and time given to visits." Noni's evidence. (Uncorrected report which may be subject to change.)
Announcement posted on: 22 September 2011
Scotland tightens inspection regime
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, has announced that regulations will shortly be introduced to place in law the requirement that all care homes and personal care and support services will be inspected at least once a year, rather than once every two years. Over and above those mandatory inspections, there will continue to be additional risk-based inspections. In the future, all inspections of care homes will be unannounced. She also announced that the day to day working name for Social Care and Social Work Inspection Scotland (SCSWIS) will be the Care Inspectorate. SCSWIS will remain the name of the organisation for legal purposes.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/ORSearch/ReportView.aspx?r=6391&mode=pdf
Announcement posted on: 16 September 2011
Seasonal flu vaccination programme
David Behan has sent a letter to Directors of social care outlining the flu vacination programme for 2011/12. The letter states that vaccinations for frontline health and social care workers will not be funded by the Department of Health as the H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccines were. Employers are advised to consider providing the vaccine to staff. The letter also confirms that there will not be an advertising campaign promoting the flu vaccination this year which has angered a number of health professionals. The Green Book has also been updated on influenza vaccination: Green book update.
More on "Seasonal flu vaccination programme"
Announcement posted on: 16 September 2011
Results of UKHCA commissioning survey quoted in Commons and media
Many thanks to members who responded to UKHCA’s on-line Commissioning Survey with feedback on councils you trade with and anonymised case studies. The information you provided has been invaluable. We highlighted the study on the BBC Radio 4 “You and Yours programme”, and it was quoted by Shadow Care Minister Emily Thornberry MP in the Commons, plus in three articles on the Community Care website. The print edition of Community Care will also contain a feature. We commented on:
- the widespread practice of councils reducing the amount of time and number of visits that service users receive;
- providers’ very genuine concern and challenges about the ability to deliver high-quality, dignified and safe services given the commissioning practice they are encountering;
- price-cutting tactics by local authority commissioners;
- work becoming so uneconomic that providers are becoming unwilling to take work on;
- and concerns about the danger of limited choice, particularly in rural areas.
We’ll be using the information to support a number of key communications this year, and our representative activities.
Announcement posted on: 07 September 2011
September edition of Homecarer now available to members
In this issue: We preview our commissioning survey 2011 of members; Chair Mike Padgham reflects on a lively summer in our sector; Chief Executive Bridget Warr calls for homecare’s contribution to social care to be recognised; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP summarises employment law changes; we look at first aid and emergency care; and setting up gardening services; The Design Council invites ideas on supporting people with dementia; we report on recent reports and developments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; explain why we think CQC should rethink its excellence scheme and invite readers to book for our England conference on 26th October 2011 in Birmingham.
More on "September edition of Homecarer now available to members"
Announcement posted on: 07 September 2011
UKHCA England Conference 2011 - 26th October
UKHCA's 2011 conference will bring together an exciting programme covering the latest issues affecting homecare, and workshops to help providers with practical issues facing their business. The morning will see presentations and panel debate on the social care landscape, focussing on the Dilnot Report, whilst the afternoon will focus more closely on some of the challenges currently facing domiciliary care providers including, improving care for people with dementia and completing CQC Provider Compliance Assessments.
Event prices: UKHCA Members: £100.00+VAT (£120.00 inc. VAT), Non-Members: £190+VAT (£228.00 inc. VAT)
Venue: The Hilton Birmingham Metropole, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham,
B40 1PP.
Preferential accommodation rates have been negotiated with the hotel and delegates are invited to a drinks reception the evening before the conference. Booking form.
Announcement posted on: 31 August 2011
Updates to the UKHCA Website
Due to important changes being made to our members’ pages of the website, all users may experience some difficulties accessing the site between 10am -12 midday on Wednesday 24th August 2011. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Announcement posted on: 22 August 2011
AccessNI moving from 15th August 2011
UKHCA members who are registered directly with AccessNI to carry out disclosures should note that AccessNI is moving to new premises on 15th August 2011. The postal address remains the same for those currently using the PO Box address. Those using the Knock Road address should stop using this address and use instead: AccessNI, PO Box 1085, Belfast, BT5 9BD. From 16th August, Access NI’s new helpline number will be 0300 200 7888 (local call rate). The helpline is unavailable from 2.00pm on the 12th August, reopening from 9.00am on 16th August. Email contact facility will still be available (accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk) over this period. There will be updates regarding service on the AccessNI website. AccessNI says it hopes to keep disruption to the minimum.
More on "AccessNI moving from 15th August 2011"
Announcement posted on: 03 August 2011
UKHCA responds to CQC excellence award proposals
UKHCA have responded to CQC's consultation on their proposed excellence award for adult social care. Many thanks to all members that responded to our online survey and commented on our draft response sent out earlier this month. We were able to illustrate the concerns of homecare providers with the definition of excellence and some of the basic principles underlying the award. In our response we have called on the Commission to halt implementation of this award in favour of developing an award which meets the needs of all stakeholders and is supported by the sector.
More on "UKHCA responds to CQC excellence award proposals"
Announcement posted on: 29 July 2011