Day 2 at the Care Show: Collaboration, energy and a forward focus
What a buzz at the Care Show today! Day two feels even more energetic than yesterday, there’s chatter everywhere, new faces to meet and a real sense that people are here to make things happen. It’s amazing to see how much positivity is flowing through the halls. The sector feels ready to move forward and that’s exciting not just for CareLineLive but for the industry as a whole.
Like yesterday, I’ve spent less time dashing between talks today and more time having proper, meaningful conversations with exhibitors, care providers and innovators who are genuinely passionate about improving social care. There’s a strong feeling that collaboration is the key and that home care providers need the right digital tools, support and guidance to grow with confidence.
Chatting with our team on the stand today, a few clear themes have emerged. There’s been a huge amount of engagement around the CareLineLive stand, with plenty of productive conversations about how our platform can help tackle everyday pain points. We’ve also spoken with a wide range of providers, from small independents to large organisations, all looking for an all-in-one solution to streamline their operations.
Charlie Jones, the newest member of the CareLineLive family and part of the sales team, summed it up perfectly:
“People at the show are genuinely keen to make a difference in social care. It’s inspiring to see so much collaboration and shared passion across the industry. Everyone’s buzzing with energy, it’s amazing to be surrounded by people who truly care about what they do!”
TESCI – Technology nEtwork for Social Care Innovation
I had a great chat with the team at TESCI. Having spoken at length with Liz Pryde, Head of Operations at the National Institute of Health and Care Research on day 1, I was keen to learn more about their vision for their project.
TESCI believes tech can do more than improve systems, it can make a real difference to the lives of people receiving care, their families and the amazing professionals delivering it every day. Their goal is to build a connected community where social care professionals, engineers and scientists collaborate to tackle challenges and create meaningful solutions.
“Innovation in social care happens when people collaborate, technology is applied and knowledge is shared, together, we make a real difference.”
If you’re interested in being involved or learning more? Get in touch with the TESCI team at mover@ed.ac.uk.
CQC – Homecare registration: requirements of registration and our expectations
It seems that CQC has shifted its approach to working with providers at the “front door”, also known as registration. Despite earlier assurances that they would offer more support, providers starting their domiciliary care journey are now expected to take full responsibility for completing and checking their application forms at registration. I really do hope that prospective providers ensure that they have a full understanding of what is being asked of them and can evidence this adequately!
Be warned that CQC will no longer make follow up with calls for clarification of information. This does seem rather like going back in time!
Key points for registering for the regulated activity of personal care
Being prepared from the outset is key to a smooth CQC registration process and demonstrates that your service is ready to deliver high-quality care.
Important considerations:
- Demonstrate intent: Clearly explain what your service plans to do and how you will achieve it
- Show a robust business structure: Include financial viability and forecasting, strategic (and realistic) growth plans. Make sure your business plan, financial forecasts, and SWOT analysis are detailed and thorough
- Documentation and experience: Ensure all documentation is fit for purpose. Demonstrate the right experience, qualifications and managerial skills, including understanding policies and procedures and their implementation
- Contracts: A Good rating does not automatically guarantee local authority contracts, that decision lies solely with commissioners
Common registration errors: Do your homework!
- Office requirements: Must have a physical office, not virtual offices or PO boxes. Provide proof of tenancy, mortgage or landlord agreement
- Service selection: Understand your market. Supported living has very different criteria compared to domiciliary care
- Policies and governance: Know your policies inside and out. Ensure they are fit for purpose, relevant, and clearly reflected in your answers during your CQC interview
- Resources and learning: Stay informed with provider bulletins, YouTube channels, digital platforms, podcasts and blogs. Make sure any links included in your application work and are easy to access!
And to end on a positive note a small victory worth celebrating!
CQC proudly announced that applications are now being validated within just three weeks. They’re thrilled with this turnaround time… and if that actually matches your experience, I’m sure there’ll be providers everywhere cheering (or maybe cautiously optimistic) from the rafters!
National Care Association
I passed by the National Care Association stand, and was impressed by their commitment to collaboration and driving positive change in social care. This influential trade body works to shape policy both locally and nationally, making sure the voices of their 1,100 members are heard.
They’re deeply connected to local providers, understanding the real challenges on the ground, and offer a range of practical toolkits and guides to support high-quality care. A great resource for anyone looking to stay informed and connected in the sector. The offer a variety of guidance and toolkits for providers. You can access more information here or follow them on social media.
That’s a wrap from Day 2 at the Care Show!
From inspiring conversations at the CareLineLive stand, to learning about TESCI’s tech-driven vision, exploring CQC registration updates and catching up with the National Care Association, it’s clear that the sector is moving forward, ideas are flowing and connections are being made. Whether it’s improving care through technology, understanding registration requirements or sharing best practice, the energy here has been contagious.
