Weekly Newsletter - 6.6.2024

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Funding Awareness

Campaigning for Social Care Funding

Martin Searle Solicitors' Community Care Law team launches their June 2024 campaign, "Social Care Funding Matters," to spotlight the dire need for proper social care funding. With legal duties outlined by the Care Act often unmet, the firm offers advice, a free seminar, and resources to aid professionals and individuals in navigating the complex care funding system. Amidst budget cuts and rising numbers of unpaid carers, the campaign seeks to educate on entitlements and advocate for a robust social care infrastructure. 

Digital Skills Tender

Digital Empowerment: Enhancing ASC Workforce Skills

The Department of Health and Social Care seeks a partner to lead digital skill development projects within the adult social care workforce. The £475k tender aims to build confidence and tech adoption among staff, with a focus on self-assessment tools, "What Good Looks Like" guidance, training enhancements, and digitization of communications. Applicants must have relevant experience and established ASC networks. The contract spans nine months from March 2025, with a 6 June application deadline. Additional tenders include an ophthalmology EMR solution and a new telehealth platform.

AI Care Savings

Billion-Pound Breakthrough: AI-Driven Home Healthcare

Cera's innovative AI-led social care model is transforming home healthcare for the elderly, with a focus on preventative measures to reduce hospitalizations. By predicting health risks and enabling rapid response, the model has significantly cut emergency admissions, saving the NHS and UK government £1 million daily. Projected savings are expected to reach £3 million per day by autumn 2026. Already implemented in nearly 40% of local authorities, Cera's approach is enhancing patient flow, reducing bed days, and offering a sustainable alternative for aging care.

Skills Advancement

Enhancing Skills: New Adult Social Care Qualification

Open Awards introduces a Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate to elevate training standards for domestic care workers, aligning with government efforts to enhance the care sector. With £50 million in funding, employers can access £1,500 per staff member for the program, covering 15 care standards. The qualification, available to domestic and international workers over 19 in adult social care roles, requires a portfolio of evidence and can be delivered by further education providers, ensuring a skilled workforce for quality care delivery.

Strategic Alleviation

Strategic Support: Labour's Plan for Local Councils

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves presents Labour's strategy to alleviate the financial strain on Cheshire's local councils caused by adult social care and SEND services costs. Reeves proposes longer-term financial settlements for better planning and pledges to fund additional teachers for SEND support through business rates and VAT on private school fees. Addressing the forecasted overspending due to rising demand and care package costs, she commits to improving living standards by growing the economy, facing the challenge head-on as a potential future Chancellor.

Digital Empowerment

Empowering Digital Leaders: Social Care Tech Event

The Digital Champions Community Event unites digital leaders in adult social care to enhance their impact on care delivery through technology. This collaborative forum encourages sharing of experiences, discovering innovations, and learning about supportive resources. It's a space for both seasoned and aspiring digital champions to connect, learn, and collaborate towards integrating digital solutions in care. The event underscores the importance of community and continuous professional development in fostering a tech-empowered care sector.