The QCS Podcast: Recent Episodes
Quality Compliance Systems
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of fire strategy. Neil emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive fire strategy for buildings, noting that its absence can significantly worsen the effects of a fire. He explains that a fire strategy includes the building’s designed fire evacuation provision, supporting fire safety measures, and the evacuation plan. Detailed recommendations are provided for both simple and complex premises, such as maintaining as-built plans, fire safety equipment specifications, and evacuation procedures for disabled persons. Neil stresses that the fire strategy should remain a living document, updated with significant changes, to ensure compliance and enhance safety within the organisation.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores a significant issue of exposure to Second-hand smoke.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the significant topic of "grey fleet" vehicles. Neil defines grey fleet vehicles as those owned and driven by employees for business purposes, including those under cash allowance schemes. He emphasizes the importance of employers understanding their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of fire doors. He explains the importance of fire doors in maintaining structural stability during a fire, their role in compartmentation, and the legislative requirements for their regular inspection and maintenance by competent persons. Hughes-Hutchings also provides a detailed checklist for inspecting fire doors to ensure they are in good condition and functioning correctly to enhance fire safety in buildings.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of authorisations to drive, also known as permits to drive. Neil emphasizes the importance of employers maintaining control over their vehicles by ensuring that only licensed, competent, and authorised individuals are allowed to drive on company business. The episode provides detailed recommendations for employers, including assessing driver attitudes and fitness, conducting thorough licence checks, implementing drug and alcohol policies, and maintaining comprehensive records. Neil’s guidance aims to reduce the risk of accidents, ensure legal compliance, and protect both senior managers and their organisations.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, delves into the intricacies of working at height in the social care sector. From navigating the unique risks in varied work environments to ensuring proper training and equipment, Neil provides comprehensive guidance to safeguard both staff and service users. The episode underscores essential strategies to maintain safety, compliance, and well-being, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and adherence to legal requirements in these settings.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the challenges of remote and mobile working (RMW). From setting up a safe and comfortable home workspace to supporting mental well-being on the move, Neil shares practical advice to help both employers and employees. The episode highlights key strategies to promote safety, compliance and well-being in flexible work environments.
Episode Overview
‘Everyone should have access to the expertise they need, in the location they choose, and in a way that makes sense to them.’
In this funny, thoughtful and inspiring conversation, dementia campaigner, consultant and writer Beth Britton MBE joins host Barry Price to explore what the future of dementia care could look like and why timely, personalised support matters.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
- Beth’s personal journey from supporting her father with dementia to becoming a leading national voice
- Why she believes dementia needs its own standalone plan separate from the NHS ten-year plan
- The focus on rehabilitation and community-based support for people living with dementia
- How providers and families can work as true partners in care
- Training, resources and practical tips for people living with dementia, carers and professionals
Why This Matters
Beth’s story combines lived experience with decades of frontline work, policy influence and training. This episode offers both a human story and a blueprint for change, with useful tips and information for people living with dementia, carers and family members who are supporting someone with dementia.
Listen to Episode 20
🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
About Our Guest: Beth Britton MBE
Beth Britton is a writer, consultant and campaigner on dementia and social care. She has worked with government bodies, care providers and charities, and was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to dementia care. Her expertise derives from both her professional work and her personal experience caring for her father, who lived with vascular dementia for many years.
Join Our Community
Want to know how we support people living with dementia?
Take a look at our Dementia Centre
We also have a free Dementia Champions Group on LinkedIn. Search Dementia Champions and join. It's free.
Useful links from Beth
Beth’s G8 film: https://youtu.be/8QAKEgQMOcU?si=CmXptb6D18-HKlk-
TIDE: https://www.tide.uk.net/
Dementia Carers Count: https://dementiacarers.org.uk/
A good life with dementia: https://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Good-Life-Resource-Pack_Web.pdf
My life, my goals: http://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/2021/09/my-life-my-goals/
World Alzheimer Report 2025: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2025/
Wendy’s books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/author/wendy-mitchell/
Dementia Community webinars: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/events/webinars-2
Dementia Community news: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/category/news
Beth's website: http://www.bethbritton.com/
In this special solo episode of the Care Social Podcast, Barry, Price, our Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, shares his personal and life-threatening brush with sepsis, just before World Sepsis Day.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, at any age. It’s our body’s extreme reaction to infection and, without urgent treatment, it can lead to organ failure, lasting damage, or death. The faster it’s recognised, the better the chances of survival and recovery.
Barry takes us through his own story, from ignoring the early signs, to the moment he was rushed into urgent care and told he had sepsis. He describes the terrifying reality of treatment, recovery, and the lasting impact of post-sepsis syndrome. His experience is a stark reminder that you can’t “sleep off” sepsis.
The episode also covers:
- What sepsis is and how it develops
- The key warning signs to look out for
- Why people in social care are at greater risk
- The actions providers must take to protect those they support
What Providers Must Do
Sepsis awareness is critical in social care, where age, frailty, and delayed recognition increase risks. Barry highlights key steps every provider should take:
- Ensure all staff have Sepsis awareness training
- Promote the use of early warning systems like NEWS2
- Build better integration and partnerships with health services
- Promote vaccination programmes
- Ensure your infection prevention measures are working
At QCS, our Mock Inspection Toolkits and Digital Audits can help providers audit, evidence, and improve their infection prevention and compliance processes.
Barry ends with a powerful message: early recognition and fast treatment save lives.
Listen now and share this episode with colleagues, friends or family because the more people who understand sepsis, the more lives can be saved.
Further information
World Sepsis Day
Guest: Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England
Host: Nikki Walker, President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans
In the the second episode of Nikki Meets, a spin off series of The Care Social where Nikki Walker, CEO of QCS, sits down with senior leaders shaping the future of social care.
This time, Nikki is joined by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, one of the sector’s most influential voices and advocates.
Together they explore some of the most pressing issues in social care today, including:
- Why social care struggles to get equal attention alongside the NHS
- The urgent need for a clear workforce strategy and genuine career pathways
- Practical steps providers can take to make their voices heard locally
- How digital transformation and AI can reshape care delivery
- The challenges facing the CQC and what needs to change in regulation
- Advice for the next generation of care leaders
Professor Green doesn’t hold back in this wide-ranging conversation. As he puts it: 'Social care isn’t just a cost to the taxpayer — it’s an economic force that drives local communities.'
Listen to hear why he remains optimistic about the sector’s future, and what social care providers can do now to influence change.
Enjoyed this podcast, take a listen to the first episode where Nikki talks to Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of Homecare Association
Listen now: https://www.qcs.co.uk/the-care-social-podcast-nikki-meets-dr-jane-townson-obe/
Learn more about QCS: https://www.qcs.co.uk/
Care England: https://www.careengland.org.uk/
New Podcast Episode: Nikki Meets… Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association.
In the first episode of Nikki Meets, Nikki Walker – President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans – talks with Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association.
They discuss:
- The future of home care in the UK
- The challenges providers face right now
- What needs to change so care in our communities gets the recognition it deserves
Jane has led home care, supported living and residential services, and has spent years influencing policy at a national level.
It’s an open, insightful conversation between two leaders dedicated to improving care for all.
🎧 Listen now for fresh thinking, lived experience, and a shared commitment to making a difference in social care.
How to Challenge a CQC Inspection – With Laura Shelton, HCR Law
Guest: Laura Shelton, Partner, HCR Law
Host: Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager, QCS
In this helpful and timely episode of The Care Social, Barry talks to Laura Shelton, Partner at HCR Law, about what to do if you’re not happy with your CQC inspection, report or rating.
Laura has supported social care providers for over a decade. She shares practical advice on how to raise concerns, respond to inspection reports, and what options are available, from correcting factual errors to taking formal legal steps.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- When and how to challenge a CQC inspection or outcome
- The factual accuracy process – and why it matters
- What a rating review really involves (and how often they succeed)
- Legal routes like judicial review – when they’re worth considering
- Common mistakes providers make when challenging outcomes
- How to prepare your staff and service for inspections
You’ll also hear tips on dealing with inspectors, managing staff confidence, and how small actions can make a big difference when it comes to inspection outcomes.
Find out more about Laura: https://www.hcrlaw.com/people/laura-shelton/
Learn more about QCS: https://www.qcs.co.uk/
Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode of The Care Social, we’re joined by Access Skills CEO Neil Crawford, and Joelma Fernandes as they break down the new government-funded Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) and how it can help care providers access affordable, practical training.
Whether you're a social care provider, manager or part of a care team, this episode explains how to cut through the confusion around training, funding and qualifications, and why investing in your staff is one of the best decisions you can make.
Joelma and Neil share with our host Barry Price:
- What the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is, how it works and what it replaces
- How much funding care providers can claim and when payments are made
- Why the Level 5 Leadership and Management Diploma is one of the most supported qualifications
- The difference between qualifications and practical training, and why care teams need both
- What the future of care training looks like and how technology is changing learning for the better
This episode is full of practical advice for anyone looking to better support their team through training and development. It is especially useful for smaller services that may be applying for training support for the first time.
🎧 Listen now to find out how LDSS funding could benefit your team and how Access Skills can help you make the most of it.
QCS Customers can benefit from a partnership offer from Access Skills: https://www.accessskills.co.uk/quality-compliance-systems-qcs/
Learn more about Access Skills: https://www.accessskills.co.uk/
Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the ins and outs of health surveillance. You’ll learn what it is, when it’s needed, and why it matters – from protecting workers exposed to noise and vibration, to spotting early signs of ill-health. Whether you’re a care provider, manager or frontline worker, this is a practical guide to keeping your team safe and staying compliant.
In the final part of our podcast with dementia care expert Jackie Pool, we explore the growing role of rehabilitation in dementia care — and how small, targeted approaches can make a big difference.
Drawing on over a decade of research with the University of Exeter and global partners, Jackie explains how cognitive rehabilitation is helping people with dementia maintain independence, rebuild confidence, and stay connected to daily life.
In this episode, Jackie shares with our host Barry Price:
- Why rehabilitation should be part of everyday dementia care
- How simple prompts and repetition can help people find their way and achieve personal goals
- The importance of physical, intellectual and social support in care settings
- Practical ways to involve care teams, families and activity coordinators
- How to recognise meaningful activity — and why it matters
- Free tools and training to help you deliver cognitive rehab in your service
Whether you're a care provider, occupational therapist, family member or frontline worker, this episode offers great examples and practical tips for supporting people with dementia in a more personalised, goal-focused way.
🎧 Listen now to discover how rehabilitation can improve quality of life and confidence for the people you support.
Don’t forget to download the free resources Jackie mentions in the episode — including the My Life, My Goals guide and cognitive rehabilitation e-learning course.
Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this powerful episode of The Care Social, host Barry Price, sits down with Jackie Pool - renowned dementia care specialist, author, inventor and trainer. With decades of experience and a deep passion for improving dementia care, Jackie shares her inspiring journey, from her early days in psychogeriatrics to creating the now evidence-based PAL assessment tool.
Together, Barry and Jackie explore:
- What truly person-centred dementia care looks like
- How language and tone can support dignity and comfort
- The importance of life histories and collaborative care planning
- The balance between safety and independence in care settings
- Why dining—not feeding—makes all the difference
- How the PAL tool helps teams personalise care, with real impact
This is part one of a two-part special—an honest, often funny conversation, packed with practical tips, experience, and a deep commitment to supporting the person, not just the condition.
Listen now and discover why good dementia care is everyone’s responsibility.
Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings discusses the importance of preventing slips and trips in health and social care settings, especially for individuals with mobility issues. He provides strategies for prevention, including risk assessments, environmental modifications, exercise and more. By creating a culture of safety and proactive risk management, the sector can reduce the likelihood and impact of falls, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of service users.
In this episode of The Care Social, Barry, our Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, explores how care providers can effectively respond after a regulatory downgrade — a growing concern in light of recent CQC developments.
Whether you've just been through an inspection or want to strengthen your approach, Barry shares calm, clear-headed advice on how to respond, rebuild, and refocus.
Key topics covered:
- Immediate steps after receiving an inspection outcome
- Communicating transparently with staff, stakeholders, and service users
- Rebuilding morale and protecting your team
- Using inspection findings to update training and recruitment plans
- Maintaining continuity of care and restoring trust
- Creating and embedding a culture of continuous improvement
- Tracking progress and preparing for follow-up inspections
🎧 Listen now to get practical tips and reassurance that improvement is always possible — and support is out there when you need it.
Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
Cyber security is no longer a future concern – it’s a challenge facing social care providers right now.
In this episode of The Care Social podcast, we speak to Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director at Digital Care Hub and NHS Cyber Leader of the Year, about the real risks – and opportunities – of going digital in social care.
Michelle explains why data security matters so much in care, how AI is really being used, and what providers can do today to improve their cyber resilience, meet DSPT requirements, and protect the people they support.
In this episode:
- What cyber security means for social care providers
- How to protect personal care data from cyber threats
- Simple steps to improve digital safety and readiness
- What AI can and can’t do in a care setting
- Why completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is so important – and easier than you think
This is a must-listen for registered managers, care home owners, supported living providers, and anyone interested in safer digital care.
🎧 Listen to the episode now
Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode of The Care Social, we’re joined by Tandeep Gill, Head of Business Development UK and Ireland for PainChek.
Tandeep shares how PainChek’s innovative technology is giving a voice to people who cannot verbalise their pain, helping carers spot and manage pain earlier, and improving outcomes across the sector.
Find out how pain assessment is being embedded into policies, how it supports safeguarding and better evidence for funding requests, and how PainChek is working alongside care management systems like QCS, to transform the way you deliver care.
🎧 Listen to the episode now
Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode, Barry Price talks with insomnia and mindset specialist Gavin Rubinstein about the sleep difficulties faced by social care professionals.
They discuss how stress, anxiety, and overthinking can disrupt sleep and share practical tips to help you rest better,
Gavin highlights the importance of letting go of the pressure to sleep: 'The moment you stop trying to sleep is often when sleep comes naturally.'
You'll learn:
- Simple ways to calm your mind before bed
- How accepting being awake can reduce sleep anxiety
- Easy relaxation techniques to improve sleep quality
Whether you're on the frontline or in a management role, this episode offers useful advice to help you get a better night's sleep.
🎧 Listen to the episode now
Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
Hosted by Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, this episode of The Care Social tackles one of the biggest challenges in adult social care – making training truly meaningful.
Forget box-ticking. Barry explores how getting your training right can transform the quality of care and support in your service.
In this solo episode, Barry shares:
- Why skipping a proper Training Needs Analysis is a costly mistake
- How to match training to the actual needs of your service users – not a generic template
- The importance of adapting to different learning styles
- Simple ways to keep your training plan fresh, relevant, and effective
- Whether you're managing a care service or working on the front line, this episode gives you practical advice you can use straight away
Listen now.
Want to join the conversation?
If you have any topics you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In one of our most passionate and thought-provoking episodes yet, Barry Price speaks to Katrina Hall, founder of Bay Care Group and a leading voice in the Providers Unite movement.
Katrina shares her journey into care, starting at just 14 years old, and how her lived experience has shaped a business that now delivers over 9,000 hours of care a week. From frontline worker to movement leader, she discusses the reality of today’s care challenges — including funding cuts, workforce pressures, and the risk of losing small providers.
This episode explores:
- Katrina’s rise through the ranks of social care
- Her motivation behind starting Bay Care
- The origins and impact of Providers Unite
- The urgent message to Government: value social care
- Advice for other care leaders and why peer-to-peer support matters
If you care about the future of the sector, this is one not to miss.
Listen now.
Want to join the conversation?
If you have any topics you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode of The Care Social, Barry Price and Gerry McMurdie talk about the important role that family and friends play as care partners in adult social care. They share honest insights and helpful advice on how care teams can work closely with families – from building trust and having clear conversations, to involving them in care planning and understanding risks.
Whether you’re a care manager, support worker, or looking after someone with dementia, this episode offers down-to-earth tips to help you involve families in the right way and make care more personal.
Listen now to hear how working well with families can lead to better care, fewer complaints, and stronger relationships.
In this episode:
- Why we use the term ‘care partners’ – and what it means
- Talking clearly about care and consent
- How digital care planning can help keep families involved
- Including families in care reviews and risk planning
- Setting expectations and dealing with any challenges
Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this latest episode of The Care Social, Barry Price is joined by QCS Dementia Specialist Gerry McMurdie to explore a topic often overlooked: the impact of sensory loss on people living with dementia.
Together, they unpack how sight and hearing loss can make communication harder, increase the risk of falls, and lead to emotional withdrawal. Drawing from real frontline experience, they share practical tips that can make a big difference – from improving lighting and reducing background noise to checking that glasses and hearing aids are clean and working.
They also discuss how early recognition of sensory changes, regular assessments, and simple tech solutions can help care teams support people to stay safe, connected and confident in daily life.
Tune in to hear why recognising and responding to sensory loss is key to providing great dementia care.
Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
When the Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission admits that care home safety ratings are untrustworthy and describes 'a complete failure' in the reporting system, it sends shockwaves through both social care and healthcare.
In the first episode of our new podcast, The Care Social, our experts Barry Price and Lindsay Rees discuss the fallout from Julian Hartley’s comments in his interview with The Times—and what care providers should do next.
The latest Care Providers Alliance report reveals serious issues with the CQC Single Assessment Framework, from registration delays to technology failures and a lack of clear guidance. With over 1,200 survey responses and 100+ providers speaking out, the message is clear: the system isn’t working.
In this episode of The Care Social, our experts Barry Price and Lindsay Rees unpack the biggest concerns raised in the report—and what providers should do next.
- Why providers feel left in limbo
- The call to reintroduce named inspectors for consistency
- How technology failures are making compliance even harder
- What CQC is saying—and will they act fast enough?
In Episode Three of The Care Social, hosts Barry and Lindsay dive into the pressing issues of attracting and retaining staff in the social care sector. They discuss the many challenges, emphasising that while competitive pay is essential, creating a culture where staff feel valued and supported is equally crucial.
The conversation also highlights initiatives like the "Make Care Your Career" campaign, running from February to March 2025, which showcases real stories and career progression within the sector. Additionally, they highlight the importance of structured induction programs, ongoing training, and creating an environment that promotes professional growth to improve staff retention.
If you have topics, you'd like us to cover, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this special newsflash episode of The Care Social, hosts Barry and Lindsay discuss the recent House of Lords vote to exempt the health and social care sector from the impending National Insurance increase. They explore the potential implications of this decision, emphasising the relief it could bring to care providers facing financial strain. However, they also caution that the amendment must still pass through the House of Commons, where its future remains uncertain.
Tune in to hear about this significant development.
Want to be part of the conversation?
If you have topics, you'd like us to cover or wish to join us for an episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this special International Women’s Day episode of The Care Social, host Barry Price sits down with Paula Cashmore, known to many as the “Mary Poppins of Social Care.” Paula shares her personal journey in the sector, the importance of empowering women in social care, and why valuing the workforce is key to tackling burnout and retention challenges.
They discuss the realities of career progression, the pressures women face, and the critical role of strong leadership and support. Paula also reflects on the women who have inspired her and offers advice for the next generation of female leaders in care.
🔊 Tune in to hear Paula as she helps us kick off our celebrations for all the incredible women shaping social care.
Want to join the conversation?
If you have any topics, you'd like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
In this episode of The Care Social, Barry is joined by Hannah Kelly, wellbeing specialist and social care consultant, to discuss:
- The key warning signs of burnout
- Why burnout is so common in social care
- Practical strategies for managing stress
- How organisations can better support their staff
Tune in now for expert insights and real-life experiences that can help you or your team.
Want to join the conversation?
If you have any topics you'd like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk
Barry Price is joined by Saskia Van 'T Hoff, a neurodiversity advocate and work colleague, to explore:
- What neurodiversity is and why it’s important to recognise different ways of thinking
- The common misunderstandings neurodivergent people face at work
- How small changes, like clearer communication and flexible work arrangements can make a big difference
- Why workplaces that embrace neurodiversity benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent staff
Saskia shares her thoughts on how workplaces can support neurodivergent employees, from practical adjustments to creating a culture where people feel safe to be themselves.
In this month's HR podcast, Olivia Riley, Solicitor at AfterAthena Limited, discusses a recent case update where an apprentice with childcare responsibilities who was accused of skiving, winning her tribunal claim for sexual discrimination.
In this month's health and safety podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited, discusses the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in the workplace. He highlights the potential electrical and fire hazards associated with charging equipment and the importance of training employees in safe operating procedures. Neil also provides tips for drivers on how to maximise efficiency and range while driving these vehicles.
Join Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited, as he discusses crucial winter driving tips and safety protocols in this episode. Neil covers everything from preparing vehicles for icy conditions to safe driving techniques and employer responsibilities in ensuring driver well-being. Tune in for practical advice to keep you and your team safe during snowy and icy weather.
In this podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena discusses the importance of gas safety in the workplace. He highlights gas risks and legal obligations, emphasising the need for regular maintenance and gas safety checks. The podcast serves as a valuable starting point for improving compliance and raising awareness.
Welcome to our monthly podcast with Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited. In this episode, we continue our theme of musculoskeletal back injuries and discuss display screen equipment (DSE) and ergonomics. We'll highlight the regulations that require employers to undertake suitable risk assessments of workstations and provide relevant information and training to DSE users. We'll also discuss the risks associated with working from home and provide tips on how employees can help themselves.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited, delves into asbestos management. Neil outlines the purpose of asbestos surveys, identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assessing their condition, and creating asbestos registers. He also explains the responsibilities of duty holders under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Tune in for an overview of these crucial processes aimed at ensuring asbestos safety and compliance.
This episode, hosted by Senior Health and Safety Consultant Neil Hughes-Hutchings at AfterAthena, covers the concept of positive risk taking and how it can benefit individuals in the care sector. It emphasises the importance of sensible risk assessment approaches that balance individual needs, dignity, and freedom with safety.
We all hear a lot about resilience these days, often focused on individual employees managing stress. But what about your organisation as a whole? How can you create a workplace that can weather any storm and come out stronger?
This month we will be talking about working at height. Working at any height can cause serious injury. A fall from a height of just one or two steps can cause serious injury.
- What could go wrong
- What I need to do
- Guidelines to Employers
The hazards presented by Portable electrical appliances in your workplace should be assessed using normal risk assessment techniques.
A robust maintenance program can be achieved by a combination of the three following actions:
- Checks by the user
- Visual inspection by a person appointed to do this
- Combined inspection and tests by a competent person or contractor
Consent is a key part to bespoke, person–centred care delivery, without it, you simply aren’t providing a person-centred service. That said, consent is not always a straightforward process, there are other factors such as Mental Capacity to consider.
Evidencing consent
- For our service users
- How can we support staff to ensure that consent to care/support happens?
- What can providers do to monitor the evidence of consent?
This month Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Head of Health and Safety at AfterAthena, embarks on the journey that is ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance. We can say it is a collective term for an organisation’s impact on the environment and society as well as how the organisation is governed in terms of leadership, pay, audits and internal control and processes.
This episode looks at the upcoming changes to the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 which is due to come into force in Summer 2024.
This episode looks specifically at moving and handling operations, as well as:
- Hierarchy of control and how employers can reduce the risk
- Importance of a moving and handling policy and risk assessments
- Lifting equipment
This episode looks specifically at one of the new safe environments quality statements under the key question of safe.
- Recap of the Acts and how they have changed
- Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022
This episode looks at the term Reasonably Practicable, what it means and Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and reasonably practicable.
This month, Head of Health and Safety at AfterAthena, Neil Hughes‑Hutchings, looks at updated guidance on fire safety responsibilities under section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which come into force from 1st October 2023.
This episode looks specifically at one of the new safe environments quality statements under the key question of safe.
This episode looks specifically at the importance of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans or PEEPs and the recommendations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
This episode explores temperature in the workplace, looking specifically at thermal comfort and what the law states about temperatures in the workplace. There are also tips for keeping cool and reasonable adjustments that can be considered.
The next in our difficult conversations series, this episode explores what to do when an employee is underperforming, including the use of personal improvement plans and the formal stages of the capability procedure.
This episode explores workplace violence, particularly the warning signs to look out for and how to prevent and reduce the risk of workplace violence occurring. It's important that employees are also provided with the right information and training to support them should they encounter workplace violence firsthand.
In this month's health and safety podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings looks specifically at powered transporters, most specifically e-scooters and e-bikes which are the most common form, and explores the legislation surrounding these modes of transport. These considerations should be taken on board should you manage or own these new modes of transport.
In this month's health and safety podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings discusses the different types of active monitoring, audits, safety inspections, safety surveys, safety tours and sampling. These types of active monitoring will help you to identify compliance with standards, so that you can recognise good performance and ensure it is maintained. It may also identify non-compliance and will allow you to put corrective actions in place to rectify the situation and prevent recurrence.
This month, Sarah Baker, Apprentice Solicitor at Napthens, discusses the decision around why the menopause will not be considered a protected characteristic by Government, what perimenopause and the menopause are and the symptoms.
If you are a care home provider or care sector organisation, icy surfaces on your premises can also present a hazard to members of the public/visitors who enter your premises. The general duties under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, poses a duty to manage all hazards in the workplace (this would include snow and ice), and section 3 of the same Act, poses a general duty to non-employees, as long as they are part of our undertaking.
This month, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Head of Napthens Health and Safety, discusses what you might expect if an HSE inspector visits your organisation, the powers they have and the different types of notices, letters or advice they may give you.
This episode gives an overview of what neurodiversity is and how HR can support with neurodiversity in the workplace.
We will discuss:
- People who identify themselves as neurodivergent typically have one or more of the conditions or disorders such as autism, ADHD, epilepsy, dyslexia, OCD, Tourette syndrome or an acquired neurodivergence (i.e., through incidence or brain trauma)
- In terms of the workplace, to be seen as ‘inclusive’, an employer needs to make an effort to celebrate neurodiversity while taking steps to accommodate the specific challenges that neurodiverse individuals may face. If an employer refuses to adapt processes with neurodivergent individuals in mind, they actually risk missing out on top talent
- Top tips to support people who are neurodiverse in the workplace
This month, Neil Hughes-Hutchings senior Health and Safety Consultant at Napthens Health and Safety is going to guide you through one of the health and safety terms that crop up on many occasions, and that is competence.
Neil will talk you through what competence is and why it is important to identify the competencies needed for the different job roles within your organisation.
In this podcast you will get an overview of what High Functioning Anxiety is, the common symptoms, possible causes and ways in which someone suffering with anxiety can get help and treatment.
The subject for discussion this month centres on the Fire Safety Act, which clarifies the scope of the Fire Safety Order.
In this podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings makes clear what the Responsible Person must consider when conducting fire risk assessments, if not done so already.
This time, Abi interviewed Dawn Waller, former CQC Inspector and Policy Manager, discussing how providers can raise the topic of relationships and sexuality with residents in a constructive and compassionate way.
The subject for discussion this month centres on the lessons learned from a recent Health & Safety Executive prosecution of a care provider in Scotland.
In this podcast, Chris Walker, Head of Health & Safety at Napthens shares some real practical examples of how and why things can go wrong if we don’t have the health and safety basics in order.
In episodes 1 and 2 , we looked at what you need to do to become a registered manager.
We have looked at what it means to be fit to be a manager, what skills and qualifications you need, and now we will tackle health.
This is the area that I find people get concerned about. You are asked within the process to sign a declaration to say you are fit and healthy for the job and to give your GPs details.
In this episode, Abi is going to walk you through the law, CQC guidance for providers, what you should expect in an interview and more!
Losing someone you love can be extremely traumatic. It can also be a huge relief depending on the circumstances. It is not the same for everyone, and we cannot predict how relatives or significant people to the person who has died may feel.
This isn’t about being a fully qualified bereavement practitioner. This isn’t about having all the answers. This is all about what you know - a person-centred response to human emotions.
A few tipis by our care expert, Abi Spence:
- Treat the person with dignity and respect, create space and privacy for them. Let the person know where you are taking them, and what happens next
- Never presume you know the person or how they feel. They may never have visited, you may have been told things by the person who has died, but this does not mean you know the relationship or how they feel
- Observe what is happening - Observing sensitively enables you to gain a little insight into how that person may be experiencing their first emotions relating to death
In previous editions, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health & Safety Consultant at Napthens Health & Safety has covered topics such as lone working and the procurement of contractors, this month Neil is going to be talking about hazardous substances; what you can do to control them and what your legal duties are .
As an employer, you should be doing all that you can to properly understand the potential risks faced by your employees and others affected by your work activities and then find effective means of control.
In this podcast, Chris will talk you through the importance of removing hazards in a workplace, and how we can reduce the likelihood of interacting with the different hazards. And most importantly, the true meaning of controlling risk.
Welcome to the second episode of the 'Inspection inside out' podcast. This time, Abi will focus on explaining what are qualifications, skills experience and competencies. And what is expected by the CQC.
Any care home provider or care sector organisation that uses contractors has health and safety responsibilities. When selecting contractors, it is important to investigate them and make enquiries to ensure that you are not putting your residents, employees, and members of the public at risk.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at Napthens Health & Safety provides an overview of the importance of having a procurement procedure in place when bringing a contractor on board. In particular, the podcast covers:
- Risk assessment. Any organisation or individual should carry out a risk assessment for the activity they are undertaking. The significant findings of a risk assessment will usually be written unless there are fewer than five employees.
- A method statement details how a contractor intends to undertake a work activity and should summarise their approach to the job in hand
- Insurance. Insurance is not a legal requirement, but it provides cover for the contractor if a member of the public or client of theirs claims because they have suffered injury or property damage as a result of the contractor’s activities.
Welcome to your new podcast,’ Inspection inside out’ by Abi Spence. Over the next few weeks, Abi will be looking at the key elements of what CQC is looking for to become a CQC Registered Manager.
Meet Abi Spence
Abi, as the Registration and Inspection Specialist, has worked for and with Government agencies relevant to social care for the past 12+ years. Primarily with the Department of Health, Social Services Inspectorate, Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and since its inception, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). As part of this long involvement, Abi has developed a comprehensive and detailed understanding of relevant issues and has worked closely with stakeholders such as people that use services, carers, providers, local government, the Department of Health, Ofsted and the Audit Commission.
The ’Inspection inside out’ series is where Abi will de-mystify the process in a way that will help you decide whether a registered manager in the care sector is the right career for you.
In this episodeAbi focuses on what does 'Good Character' mean and what will an inspector look for and do to ensure you are of good character
Workforce, LPS, costs and COVID-19 are just some of the key issues you will need to address in 2022. Abi Spence explains more and offers some tips and useful resources to help you address these important topics.
On 11 March, the CQC updated its guidance on meeting the duty of candour to make it clear what providers must do to meet the requirements of the regulation and the circumstances in which it must be applied.
In this episode, Tracy and Ali will be discussing the CQC guidance, how to implement a duty of candour culture, and why saying sorry is not admitting fault when something goes wrong.
In this episode, our Head of Primary Care, Tracy, is joined by GP Policy Led, Ali to talk about staff immunisations.
At the beginning of March, the NHS confirmed that nine out of ten staff had been immunised against Covid‐19. However, it’s widely known that not everyone wants to have a vaccine, and that includes some healthcare staff.
Tracy & Ali will be discussing the issue of staff who don’t want to be vaccinated, how to address the issue and briefly mentioning the difficulties of planning for future vaccination campaigns.
In this month’s General Practice Podcast, Tracy Green, Head of Primary Care talks to Alison Lowerson, QCS’s GP Policy Lead.
Tracy and Alison will be discussing Appraisals and how these were paused for GPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This podcast will aim to provide greater insight into the following areas:
- Why some people want the appraisal process to carry on
- What practices should now do who may have paused their own appraisal processes
- What policies and procedures practices can utilise
- What we have learnt from talking to GPs, practice managers and the teams
In this month’s General Practice Podcast, Tracy Green, Head of Primary Care talks to Alison Lowerson, QCS’s GP Policy Lead.
Tracy and Alison will be discussing Complaints and will be explaining what Practices should be doing to manage them.
After providing a brief overview of the complaints procedure, the Podcast will aim to provide greater insight into the following areas:
- Complaints handling best practice.
- The Complaints Standards Framework, a new set of standards for the NHS.
- Complaints made during the pandemic.
- Top tips for managing complaints.
In this month’s podcast, I’ll be talking about dementia with Jackie Pool, QCS’s Dementia Care Champion.
Dementia is a condition that has touched so many of our lives. It affects 850,000 people in the UK. Astonishingly, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia, and 70 percent of people in care homes live with dementia, or have severe memory problems.
Jackie, who recently joined QCS, has worked with people living with dementia for almost 40 years. An occupational therapist, and an acclaimed author in the field of dementia care, Jackie has vast experience having worked in healthcare, social care and in academia.
In this Podcast, we’ll be focusing on:
- How GP services can ensure that people living with dementia receive an excellent standard of support.
- Fresh insight and perspectives on how GPs can best provide support.
- The role of collaboration and creating more joined-up services
- The protocols that the CQC expects to be in place.
- How GPs can not only demonstrate the requisite policies and procedures to a CQC inspector, but also evidence best practice steps that go over and above what is expected
- The crucial role Patient Participation Groups can play in effecting positive change.
- The importance of creating dementia-friendly GP surgeries by thinking about space and adapting signage and colour schemes.
- The PAL tool: What is it and how can it make a difference
In this episode, we are joined by Kiran Johnson who is the co-founder of Primary Care Direct to talk about workforce, relationships, wellbeing and tools that are available to support Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
Later in the episode, we talk about the Additional Roles Reimbursements and how PCNs can gain support to recruit those roles. You can also find out how to embed the people in these roles within the PCN and what support is available nationally.
**Free Event, Primary Care Direct - A Wellbeing Occasion for Practice Management Staff
I**t’s fair to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many practice management staff feeling drained, overwhelmed and even stressed to breaking point in some roles. Practice managers and PCN leads have told us that they have experienced feeling helpless, feeling anxious or depressed, and feeling ‘guilty’ for taking time out when you know your team are stretched.
Without good wellbeing, there cannot be good patient care. Strong, resilient wellbeing is needed now more than ever in primary care and our free ‘All About You – A Wellbeing Occasion for Practice Management Staff’ could be just the treatment you need and deserve.
Sponsored by Quality Compliance Systems, Moodbeam and Circular Wave, Primary Care Direct are inviting you to the launch of our Wellbeing Service on Thursday 19 November 17.30-19.00 via Teams.
Take 5 minutes out with some mindfulness, play our wellbeing bingo game and win some great prizes along the way whilst finding out more about our service including how we can support you with our Well Being Buddy’s, Help in a Crisis line, our partnerships with digital wellbeing services and how to deal with difficult patients and situations.
Sound good? Book your free place by Monday 16 November 2020 here.
To find out more about Primary Care Direct or to contact Kiran Johnson please either call, 01482 649900, email: kiranjohnson@primarycaredirect.co.uk or visit www.primarycaredirect.co.uk
In this episode, Tracy and Alison discussed mandatory training and how practices can ensure that all of the team have adequate training to meet regulations. They also talked about what the CQC looks for as evidence to prove that the practice is meeting the key lines of enquiry with training being delivered and monitored according to people’s roles.
Topics covered:
- Mandatory training
- Training requirements to meet your practice
- Training matrix
- How QCS can help with a policy and skills matrix
In this month's podcast, I’ll be talking with my colleague, Alison Lowerson about the Care Quality Commission’s Key Lines of Enquiry and its 2021 strategy.
As everyone listening today will no doubt be aware, the CQC was established in 2009 to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England. It refreshed the way it inspected practices in 2014.
We know, for example, that the CQC has focused largely on the WELL LED KLOE over the last couple of years. Why? Well, because it recognised that when a provider is ‘well led’, generally speaking - everything else follows.
However, the COVID-crisis has inspired yet another sea-change in thinking in the CQC’s approach. While it remains a regulator and an inspector, it also wants to engage more closely with practices and to provide a supporting role.
In this podcast we'll discuss;
- What does phase 3 include?
- Why are they setting up COVID-19 Provider Collaboration Reviews (PCRS) and what are the objectives of this work?
- What happens in phase 4?
- What do we think may change for practices?
- What would you recommend practices do now to be compliant and evidence the fact that they are safe?
- What are inspectors expecting to see as evidence?
As we're all aware, this year, health workers are facing the nightmare scenario of dealing with both flu and Coronavirus at the same time.
The government’s response has been to launch “the most comprehensive flu programme in UK history”.
It announced that it would offer flu vaccinations to 30 million people this winter.
The expanded programme will be available to:
- people aged between 50 and 64;
- households of those who are shielding, and;
- children in their first year of secondary school.
What’s less clear is how such a large programme will actually be delivered on the ground.
There are many unanswered questions, which could create a number of unforeseen compliance challenges.
In this episode, Tracy Green, Head of Primary Care at QCS will be discussing some of these compliance challenges with QCS's GP Policy Lead Alison Lowerson.
To find out more about QCS' GP Management System please visit: www.qcs.co.uk/gppodcast