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13 May 2025
International Recruitment Safeguarding & Wellbeing Directory We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Directory for Safeguarding and Wellbeing Services , featuring key services across the West Midlands and nationally. This provides information about a range of services – from preventing ill health, abuse, and crime, to organisations that help people whose behaviour may be causing harm to others. It will help anyone who needs to find support for others (or themselves) particularly if they have been affected by any type of crime. It was produced as part of the West Midlands International Recruitment Programme 2024/25 but can be applied much more widely. It is designed to provide quick access to help, advice, and action because safeguarding is a shared responsibility. You can access the Directory via WM-ADASS here . Further information and support regarding International Recruitment can be accessed on the WMCA website .
The Home Secretary - Yvette Cooper - announced on Sunday (11 May 2025) that it is "time to end care worker recruitment from abroad". This was followed by the launch today by the Prime Minister of a Government White Paper on immigration The Home secretary stated that rules will change this year - requiring firms to hire British nationals or extend visas of overseas workers already in the country. I think all of us would agree that recruiting from within the UK workforce is a better and cheaper solution but as many of our members know too well, that is not as easy as politiicians seem to think. It already looks like 2025 is turning out to be Social Care's 'Annus Horribilis' with both inflation busting increases in National Minuum Wage and Employers National Insurance Contributions, removing the option to recruit from overseas when there is not a large local pool to recruit from, feels like another twist of the knife As always the devil is in the detail and we'll let you know more as infomation becomes available. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper
Citation: Upcoming Webinars
Care Sector News New NICE guidance: Falls: assessment and prevention in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk This guideline covers assessing risk of falling and interventions to prevent falls in all people aged 65 and over, and people aged 50 to 64 who are at higher risk of falls. It aims to reduce the risk and incidence of falls, and the associated distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality. Details here . Workshop for care leaders: Understanding how older people can thrive in care homes: Wednesday 14th May, 12-2pm Our ‘Thriving in Residential Care’ research is the UK’s largest qualitative research study of the experiences of older people living in care homes. In the research, we identified 6 key ways that older people can be supported to thrive in care homes. We’re running a dedicated workshop to support care services in taking this research forward! Join us for 2 hours online, and find out how you can use the research in your care service to enhance quality of life! More here . Age UK’s new campaign ‘Act Now, Age Better’ hopes to start a national conversation about how becoming more physically active in our 50s and 60s can ensure a happier, healthier and more independent later life. New research by Age UK shows that three quarters of midlifers (adults aged between 50 – 65) equivalent to 10 million - worry about staying healthy as they age. Age UK has launched its new preventative campaign ‘Act Now, Age Better’, which hopes to start a national conversation about how becoming more physically active in midlife can ensure a happier, healthier, more independent later life. Details here .
DHSC Updates Low Pay Commission consultation 2025 The Low Pay Commission is inviting submissions to inform its recommendations to the Government on minimum wage rates in 2026 and beyond. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 30 June 2025. Details here . Cyber Governance Code of Practice This Code of Practice and wider governance package shows boards and directors how to manage digital risks and protect their businesses and organisations from cyber attacks. Details here .
Solar Together Grant Scheme for solar installations covering the Combined Authority footprint. The West Midlands Combined Authority have teamed up with Solar Together to offer you a hassle-free way to begin powering your home or business through renewable energy. Choosing an installer can be quite daunting, but with Solar Together you can be reassured that you're getting a high-quality product and service, and thanks to the power of the group, a great price. Find out more about the Solar Together scheme here.
Retrofitting your care home: The long-term impact on sustainability and values Our partner, Christie & Co , have forwarded to us a thought-led piece from their valuation team about retrofitting care homes which we are sharing with our members. Retrofitting your care home: The long-term impact on sustainability and values For any operators interested in exploring retrofitting, Christie Finance are able to support with funding for projects, please see below for what they offer: "At Christie Finance, we understand the unique needs of the care sector. That’s why we offer unsecured business loans and Asset Finance tailored specifically for care providers, with no property security required. Whether you're upgrading to energy-efficient heating, improving insulation, installing solar panels or investing in eco-friendly refurbishments, we make it easy to fund your green initiatives. Our facilities come with no broker arrangement fees, flexible terms up to 84 months, and decisions typically within 48 hours. With our expert team by your side, you can access the capital you need, quickly and with minimal disruption, to create a more sustainable, future-ready care environment." To find out more, please get in touch: T: 01244 207 685 E: flexible.finance@christiefinance.com
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