WMCA Newsletter

October 6, 2026

DBS Fee Reduction from 5 October 2026

6 October 2026

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This week:-

DBS Fee Reduction from 5th October 2026
Strengthen Your Cyber Resilience with Exercise in a Box
The Youth Employment Opportunity Social Care Can't Afford to Miss
Need Help completing the DSPT?
Upcoming Events
Latest News and Updates
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📢 DBS Fee Reduction from 5 October 2026

We are delighted to pass on a reduction in DBS fees to organisations using our DBS service.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced reduced fees for Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks from 5 October 2026. As a result, we have now reduced our DBS charges in line with these changes.

If you are not currently using our DBS service and are a CQC-registered provider, you can find out more and sign up by clicking the image opposite.

If you have any questions about the new fees or our DBS service, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@wmca.care

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🔐 Strengthen Your Cyber Resilience with Exercise in a Box

The National Cyber Security Centre's Exercise in a Box is a free online resource designed to help organisations test and improve their response to cyber incidents in a safe, practical environment. It includes a range of exercises covering key cyber security topics such as ransomware, phishing, supply chain risks, passwords and vulnerabilities.

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It includes a range of exercises covering key cyber security topics such as ransomware, phishing, supply chain risks, passwords and vulnerabilities.

Suitable for organisations of all sizes, the resource provides everything needed to plan, run and review cyber exercises, helping teams assess their current defences, test existing policies and procedures, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence in responding to real-world cyber threats.

Exercise in a Box

📰 The Youth Employment Opportunity

Social Care Can't Afford to Miss

In the latest edition of The Settlement , Melanie Weatherley MBE, Co-Chair of the Care Association Alliance , explores the growing disconnect between rising youth unemployment and the ongoing workforce shortages facing adult social care.

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The article highlights how government initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee and Jobs Guarantee present a significant opportunity to attract more young people into the sector. However, lasting success will depend on creating clear career pathways, providing structured support, and improving retention, not simply increasing recruitment.

The Care Association Alliance is calling for its Pathway into Care programme to become the dedicated social care route within the Youth Guarantee, helping young people progress from placements into rewarding long-term careers.

Read the full article here

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Need Help completing the DSPT?

West Midlands Care Association is your local Better Security Better Care support organisation, offering free online resources, workshops and one-to-one support to help CQC registered providers complete the DSPT.