Oxfordshire County Council : Social Care Provider Engagement
Welcome to the new Oxfordshire County Council Social Care Engagement Hub.
This is a place for us to share information, consult and co-produce with you and above all discuss what we can all do to improve the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire.
As we develop this space you will find polls, news items, consultations and discussion boards so please make use of it and so please...
Please be sure to leave your comments in the guestbook.
Welcome to the new Oxfordshire County Council Social Care Engagement Hub.
This is a place for us to share information, consult and co-produce with you and above all discuss what we can all do to improve the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire.
As we develop this space you will find polls, news items, consultations and discussion boards so please make use of it and so please...
Please be sure to leave your comments in the guestbook.
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Proud To Care Oxfordshire
Share Proud To Care Oxfordshire on Facebook Share Proud To Care Oxfordshire on Twitter Share Proud To Care Oxfordshire on Linkedin Email Proud To Care Oxfordshire linkProud To Care Oxfordshire is on the move
The information pages are being moved to Oxfordshire County Council's website, where the site will continue to offer information on careers in care within Oxfordshire.
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/proudtocare
Please note, the recruitment functionality is no longer available. If you previously subscribed or registered to this part of Proud To Care you will have received separate notifications advising of the changes.
The decision to move the information pages and wind down the Jobs site was taken after a review of performance which showed others jobs boards to be more effective in supporting domestic and local recruitment.
To support local recruitment, we continue to
- Provide a dedicated employment specialist, (applicant support) who can be contacted on p2capplicant.support@oxfordshire.gov.uk
- Support the Care Friends digital referal and rewards app, including the addition of new reward categories
In addition, our Apprenticeship and Engagement Lead continues to work with our education and broader partners to raise awareness of, promote careers in, and develop new and innovative pathways into the sector.
We will continue to work with our partners and providers to identify new ways in which to support recruitment and retention; please do let us know if you wish to tell us about areas of specific support that you would like to see.
If you have any queries on the above please contact Nicola.dyche@oxfordshire.gov.uk
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IMPORTANT- Flood warning
Share IMPORTANT- Flood warning on Facebook Share IMPORTANT- Flood warning on Twitter Share IMPORTANT- Flood warning on Linkedin Email IMPORTANT- Flood warning linkATTENTION OXFORDSHIRE CARE PROVIDERS
Oxford (Oxfordshire) weather - Met Office
We have been made aware of localised flooding in the Thame and Cherwell areas of the county. If you provide care in those areas and you are unable to attend a visit please contact the county council immediately on 0345 050 7666, option 2.
If after 5pm please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 833 408.
Thank you
Oxfordshire County Council
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November ASC-WDS demo
Share November ASC-WDS demo on Facebook Share November ASC-WDS demo on Twitter Share November ASC-WDS demo on Linkedin Email November ASC-WDS demo linkSkills for Care: Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) demo & funding update
Date: Wednesday 13th November 2024
Time: 10-11am
Format: Online via MS Teams (link will be available to you when you book)BOOK HERE: https://forms.office.com/e/rjFd7e39g2
The Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) helps providers to manage their workforce data and provides crucial intelligence to key decision makers such as Government, DHSC, CQC and local authorities. It also gives employers access to safe and free management of staff and training records and the ability to benchmark your workplace against similar providers. More info can be found here: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data-Set/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data-Set.aspx
The Workforce Development Fund WDF is a funding stream from the Department of Health and Social Care which is claimed from Skills for Care by the adult social care sector in England.
It funds qualifications and apprenticeships which started on or before 31 March 2024 and which will complete by 31 March 2025. https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Funding/Workforce-Development-Fund/Workforce-Development-Fund.aspx
The Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme from the DHSC is providing funding under the LDSS to support learning and development for ‘non-regulated care staff’, including deputy and Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered managers and agency staff, in England for financial year 2024 to 2025. Eligible ASC employers can claim funding for certain training courses and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff. This funding is for eligible courses and qualifications that have been both paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 (inclusive). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-social-care-learning-and-development-support-scheme
Having an up to date ASC-WDS account is a condition of the WDF and LDSS funding.
If you are interested to know more about ASC-WDS, are planning to update your account, haven’t looked at it for a while or want to claim Workforce Development Funding or the Learning and Development Support Service funding then this is the session for you! Come along to have a live guided tour and hear all about the many benefits and ask any questions. The session will be hosted by Rachel Reid, Marianne Davis Skills for Care locality Managers in Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire.
This is a local session for providers across the Berks, Ox, Bucks and Surrey area. -
FREE care courses with Abingdon and Witney College
Share FREE care courses with Abingdon and Witney College on Facebook Share FREE care courses with Abingdon and Witney College on Twitter Share FREE care courses with Abingdon and Witney College on Linkedin Email FREE care courses with Abingdon and Witney College linkAbingdon and Witney College are offering a series of fully funded courses covering a variety of different subject areas across Adult Social Care. The courses are fully Accredited and certificated by NCFE CACHE and are entirely online and self taught but with access to a tutor for marking and feedback.
There are a wide variety of courses available covering Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications designed to appeal to both those looking to get into the sector and those looking for CPD and upskilling opportunities.
The courses currently on offer include:
Customer Service for Health and Social Care Settings
Principles of Dementia Care
Understanding Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care
Principles of End-of-Life Care
Principles of the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Settings
Understanding Personal Care Needs
Principles of Care Planning
Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care
Care and Management of Diabetes
To see the full range of courses available, please visit Online Courses - Abingdon & Witney College (abingdon-witney.ac.uk)
Abingdon and Witney College are able to provide other free online courses in different subject areas that may be of interest to your team. For more information on these courses, and on the courses already available, please contact sadie.criscuolo@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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DHSC Submission- Information Regarding Providers at risk - Oxfordshire County Council
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Please find attached DHSC-approved comms that have been shared with the Care Associations. Please feel free to include some of the information in your provider forums/bulletins/newsletters.
Providers at Risk of receiving NOIs by the NHSBSA (the DHSC delivery partners & enforcers)
- Not updated in the last 2 windows (July & August 2024) and at risk if they do not update in September 2024. The compliance window will open on Sunday 8th September and will close on Monday 14th September.
We kindly ask that you contact as many provider(s) as possible.
- If you are aware that a Provider is no longer active – please notify CQC or encourage providers to contact CQC directly to de-register à CQC National Customer Service: 03000 616161, enquiries@cqc.org.uk.
Please can you also notify us if there are any providers that appear on CT, that are no longer active (as we are collating a list).
- If a provider has 0-1 CT registered users (shown in the User Count column below) à using the attached 'How to register for a CT account' user guide, please encourage providers to register for multiple CT users, to cover periods of absence.
- Please share the weekly CT provider training offer (see attached docs).
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Stop Smoking and Save Poster
Share Stop Smoking and Save Poster on Facebook Share Stop Smoking and Save Poster on Twitter Share Stop Smoking and Save Poster on Linkedin Email Stop Smoking and Save Poster linkSee attached poster in the Guidance for Providers section, you could save up to £365 per month if you give up smoking SFL Oxon A3 poster you could save 365 2024.pdf
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!Attention Care Homes! Have you heard about the 28 day rule?
Share !Attention Care Homes! Have you heard about the 28 day rule? on Facebook Share !Attention Care Homes! Have you heard about the 28 day rule? on Twitter Share !Attention Care Homes! Have you heard about the 28 day rule? on Linkedin Email !Attention Care Homes! Have you heard about the 28 day rule? linkThe emergency has been resolvedAs part of Oxfordshire County Council's commitment to providing quality care services, I wanted to clarify our funding process for new referrals for people already resident within your care home.
1. Referral Process: When we receive a referral for a potential resident, we follow a thorough assessment process to determine their eligibility for care. This includes assessing their care needs, a financial assessment, and any specific requirements they may have. We appreciate your cooperation during this initial phase.
2. Funding Commitment: We understand that timely funding is crucial for both the care home and the resident. However, we want to ensure that our commitment aligns with the resident’s needs and our criteria. Therefore, we have implemented the following approach:
28-Day Waiting Period: After receiving a referral, we will complete a Care Act assessment to identify the person’s care and support needs and a Financial Assessment to determine financial eligibility...This process will need to conclude before Oxfordshire County Council can commit to commencing funding. The council requires 28 days from referral to allow time for these assessments to take place, so funding will not commence until, at the earliest, 28 days after referral subject to meeting the eligibility criteria concluded from the financial and care needs assessment outcome. Our commitment to funding is subject to the resident meeting our care criteria. If there are any concerns or discrepancies during the assessment, we will communicate openly with you to address them.
Financial assessment: If we are not able to complete the financial assessment within the 28 days, due to not receiving the required information, we will close the referral. Once a new referral has been received the 28-day waiting period will start from the new referral date.
3. Communication: We value transparency and effective communication. If there are any updates or changes during the assessment period, we will promptly inform you. Likewise, we appreciate your timely communication to allow for timely payment and assessment.
4. Next Steps: Once the assessments are complete, we will update you on the outcome.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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International Recruitment: SESCA Update
Share International Recruitment: SESCA Update on Facebook Share International Recruitment: SESCA Update on Twitter Share International Recruitment: SESCA Update on Linkedin Email International Recruitment: SESCA Update linkInternational Recruitment Project 2024/2025 Update
The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed funding for the second year of the International Recruitment Project for the adult social care sector. SESCA will play a key role in the delivery of £2.76 million in funding for the south east.
Key Objectives
- Support Displaced Migrant Care Workers: Assist those affected by unethical practices or the revocation of their employer's sponsorship licence.
- Enhance Ethical Standards: Support existing sponsors to maintain ethical and compliant international recruitment practices.
Trial Scheme: Connecting Displaced Migrant Care Workers with Vetted Providers
We will soon begin a trial scheme to connect identified displaced migrant care workers with providers who have genuine vacancies and can offer full time positions (i.e. no zero-hour contracts).
We plan to support these providers with funding and guidance to ensure they can offer the necessary support to help displaced workers, many of whom may have had difficult employment experiences. This may include, for example, funding for onboarding, buddy schemes, training, and more.
The scheme will also enable an expedited route to UKVI for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications. This initiative addresses a critical need, ensuring these workers receive the necessary support to continue their crucial roles in the UK social care sector.
More details will be available soon.
Existing sponsors interested in participating in this scheme are encouraged to express their initial interest by emailing hello@sesca.org.uk. In due course, we will establish regional Care Hubs, which will serve as the primary cont
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CQC Assurance Assessment Notification - Message from Karen Fuller
Share CQC Assurance Assessment Notification - Message from Karen Fuller on Facebook Share CQC Assurance Assessment Notification - Message from Karen Fuller on Twitter Share CQC Assurance Assessment Notification - Message from Karen Fuller on Linkedin Email CQC Assurance Assessment Notification - Message from Karen Fuller linkDear Partners,
CQC Assurance Assessment Notification
I am writing to inform you that we have this week received notification that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be undertaking an inspection of Oxfordshire Adult Social Care.
From 1st April 2023, CQC has had powers to assess local authorities in England, looking at how well they meet their duties under the Care Act (2014).
We have until 1st August to provide a range of evidence in a Local Authority Information Return (LAIR). This will include our most recent CQC Self-Assessment, data on key areas such as waiting lists, safeguarding and evidence of how we perform our duties such as strategies, plans, policies, and feedback from people with lived experience.
The submission of the information return will be followed by an on-site visit. CQC will issue a separate notification of the date of their visit and will give us at least 6 weeks’ notice of this. We know that other local authorities have waited 4 to 6 months between submitting their Local Authority Information Return and receiving their on-site inspection. I will of course keep you updated when we know when this will be.
The assessment will be completed under CQC’s Assessment Framework for Local Authority Assurance and will result in a rating of outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
Adult Social Care have not had assurance assessments for some years but our recent LGA Peer Challenge has helped prepare us for the assurance process. We will welcome any learning provided from the assurance report.
As you know, we consider our partners to be part of our team delivering the Oxfordshire Way, and we are looking forward to this opportunity to showcase all the work that we do in partnership in Oxfordshire to support local people. Fantastic recent examples of this include the Dementia Oxfordshire’s post diagnostic sessions, and the way partners have collaborated to ensure the voices of experts by experience shape the new Short Breaks service.
After submitting our data, we plan to be in touch in August so that we can collaborate on our next steps and positively prepare for the visit.
If you have any questions or suggestions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to email ASC.Assurance@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Karen Fuller
Director of Adult Social Care
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Market Position Statement 2024 is now live
Share Market Position Statement 2024 is now live on Facebook Share Market Position Statement 2024 is now live on Twitter Share Market Position Statement 2024 is now live on Linkedin Email Market Position Statement 2024 is now live linkThe 2024 update of the Market Position Statement is now available on our Information for Providers page General information for providers | Oxfordshire County Council
You are welcome to share link to the doc https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/file/adult-social-and-health-care/MarketPositionStatement2024.docx with your networks and providers and invite them to send us their feedback through the email address in the document. Any feedback we receive would help us while we are developing our fresh MPS for 2025-28 over the next few months.
Webinars
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06 January 2025
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07 January 2025
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13 January 2025
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14 January 2025
Learning Zone
Documents
- Booking DVSA tests for mobile emergency workers.docx (15.9 KB) (docx)
- UKHSA SE Winter 2023-24 Infection Prevention in Care Homes (7.53 MB) (pdf)
- International Recruitment Toolkit March 2024 (2.69 MB) (pdf)
- Workforce Roundtable May 2024 (7.27 MB) (pdf)
- CQC Self Assessment Oxfordshire County Council 02.08.2024.pdf (1.09 MB) (pdf)
- Home care managers- helping-to-prevent-winter-deaths-quick-guide in Oxfordshire.pdf (380 KB) (pdf)
- Oxfordshire Adult Social Care - Self Assessment - Executive Summary Sept2024.pdf (478 KB) (pdf)
- Elmore DA AFP Request Form.docx (27.1 KB) (docx)
Guidance for Providers
Data protection and privacy
Under the Data Protection Act 2018, we (Oxfordshire County Council) have a legal duty to protect any personal information we collect from you. View Oxfordshire County Council’s privacy notice online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk - search for ‘privacy notice’.