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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Supported Internship Webinar
Share Supported Internship Webinar on Facebook Share Supported Internship Webinar on Twitter Share Supported Internship Webinar on Linkedin Email Supported Internship Webinar linkSupported Internship Webinar
Wednesday 1st May
15:00-15:45
Microsoft Teams
An informational webinar about Supported Internships preceding the launch of a new Adult Social Care Supported Internship offer due to launch in September 2024. Find out how they could enhance your workforce, create new employment pipelines in your organisation and offer new opportunities to students with Education and Health Care Plans.
There will be the chance to ask any questions you may have, and find out how you could play a part in this new Supported Internship offer.
To register for the webinar, please sign up on the Microsoft Form link below. A Microsoft Teams calendar invite will then be sent to you.
https://forms.office.com/e/LSvy1faCWv
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Care Capacity Tracker Data Enforcement Update
Share Care Capacity Tracker Data Enforcement Update on Facebook Share Care Capacity Tracker Data Enforcement Update on Twitter Share Care Capacity Tracker Data Enforcement Update on Linkedin Email Care Capacity Tracker Data Enforcement Update linkProviders at Risk of receiving NOIs by the NHSBSA (the DHSC delivery partners & enforcers)
Not updated in the last 2 windows (February – March 2024) and at risk if they do not update in April 2024. The compliance window will open on Monday 8th April and will close on Monday 15thApril.
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.
Section 277A of the Health and Care Act 2022 – enables the Secretary of State to require regulated providers of Adult Social Care to provide information relating to:
- themselves
- their activities in connection with provision of ASC in England
- persons to whom they have provided such care.
The Adult Social Care Information (Enforcement) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1st December 2022. It requires all ASC providers, regulated by the CQC, to update the mandated collection in the Capacity Tracker.
The reporting windows are between the 8th & 14th day of each month - or next working day if the 14th is a weekend or public holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions is accessible here.
Provider training & awareness sessions are available here
These sessions are to help guide providers through the information requests, update methods and reports – they are informal events that offer providers the opportunity to raise any questions or seek clarification.
Important Reminders
- Multiple CT Registered Users recommended – to ensure sufficient cover during periods of absence. To register for a CT account, simply click on: https://capacitytracker.com/register
- Going Abroad - users are reminded that CT is not accessible outside the UK.
- Active providers with 0 service users or 0 staff – providers are required to submit a return, including a 'nil' return where services may not yet have commenced, ceased or are in the process of being updated with CQC.
- Active dual-registered providers that offer both home care and residential care – submissions are required for both services, including a 'nil' return if services are not being delivered. It is essential that providers ensure their CQC registration is up to date and that CQC are informed at the earliest opportunity if services are closed.
- For access and system guidance queries - please contact the Support Centre see details below.
- Change of staff - It is recommended that updating Capacity Tracker is included within providers staff leaver/new starter process with user accounts closed & new user registrations in place. This will ensure that you continue to receive important communications issued via Capacity Tracker and remain up to date with the information submissions.
- Any changes to provider regulated services/specialisms/bed capacity – Capacity Tracker uses CQC information. Until the CQC information is updated, it is essential the providers make CQC aware of any changes at the earliest opportunity and data submissions are maintained by completing a ‘nil return’, until the CQC information has been updated.
- Providers that are closing down/no longer active/changing registration or ownership - please notify CQC directly to de-register, see contact information below. It is essential data submissions are maintained by completing a ‘nil return’, until the CQC information has been updated.
- If you receive an enforcement notice from the DHSC partners, NHS BSA – it's important that providers who receive an enforcement notice to respond directly to the NHS BSA, see contact details below. We remain committed to supporting providers to be compliant with the ASC Information (Enforcement) Regulations 2022 and can ensure the appropriate support and guidance is in place. Contact Information:
- For system support and guidance - please contact NECS Capacity Tracker Support Centre - 0191 691 3729 or necsu.capacitytracker@nhs.net (We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, excluding public holidays) • Changing registration, closing, change of ownership – please contact the CQC - T: 03000 616161, E: enquiries@cqc.org.uk, CQC Provider Portal (They are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, excluding public holidays)
- If you receive an enforcement notice – please contact the NHS Business Services Authority Enforcement Team (NHSBSA) – T: 0300 330 2088, E: enforcement@nhsbsa.nhs.uk (They are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm)
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Values Based Approaches training
Share Values Based Approaches training on Facebook Share Values Based Approaches training on Twitter Share Values Based Approaches training on Linkedin Email Values Based Approaches training linkTo book click this link: https://events.skillsforcare.org.uk/vbr24oxfordcc
Values Based Interviewing: 16th April 2024, 10-3.30pm
Valuable conversations: 23rd April 2024, 10-3.45pm
Dear care provider,
We’d like to invite you to attend our values based approaches training delivered by Skills for Care. This is completely funded by Oxfordshire County Council and is the last chance to attend this year.
These will all be virtual - on zoom. There are 2 workshops covering different aspects of Values Based Approaches to Recruitment and Retention and these are aimed at managers and others responsible for recruiting. You can choose to attend both workshops, or just 1.
For Values based interviewing we suggest that it is best practice that at least 2 colleagues are trained in each organisation. So, if you do not have colleagues who are already trained then you may decide to submit 2 applications for 2 staff.
The workshops will cover the following. The approaches in values based interviewing can be used for all recruitment including overseas recruitment.
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ASC Fee uplift 2024/25
Share ASC Fee uplift 2024/25 on Facebook Share ASC Fee uplift 2024/25 on Twitter Share ASC Fee uplift 2024/25 on Linkedin Email ASC Fee uplift 2024/25 linkOxfordshire County Council can now announce that an uplift of 5.8% will be automatically applied to all contracted services operating within Oxfordshire whose current rates are within the ceiling thresholds.
More information on our ceiling rates and requests for reviews can be found here.
You can also read more detail in our letter to care providers.
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The Local Skills Improvement Plan’s new Care Workforce Development Partnership
Share The Local Skills Improvement Plan’s new Care Workforce Development Partnership on Facebook Share The Local Skills Improvement Plan’s new Care Workforce Development Partnership on Twitter Share The Local Skills Improvement Plan’s new Care Workforce Development Partnership on Linkedin Email The Local Skills Improvement Plan’s new Care Workforce Development Partnership linkThe Local Skills Improvement Plan’s new Care Workforce Development Partnership
Date: 20th March 2024
Time: 11:15 – 1:15 (with light lunch to follow)
Venue: Advanced Skills Centre, Abingdon & Witney College, Wootton Road, Abingdon, OX14 1GG
The Workforce Development Partnerships (WDP) serve as a collaborative forum bringing together employers along with education and training providers to address workforce development challenges and formulate effective solutions. The primary objective of the WDP is to foster dialogue, exchange ideas, and promote collaboration to enhance the skills and capabilities of the local workforce.
The Social Care WDP across Oxfordshire & Berkshire will focus on key priorities and action for the industry such as creating further appropriate modular training provision to upskill and reskill staff and further developing the current curriculum for students, to better prepare them for the current and emerging needs of the care sector.
RSVP
To confirm your attendance please email siobhanmay@tvchamber.co.uk by 14th March 2024. Could you please confirm in your response if you are happy to be added to an outlook calendar invitation for future meetings.
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Lets Talk Vaccination Training
Share Lets Talk Vaccination Training on Facebook Share Lets Talk Vaccination Training on Twitter Share Lets Talk Vaccination Training on Linkedin Email Lets Talk Vaccination Training linkBuckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Personalised Care Training team have some new dates available and their trainers have also created two short videos on the importance of the training and what staff will get by attending. These are now on the LTaV webpage, as is all further information.
The next five available LTaV dates are:
Fri 8 Mar 24 0930 - 1200hrs
Mon 11 Mar 24 1300 - 1530hrs
Wed 13 Mar 24 0930 - 1200hrs
Tue 19 Mar 24 1800 - 2030hrs
Wed 20 Mar 24 0930 - 1200hrs
Further training dates are on the webpage.
They have also just launched a new 2 day Change Coaches course for vaccination conversations. This builds on the Let’s Talk About Vaccines training, providing additional coaching tools and support, to develop and practice new skills and techniques. Anyone from the BOB area who has completed the Let’s Talk About Vaccines training can apply for this course. Find out more details.
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Workforce: Update on Click Training Resource
Share Workforce: Update on Click Training Resource on Facebook Share Workforce: Update on Click Training Resource on Twitter Share Workforce: Update on Click Training Resource on Linkedin Email Workforce: Update on Click Training Resource linkWe are pleased to advise that Oxfordshire County Council will continue to provide access to the Click eLearning Platform (for Grey Matter Learning courses) for 2024/2025.
With effect from the 1st April 2024, this will be part funded with Oxfordshire County Council funding two-thirds of the cost. Providers are asked to contribute £1 per learner, per month.
This will allow you to continue to access all 100+ Adult Social Care Courses on Click.
Grey Matter Learning (GML) will be in touch to arrange the setup of payment details for the 1st April 2024 onwards. As part of this renewal of funding we would encouraging providers to review their accounts and remove any learners that are no longer needed.
The cost per learner outlined above will allow licences to be recycled and reassigned to new learners.
As part of the renewal all Oxfordshire providers will be given access to an additional 10 courses which form part of the GML Wellbeing package. Including: Emotional Intelligence, Digital Wellbeing, Sleep, Financial Wellbeing, Nutrition/Mindful eating, Fundamental Physical Health, Prevent burnout/overwhelm, Time management, Mindfulness and Sex & Relationships.
If you have any questions about the renewal please speak to Grey Matter Learning at Training@GreyMatterLearning.co.uk
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Workforce: REMINDER
Share Workforce: REMINDER on Facebook Share Workforce: REMINDER on Twitter Share Workforce: REMINDER on Linkedin Email Workforce: REMINDER linkValues Based Approaches - workshops funded by Oxfordshire CC – last chance to attend this year!
To book click this link: https://events.skillsforcare.org.uk/vbr24oxfordcc
Values Based Interviewing: 16th April 2024, 10-3.30pm
Valuable conversations: 23rd April 2024, 10-3.45pm
These will all be virtual - on zoom. There are 2 workshops covering different aspects of Values Based Approaches to Recruitment and Retention and these are aimed at managers and others responsible for recruiting. You can choose to attend both workshops, or just 1. For Values based interviewing we suggest that it is best practice that at least 2 colleagues are trained in each organisation. So if you do not have colleagues who are already trained then you may decide to submit 2 applications for 2 staff. The workshops will cover the following. The approaches in values based interviewing can be used for all recruitment including overseas recruitment.
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Workforce - Skills for Care Updates
Share Workforce - Skills for Care Updates on Facebook Share Workforce - Skills for Care Updates on Twitter Share Workforce - Skills for Care Updates on Linkedin Email Workforce - Skills for Care Updates linkSkills for Care key updates – Feb 2024
- Keep up to date with all news and developments from Skills for Care (items below and our much wider work too) – enews, data and specialist topic newsletters can each be subscribed to: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/news-and-events/Keep-up-to-date.aspx
- Social Care Workforce Strategy – the development of this key strategy is being led by Skills for Care. This will be key in setting out the workforce that we need for the next 15 year, including how we will recruit, retain and develop them. The strategy will align with the governments reform agenda and the NHS long term workforce plan too.
Find out more and register your interest in this here: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/About-us/A-workforce-strategy-for-adult-social-care.aspx
Read the latest blog: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/news-and events/blogs/an-update-on-the-workforce-strategy-for-adult-social-care
- Government workforce direction and initiatives including changes to funding - The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recently announced their plans to develop the adult social care workforce in England as part of ongoing reform work. This includes:
- a new level 2 adult social Care Certificate qualification, with the intention that over time this new qualification will become the baseline standard for all new care workers to work towards when they join the profession (see more info on this below)
- learning and development, including training courses on healthcare interventions to support delegation, learning disabilities including autism, dementia care and leadership
- continuing professional development for registered nurses and other eligible regulated professionals
- digital skills training and development of a new leadership qualification based on the recently updated Digital Skills Framework (from Digital Social Care).
Read more about these including funding changes here: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Funding/Workforce-Development-Fund/Changes-to-funding-for-learning-and-development-for-adult-social-care.aspx
- New level 2 qualification – Care certificate. The new qualification aims to launch in June 24 and is embedded into the Care Workforce Pathway. Awarding Organisations are currently developing the qualification and further details regarding the programes and also the funding will be shared in the coming months. Whilst this work is underway the Care Certificate standards should continue to be used. https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Developing-your-workforce/Care-Certificate/Level-2-Adult-Social-Care-Certificate-qualification.aspx
- The Care Workforce Pathway – phase 1 launched. The care workforce pathway outlines the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours people need to work in adult social care. This first part of the pathway focuses on direct care and support roles at four levels with each level relating to a role category, they are:
- role category A: new to care
- role category B: care or support worker
- role category C: supervisor or leader
- role category D: practice leader
Contained within each role category is a defined set of behaviours, knowledge and skills expected of someone to work at that level. The care workforce pathway also demonstrates how someone can develop within each category, building on their knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care to the people who receive their support.The new care certificate qualification is embedded in this pathway.: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-workforce-pathway-for-adult-social-care
- You are invited…..
Skills for Care: Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) demo & Workforce Development Funding information session - your questions answered!
Thursday 22nd February 3-4pm on MS Teams
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.
The Workforce Development Fund supports the provision of high-quality care and the continuing professional development (CPD) of staff across the adult social care sector by providing a contribution towards the costs of vocational learning. The fund allows you to claim back money towards the costs of paid staff completing a broad range of adult social care qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules.
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 and meet the eligibility criteria 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 and Buckinghamshire and Liz Bailey Workforce Development Funding local lead.
This is a local session for providers across the Berks, Ox, Bucks and Surrey area. To book your place email rachel.reid@skillsforcare.org.uk
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International Recruitment Fund Update
Share International Recruitment Fund Update on Facebook Share International Recruitment Fund Update on Twitter Share International Recruitment Fund Update on Linkedin Email International Recruitment Fund Update linkIn July 2023 Oxfordshire County Council conducted a survey regarding the challenges of International Recruitment in the care sector.
The latest update is available here, including a link to register for a webinar which may be of interest to you. International Recruitment Fund update
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’.