Continued funding for LDSS and Oliver’s Training in 2026/27

DHSC has confirmed continued funding for the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) and Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (Oliver’s Training) in 2026/27.

✅ Now available: Updated LDSS guidance document for employers (including Oliver’s Training)

✅ Now available: LDSS grant determination letter 2026/27 (including Oliver’s Training)

https://bit.ly/4dg8Q9f

Having an up to date ASC-WDS account continues to be a requirement to access LDSS funding....

Join an informal demo and information sharing about ASC-WDS and Learning and development support scheme (LDSS) funding for 26/27.

🗓️ Choice of dates and times:

12th May 10-11.15am

or

23rd June 2-3.15pm

Online via MS Teams

BOOK NOW: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/WdmJww33tV

This is a local session for providers across London and the South East.

Quick links for ASC-WDS:

To set up your free ASC-WDS account – CLICK HERE: https://asc-wds.skillsforcare.org.uk/registration/create-account

To log in to your existing ASC-WDS account – CLICK HERE: https://asc-wds.skillsforcare.org.uk/login

General information about ASC-WDS 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

Dear Providers,

We have announced our fee uplifts offer for the forthcoming financial year. More information can be found here: OCC fee uplift for 2026/27.

Kind regards,

Oxfordshire County Council

Dear providers,

Please be aware that there is a major water outage in the Witney area with the potential for it to affect many thousands of homes. Please click here for more details: OX29 SWINFORD 04/03 | Thames Water

If you provide care or services in or around this area can you please be sure that the residents that you support have access to drinking water. If you have concerns about their care or support please call 0345 050 7666 (Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm, Fri 8:30am-4pm) or For urgent, out-of-hours emergencies, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 833 408.

Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers is once again inviting you to recognise your amazing staff by nominating individuals or teams in the annual Oxfordshire Care Awards. They will be inviting nominated individuals and teams with special guests on Thursday 21 May 2026 to the impressive surroundings of the Oxford Belfry in Thame. For More details on how to vote click HERE

Improving Health Training Sessions For all staff supporting adults with a learning disability. Would you like to improve the health of your service users? Oxford Health are offering free training sessions for support staff.

The sessions will be focusing on healthy eating and exercise to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Healthy Eating & Drinking
• Physical Activity
• Understanding food and drink labels
• Meal Planning
• How Diet affects Mental Health
• How Sensory impacts diet and more

The programme is running once a week, for 4 weeks. The first session starts on 4th Feb 26 at 13:30 – 16:30 at Slade House, Oxford OX3 7JH. Places are limited so please book early by emailing helen.button@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

No One Should Face a Cold Winter

A warm, safe home is essential for good health and well-being of our Oxfordshire residents. Cold, damp housing can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and mental health challenges across all age groups.

We're here to help.

There's support available to help our residents stay warm this winter and beyond. We've created a toolkit of resources (and attached here) to help you find the right support, from the Better Housing Better Health service, and warm welcome from local libraries and the award winning the Energy App.

Why is this important?

Investing in warmer homes is a proactive approach to improving health and reducing the risk of illness. By addressing the root causes of health problems, we can build stronger, healthier communities for all as a Marmot Place.

How you can help

Spread the word! Share our toolkit and the messages with your networks and community groups to ensure that everyone in need knows about the available support. The toolkit includes thermometer cards which can be ordered, as well as digital resources and text for newsletters and social media posts or whatsapp groups etc.

NEW in 2025

1. Working with our Adult Social Care colleagues we’ve made the link to the risk of falls from cold homes.
2. A quote from a local GP about the link to cold, homes and respiratory infections. Useful for when weather is not cold (less than 5C)

Download your toolkit today to learn more and start taking action.

Winter Warmth comms toolkit.pdf

Home care managers- helping-to-prevent-winter-deaths-quick-guide in Oxfordshire.pdf

Click Here to download the Toolkit

A warm, safe home is essential for good health and well-being of our Oxfordshire residents. Cold, damp housing can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and mental health challenges across all age groups.

We're here to help.

There's support available to help our residents stay warm this winter and beyond. We've created a toolkit of resources (and attached here) to help you find the right support, from the Better Housing Better Health service, and warm welcome from local libraries and the award winning the Energy App.

Why is this important?

Investing in warmer homes is a proactive approach to improving health and reducing the risk of illness. By addressing the root causes of health problems, we can build stronger, healthier communities for all as a Marmot Place.

How you can help

Spread the word! Share our toolkit and the messages with your networks and community groups to ensure that everyone in need knows about the available support. The toolkit includes thermometer cards which can be ordered, as well as digital resources and text for newsletters and social media posts or WhatsApp groups etc.

NEW in 2025

1. Working with our Adult Social Care colleagues we’ve made the link to the risk of falls from cold homes.
2. A quote from a local GP about the link to cold, homes and respiratory infections. Useful for when weather is not cold (less than 5C)

Download your toolkit today to learn more and start taking action.

Winter Prep checklist for care providers-OCC-PH.docx

Dear Colleagues,

Please find attached a comprehensive Winter Preparation checklist for care providers. This resource was originally developed by our PH colleagues in Buckinghamshire and has been adapted for use in Oxfordshire.

Feel free to share this checklist with relevant colleagues and partners as appropriate.

Best Wishes

Shakiba

Dr Shakiba Habibula

Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Oxfordshire County Council

Hon. Senior Clinical Lecturer, Medical sciences Division, University of Oxford

Tel: 07392318880

Email: Shakiba.habibula@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Web: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Oxfordshire County Council, County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND

Dear Care Provider,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to encourage you to take part in an important survey being conducted in partnership with the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP). This year, we will not be hosting our own annual survey. Instead, we are working closely with OACP to gather valuable information and insights from providers like yourself.

Your participation is crucial in helping us understand the current landscape and ensure that the sector’s needs are accurately represented. The information collected will inform future planning and support for care services across the region.

For your reference, information on current fees can be found here:

Fees and reviews | Oxfordshire County Council

Thank you in advance for your time and contribution. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Kind regards,