The funding for NVQ's has been extended to the end of this financial year.  Therefore, if you have staff who have completed  NVQ units, you can claim up to the end of March. 

Also, if you have staff  who have, or are in the process of completing QCF credits towards their diploma, why not send in these signed and verified levels and begin claiming.  You can claim for units as each level is completed, so no need to wait until the diploma has been achieved. 

For more information, please visit our funding section on our website, or telephone 01823 461876.

We are holding a Funding Drop-in Day on 9th December 2012 at Care Focus Offices.  If you would like to visit us with any queries in respect of funding, please contact us to book a time slot.

To view the revised policy for domiciliary care providers click here

We recently held some Workforce Planning workshops when providers had an opportunity to meet with Local Authority Commissioners and discuss future services.  If Somerset County Council Commissioners were exploring the idea of communicating with care providers more regularly, what information would you want and how often i.e. quarterly, bi-annually?  Would you want to know how national drivers may impact locally and the development of services from this. Please let us have your thoughts or comments on this by 10th January 2012.

Enquiries@carefocussomerset.org

Care Matters is an online forum aimed at giving individuals involved in health and social care an opportunity to discuss topics of particular interest within certain geographical areas.  This website is the landing site for a dicussion forum.

The forum is open to anyone with an interest in health and/or social care, from service users to commissioners and care workers to heads of service - and is completely free!  Please click here for link to this valuable website.

If you have not yet received your free supply of workbooks to assist in the palliative and end of life care, please contact Care Focus on 01823 461876

People have employability skills, but what are they?  Is it attitude, skills or something else?  What does that mean for you as a care provider?

We would like some ideas of what you ask and look  for when employing new people.

We would really appreciate if you could send us your thoughts and ideas by the 22nd December to help contribute to the report being produced for the Employment and Skills Board.

Enquiries@carefocussomerset.org

Care Focus is linking in with national programmes through Central Government, and the local Job Centre Plus to support all age groups with getting into social care work.

Would you, as a care provider in Somerset, be interested in tapping into a potentially huge beneficial area of work experience / volunteers helping out in your service?  Could you offer interviews, work placements, work experience and voluntary placements. 

Please click here to find out more!

A cash bonus if you are a small company that takes on a under 24 apprentice. Interested?   To find out more click here.

Also, next year will be the fifth National Apprenticeship Week and it will take place from Monday 6 to Friday 10 February 2012.  Click here for full details

End of Life Care e-learning is available and accessible on line to all NMDS registered social care organisations through a free national initiative.  For organisations within the South West, there is additional free support to ensure organisations and staff gain access to the programme and are able to utilise the sessions to fit training requirements.    Once registered, the programme can be accessed through any web-ready computer.

For more information please Click here

Click here for dates for your diaries

Skills for Care - The Principles of Workforce Redesign

Helping care home managers navigate the deprivation of liberty process

Community Care moves to on line future. The last issue of the print magazine will be on the 24th of November. Click here for link to their website to register for on-line copy.

Some really useful links on Dementia from the Royal College of Nursing

Tell us your story

My Home Life, a new initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of those who are living, dying, visiting and working in care homes for older people.

Anchor Grey Pride campaign calling for a Minister for Older People

Great British Care Awards - South West winners announced

CQC to probe standards of care homes

MacMillan Learning Zone - link to register for this free on line resource site