We look forward to supporting you during 2012.

Please click here to access Norovirus outbreak kit, this includes a leaflet, poster, Norovirus checklist, top tips for visitors, outbreak record card and a restricted visiting poster.

As mentioned in our December update, 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.  We also continue to fund eligible QCF credits

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

Following good feedback from our December funding drop-in session, we will be holding several more during 2012. Friday, 27th January has been booked as the first session in 2012.  If you are interested in booking some time with us, please contact either Shirley or Denise at enquiries@carefocussomerset.org

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

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

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!

Small employers to receive incentive to employ an Apprentice
The Government has announced a new incentive to encourage thousands of small firms that don’t currently employ apprentices to take on a young apprentice aged 16 to 24. This will support up to 40,000 new Apprenticeships.
The incentive is for employers with up to 50 (and in some cases up to 250) employees; comprising of a payment of £1,500 payable in two stages. It will be available to small firms in all industries and for Apprenticeships at all levels from April 2012. Find out more about the small employer incentive http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/Steps-to-make-it-happen/Incentive.aspx?NLID=25&SID=7705&PAID=1

The incentive is due to start in April 2012; however the recruitment process can take a couple of months, so if you are considering recruiting an Apprentice please contact your training provider.

Click here for dates for your diaries

Upgrade to the Latest Kwango Safeguarding Adults at Risk, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards E-Learning Courses!

Winter Watch  - how the NHS is coping with the increased demands of the cold winter months and practical advice.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - How safe are your premises?

Free Access to Learning Materials and Information

CQC: Quick guide to raising a concern about your work

National Apprenticeship Week - The coundown continues...

Helping care home managers navigate the deprivation of liberty process

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.

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