In this episode,  Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores a significant issue of exposure to Second-hand smoke.

In this episode,  Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of fire doors. He explains the importance of fire doors in maintaining structural stability during a fire, their role in compartmentation, and the legislative requirements for their regular inspection and maintenance by competent persons. Hughes-Hutchings also provides a detailed checklist for inspecting fire doors to ensure they are in good condition and functioning correctly to enhance fire safety in buildings.

How to Challenge a CQC Inspection – With Laura Shelton, HCR Law

Guest: Laura Shelton, Partner, HCR Law
Host: Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager, QCS

In this helpful  and timely episode of The Care Social, Barry talks to Laura Shelton, Partner at HCR Law, about what to do if you’re not happy with your CQC inspection, report or rating.

Laura has supported social care providers for over a decade. She shares practical advice on how to raise concerns, respond to inspection reports, and what options are available, from correcting factual errors to taking formal legal steps.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• When and how to challenge a CQC inspection or outcome
• The factual accuracy process – and why it matters
• What a rating review really involves (and how often they succeed)
• Legal routes like judicial review – when they’re worth considering
• Common mistakes providers make when challenging outcomes
• How to prepare your staff and service for inspections

You’ll also hear tips on dealing with inspectors, managing staff confidence, and how small actions can make a big difference when it comes to inspection outcomes.

Find out more about Laura: https://www.hcrlaw.com/people/laura-shelton/

Learn more about QCS: https://www.qcs.co.uk/ 

Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode of The Care Social, we’re joined by Access Skills CEO Neil Crawford, and Joelma Fernandes  as they break down the new government-funded Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) and how it can help care providers access affordable, practical training.

Whether you're a social care provider, manager or part of a care team, this episode explains how to cut through the confusion around training, funding and qualifications, and why investing in your staff is one of the best decisions you can make.

Joelma and Neil share with our host Barry Price:

• What the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is, how it works and what it replaces
• How much funding care providers can claim and when payments are made
• Why the Level 5 Leadership and Management Diploma is one of the most supported qualifications
• The difference between qualifications and practical training, and why care teams need both
• What the future of care training looks like and how technology is changing learning for the better

This episode is full of practical advice for anyone looking to better support their team through training and development. It is especially useful for smaller services that may be applying for training support for the first time.

🎧 Listen now to find out how LDSS funding could benefit your team and how Access Skills can help you make the most of it.

QCS Customers can benefit from a partnership offer from Access Skills: https://www.accessskills.co.uk/quality-compliance-systems-qcs/

Learn more about Access Skills: https://www.accessskills.co.uk/

Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the ins and outs of health surveillance. You’ll learn what it is, when it’s needed, and why it matters – from protecting workers exposed to noise and vibration, to spotting early signs of ill-health. Whether you’re a care provider, manager or frontline worker, this is a practical guide to keeping your team safe and staying compliant. 

In the final part of our podcast with dementia care expert Jackie Pool, we explore the growing role of rehabilitation in dementia care — and how small, targeted approaches can make a big difference.

Drawing on over a decade of research with the University of Exeter and global partners, Jackie explains how cognitive rehabilitation is helping people with dementia maintain independence, rebuild confidence, and stay connected to daily life.

In this episode, Jackie shares with our host Barry Price:

• Why rehabilitation should be part of everyday dementia care
• How simple prompts and repetition can help people find their way and achieve personal goals
• The importance of physical, intellectual and social support in care settings
• Practical ways to involve care teams, families and activity coordinators
• How to recognise meaningful activity — and why it matters
• Free tools and training to help you deliver cognitive rehab in your service

Whether you're a care provider, occupational therapist, family member or frontline worker, this episode offers great examples and practical tips for supporting people with dementia in a more personalised, goal-focused way.

🎧 Listen now to discover how rehabilitation can improve quality of life and confidence for the people you support.

Don’t forget to download the free resources Jackie mentions in the episode — including the My Life, My Goals guide and cognitive rehabilitation e-learning course.

Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this powerful episode of The Care Social,  host Barry Price,  sits down with Jackie Pool - renowned dementia care specialist, author, inventor and trainer. With decades of experience and a deep passion for improving dementia care, Jackie shares her inspiring journey, from her early days in psychogeriatrics to creating the now evidence-based PAL assessment tool.

Together, Barry and Jackie explore:

• What truly person-centred dementia care looks like
• How language and tone can support dignity and comfort
• The importance of life histories and collaborative care planning
• The balance between safety and independence in care settings
• Why dining—not feeding—makes all the difference
• How the PAL tool helps teams personalise care, with real impact

This is part one of a two-part special—an honest, often funny conversation, packed with practical tips, experience, and a deep commitment to supporting the person, not just the condition. 

Listen now and discover why good dementia care is everyone’s responsibility.

Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings discusses the importance of preventing slips and trips in health and social care settings, especially for individuals with mobility issues. He provides strategies for prevention, including risk assessments, environmental modifications, exercise and more. By creating a culture of safety and proactive risk management, the sector can reduce the likelihood and impact of falls, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of service users.

In this episode of The Care Social, Barry, our Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, explores how care providers can effectively respond after a regulatory downgrade — a growing concern in light of recent CQC developments.

Whether you've just been through an inspection or want to strengthen your approach, Barry shares calm, clear-headed advice on how to respond, rebuild, and refocus.

Key topics covered:

• Immediate steps after receiving an inspection outcome
• Communicating transparently with staff, stakeholders, and service users
• Rebuilding morale and protecting your team
• Using inspection findings to update training and recruitment plans
• Maintaining continuity of care and restoring trust
• Creating and embedding a culture of continuous improvement
• Tracking progress and preparing for follow-up inspections

🎧 Listen now to get practical tips and reassurance that improvement is always possible — and support is out there when you need it.

Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

Cyber security is no longer a future concern – it’s a challenge facing social care providers right now.

In this episode of The Care Social podcast, we speak to Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director at Digital Care Hub and NHS Cyber Leader of the Year, about the real risks – and opportunities – of going digital in social care.

Michelle explains why data security matters so much in care, how AI is really being used, and what providers can do today to improve their cyber resilience, meet DSPT requirements, and protect the people they support.

In this episode:

• What cyber security means for social care providers
• How to protect personal care data from cyber threats
• Simple steps to improve digital safety and readiness
• What AI can and can’t do in a care setting
• Why completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is so important – and easier than you think

This is a must-listen for registered managers, care home owners, supported living providers, and anyone interested in safer digital care.

🎧 Listen to the episode now

Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode of The Care Social, we’re joined by Tandeep Gill, Head of Business Development UK and Ireland for PainChek.

Tandeep shares how PainChek’s innovative technology is giving a voice to people who cannot verbalise their pain, helping carers spot and manage pain earlier, and improving outcomes across the sector.

Find out how pain assessment is being embedded into policies, how it supports safeguarding and better evidence for funding requests, and how PainChek is working alongside care management systems like QCS, to transform the way you deliver care.

🎧 Listen to the episode now

Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode, Barry Price talks with insomnia and mindset specialist Gavin Rubinstein about the sleep difficulties faced by social care professionals.

They discuss how stress, anxiety, and overthinking can disrupt sleep and share practical tips to help you rest better,

Gavin highlights the importance of letting go of the pressure to sleep:​ 'The moment you stop trying to sleep is often when sleep comes naturally.'

You'll learn:​

• Simple ways to calm your mind before bed
• How accepting being awake can reduce sleep anxiety
• Easy relaxation techniques to improve sleep quality​

Whether you're on the frontline or in a management role, this episode offers useful advice to help you get a better night's sleep.​

🎧 Listen to the episode now

Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the significant topic of "grey fleet" vehicles. Neil defines grey fleet vehicles as those owned and driven by employees for business purposes, including those under cash allowance schemes. He emphasizes the importance of employers understanding their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Hosted by Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, this episode of The Care Social tackles one of the biggest challenges in adult social care – making training truly meaningful.

Forget box-ticking. Barry explores how getting your training right can transform the quality of care and support in your service.

In this solo episode, Barry shares:

• Why skipping a proper Training Needs Analysis is a costly mistake
• How to match training to the actual needs of your service users – not a generic template
• The importance of adapting to different learning styles
• Simple ways to keep your training plan fresh, relevant, and effective
• Whether you're managing a care service or working on the front line, this episode gives you practical advice you can use straight away

Listen now.

Want to join the conversation?

If you have any topics you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In one of our most passionate and thought-provoking episodes yet, Barry Price speaks to Katrina Hall, founder of Bay Care Group and a leading voice in the Providers Unite movement.

Katrina shares her journey into care, starting at just 14 years old, and how her lived experience has shaped a business that now delivers over 9,000 hours of care a week. From frontline worker to movement leader, she discusses the reality of today’s care challenges — including funding cuts, workforce pressures, and the risk of losing small providers.

This episode explores:

• Katrina’s rise through the ranks of social care
• Her motivation behind starting Bay Care
• The origins and impact of Providers Unite
• The urgent message to Government: value social care
• Advice for other care leaders and why peer-to-peer support matters

If you care about the future of the sector, this is one not to miss.

Listen now.

Want to join the conversation?

If you have any topics you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this episode of The Care Social, Barry Price  and Gerry McMurdie talk about the important role that family and friends play as care partners in adult social care. They share honest insights and helpful advice on how care teams can work closely with families – from building trust and having clear conversations, to involving them in care planning and understanding risks.

Whether you’re a care manager, support worker, or looking after someone with dementia, this episode offers down-to-earth tips to help you involve families in the right way and make care more personal.

 Listen now to hear how working well with families can lead to better care, fewer complaints, and stronger relationships.

In this episode:

• Why we use the term ‘care partners’ – and what it means
• Talking clearly about care and consent
• How digital care planning can help keep families involved
• Including families in care reviews and risk planning
• Setting expectations and dealing with any challenges

Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this latest episode of The Care Social, Barry Price is joined by QCS Dementia Specialist Gerry McMurdie to explore a topic often overlooked: the impact of sensory loss on people living with dementia.

Together, they unpack how sight and hearing loss can make communication harder, increase the risk of falls, and lead to emotional withdrawal. Drawing from real frontline experience, they share practical tips that can make a big difference – from improving lighting and reducing background noise to checking that glasses and hearing aids are clean and working.

They also discuss how early recognition of sensory changes, regular assessments, and simple tech solutions can help care teams support people to stay safe, connected and confident in daily life.

Tune in to hear why recognising and responding to sensory loss is key to providing great dementia care.

Want to join the conversation?
If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

Barry Price is joined by Saskia Van 'T Hoff, a neurodiversity advocate and work colleague, to explore:

• What neurodiversity is and why it’s important to recognise different ways of thinking
• The common misunderstandings neurodivergent people face at work
• How small changes, like clearer communication and flexible work arrangements can make a big difference
• Why workplaces that embrace neurodiversity benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent staff

Saskia shares her thoughts on how workplaces can support neurodivergent employees, from practical adjustments to creating a culture where people feel safe to be themselves.

In this episode of The Care Social, Barry is joined by Hannah Kelly, wellbeing specialist and social care consultant, to discuss:

• The key warning signs of burnout
• Why burnout is so common in social care
• Practical strategies for managing stress
• How organisations can better support their staff

Tune in now for expert insights and real-life experiences that can help you or your team.

Want to join the conversation?

If you have any topics you'd like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this special International Women’s Day episode of The Care Social, host Barry Price sits down with Paula Cashmore, known to many as the “Mary Poppins of Social Care.” Paula shares her personal journey in the sector, the importance of empowering women in social care, and why valuing the workforce is key to tackling burnout and retention challenges.

They discuss the realities of career progression, the pressures women face, and the critical role of strong leadership and support. Paula also reflects on the women who have inspired her and offers advice for the next generation of female leaders in care.

🔊 Tune in to hear Paula as she helps us kick off our celebrations for all the incredible women shaping social care.

Want to join the conversation?

If you have any topics, you'd like us to cover or want to be a guest on a future episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In this special newsflash episode of The Care Social, hosts Barry and Lindsay discuss the recent House of Lords vote to exempt the health and social care sector from the impending National Insurance increase. They explore the potential implications of this decision, emphasising the relief it could bring to care providers facing financial strain. However, they also caution that the amendment must still pass through the House of Commons, where its future remains uncertain.

Tune in to hear about this significant development.

Want to be part of the conversation?

If you have topics, you'd like us to cover or wish to join us for an episode, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

In Episode Three of The Care Social, hosts Barry and Lindsay dive into the pressing issues of attracting and retaining staff in the social care sector. They discuss the many challenges, emphasising that while competitive pay is essential, creating a culture where staff feel valued and supported is equally crucial.

The conversation also highlights initiatives like the "Make Care Your Career" campaign, running from February to March 2025, which showcases real stories and career progression within the sector. Additionally, they highlight the importance of structured induction programs, ongoing training, and creating an environment that promotes professional growth to improve staff retention.

If you have topics, you'd like us to cover, email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk

The latest Care Providers Alliance report reveals serious issues with the CQC Single Assessment Framework, from registration delays to technology failures and a lack of clear guidance. With over 1,200 survey responses and 100+ providers speaking out, the message is clear: the system isn’t working.

In this episode of The Care Social, our experts Barry Price and Lindsay Rees unpack the biggest concerns raised in the report—and what providers should do next.

• Why providers feel left in limbo
• The call to reintroduce named inspectors for consistency
• How technology failures are making compliance even harder
• What CQC is saying—and will they act fast enough?

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of authorisations to drive, also known as permits to drive. Neil emphasizes the importance of employers maintaining control over their vehicles by ensuring that only licensed, competent, and authorised individuals are allowed to drive on company business. The episode provides detailed recommendations for employers, including assessing driver attitudes and fitness, conducting thorough licence checks, implementing drug and alcohol policies, and maintaining comprehensive records. Neil’s guidance aims to reduce the risk of accidents, ensure legal compliance, and protect both senior managers and their organisations.

When the Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission admits that care home safety ratings are untrustworthy and describes 'a complete failure' in the reporting system, it sends shockwaves through both social care and healthcare.

In the first episode of our new podcast, The Care Social, our experts Barry Price and Lindsay Rees discuss the fallout from Julian Hartley’s comments in his interview with The Times—and what care providers should do next.

In this month's HR podcast, Olivia Riley, Solicitor at AfterAthena Limited, discusses a recent case update where an apprentice with childcare responsibilities who was accused of skiving, winning her tribunal claim for sexual discrimination. 

In this month's health and safety podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited, discusses the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in the workplace. He highlights the potential electrical and fire hazards associated with charging equipment and the importance of training employees in safe operating procedures. Neil also provides tips for drivers on how to maximise efficiency and range while driving these vehicles.

Join Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited, as he discusses crucial winter driving tips and safety protocols in this episode. Neil covers everything from preparing vehicles for icy conditions to safe driving techniques and employer responsibilities in ensuring driver well-being. Tune in for practical advice to keep you and your team safe during snowy and icy weather. 

In this podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena discusses the importance of gas safety in the workplace. He highlights gas risks and legal obligations, emphasising the need for regular maintenance and gas safety checks. The podcast serves as a valuable starting point for improving compliance and raising awareness.

Welcome to our monthly podcast with Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited. In this episode, we continue our theme of musculoskeletal back injuries and discuss display screen equipment (DSE) and ergonomics. We'll highlight the regulations that require employers to undertake suitable risk assessments of workstations and provide relevant information and training to DSE users. We'll also discuss the risks associated with working from home and provide tips on how employees can help themselves.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Limited, delves into asbestos management. Neil outlines the purpose of asbestos surveys, identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assessing their condition, and creating asbestos registers. He also explains the responsibilities of duty holders under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Tune in for an overview of these crucial processes aimed at ensuring asbestos safety and compliance.

This episode, hosted by Senior Health and Safety Consultant Neil Hughes-Hutchings at AfterAthena, covers the concept of positive risk taking and how it can benefit individuals in the care sector. It emphasises the importance of sensible risk assessment approaches that balance individual needs, dignity, and freedom with safety.

We all hear a lot about resilience these days, often focused on individual employees managing stress. But what about your organisation as a whole? How can you create a workplace that can weather any storm and come out stronger?

This month we will be talking about working at height. Working at any height can cause serious injury. A fall from a height of just one or two steps can cause serious injury.

•  What could go wrong
• What I need to do
• Guidelines to Employers

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, delves into the intricacies of working at height in the social care sector. From navigating the unique risks in varied work environments to ensuring proper training and equipment, Neil provides comprehensive guidance to safeguard both staff and service users. The episode underscores essential strategies to maintain safety, compliance, and well-being, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and adherence to legal requirements in these settings.

The hazards presented by Portable electrical appliances in your workplace should be assessed using normal risk assessment techniques. 

A robust maintenance program can be achieved by a combination of the three following actions:

1. Checks by the user
2. Visual inspection by a person appointed to do this
3. Combined inspection and tests by a competent person or contractor

Consent is a key part to bespoke, person–centred care delivery, without it, you simply aren’t providing a person-centred service. That said, consent is not always a straightforward process, there are other factors such as Mental Capacity to consider.

Evidencing consent

• For our service users
• How can we support staff to ensure that consent to care/support happens?
• What can providers do to monitor the evidence of consent?

This month Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Head of Health and Safety at AfterAthena, embarks on the journey that is ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance.  We can say it is a collective term for an organisation’s impact on the environment and society as well as how the organisation is governed in terms of leadership, pay, audits and internal control and processes. 

This episode looks at the upcoming changes to the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 which is due to come into force in Summer 2024. 

This episode looks specifically at moving and handling operations, as well as: 

• Hierarchy of control and how employers can reduce the risk
• Importance of a moving and handling policy and risk assessments
• Lifting equipment 

This episode looks specifically at one of the new safe environments quality statements under the key question of safe. 

• Recap of the Acts and how they have changed
• Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 

This episode looks at the term Reasonably Practicable, what it means and Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and reasonably practicable.

This month, Head of Health and Safety at AfterAthena, Neil Hughes‑Hutchings, looks at updated guidance on fire safety responsibilities under section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which come into force from 1st October 2023. 

This episode looks specifically at one of the new safe environments quality statements under the key question of safe. 

This episode looks specifically at the importance of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans or PEEPs and the recommendations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. 

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the challenges of remote and mobile working (RMW). From setting up a safe and comfortable home workspace to supporting mental well-being on the move, Neil shares practical advice to help both employers and employees. The episode highlights key strategies to promote safety, compliance and well-being in flexible work environments.

This episode explores temperature in the workplace, looking specifically at thermal comfort and what the law states about temperatures in the workplace. There are also tips for keeping cool and reasonable adjustments that can be considered.

The next in our difficult conversations series, this episode explores what to do when an employee is underperforming, including the use of personal improvement plans and the formal stages of the capability procedure. 

This episode explores workplace violence, particularly the warning signs to look out for and how to prevent and reduce the risk of workplace violence occurring. It's important that employees are also provided with the right information and training to support them should they encounter workplace violence firsthand.

In this month's health and safety podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings looks specifically at powered transporters, most specifically e-scooters and e-bikes which are the most common form, and explores the legislation surrounding these modes of transport. These considerations should be taken on board should you manage or own these new modes of transport.