The QCS Podcast

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 outcomeCommunicating transparently with staff, stakeholders, and service usersRebuilding morale and protecting your teamUsing inspection findings to update training and recruitment plansMaintaining continuity of care and restoring trustCreating and embedding a culture of continuous improvementTracking progress and preparing for follow-up inspections

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 providersHow to protect personal care data from cyber threatsSimple steps to improve digital safety and readinessWhat AI can and can't do in a care settingWhy completing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is so important – and easier than you thinkThis is a must-listen for registered managers, care home owners, supported living providers, and anyone interested in safer digital care.

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.

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 bedHow accepting being awake can reduce sleep anxietyEasy 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.​

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 mistakeHow to match training to the actual needs of your service users – not a generic templateThe importance of adapting to different learning stylesSimple ways to keep your training plan fresh, relevant, and effectiveWhether you're managing a care service or working on the front line, this episode gives you practical advice you can use straight awayListen 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 careHer motivation behind starting Bay CareThe origins and impact of Providers UniteThe urgent message to Government: value social careAdvice for other care leaders and why peer-to-peer support mattersIf 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 meansTalking clearly about care and consentHow digital care planning can help keep families involvedIncluding families in care reviews and risk planningSetting expectations and dealing with any challengesWant 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 thinkingThe common misunderstandings neurodivergent people face at workHow small changes, like clearer communication and flexible work arrangements can make a big differenceWhy workplaces that embrace neurodiversity benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent staffSaskia 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 burnoutWhy burnout is so common in social carePractical strategies for managing stressHow organisations can better support their staffTune 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.

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 limboThe call to reintroduce named inspectors for consistencyHow technology failures are making compliance even harderWhat CQC is saying—and will they act fast enough?

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 wrongWhat I need to doGuidelines to Employers

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:Checks by the userVisual inspection by a person appointed to do thisCombined 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 consentFor our service usersHow 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 riskImportance of a moving and handling policy and risk assessmentsLifting 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 changedSection 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. 

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.

In this month's health and safety podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings discusses the different types of active monitoring, audits, safety inspections, safety surveys, safety tours and sampling. These types of active monitoring will help you to identify compliance with standards, so that you can recognise good performance and ensure it is maintained. It may also identify non-compliance and will allow you to put corrective actions in place to rectify the situation and prevent recurrence. 

This month, Sarah Baker, Apprentice Solicitor at Napthens, discusses the decision around why the menopause will not be considered a protected characteristic by Government, what perimenopause and the menopause are and the symptoms.

If you are a care home provider or care sector organisation, icy surfaces on your premises can also present a hazard to members of the public/visitors who enter your premises. The general duties under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, poses a duty to manage all hazards in the workplace (this would include snow and ice), and section 3 of the same Act, poses a general duty to non-employees, as long as they are part of our undertaking. 

This month, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Head of Napthens Health and Safety,  discusses what you might expect if an HSE inspector visits your organisation, the powers they have and the different types of notices, letters or advice they may give you.

This episode gives an overview of what neurodiversity is and how HR can support with neurodiversity in the workplace.We will discuss:People who identify themselves as neurodivergent typically have one or more of the conditions or disorders such as autism, ADHD, epilepsy, dyslexia, OCD, Tourette syndrome or an acquired neurodivergence (i.e., through incidence or brain trauma)In terms of the workplace, to be seen as ‘inclusive', an employer needs to make an effort to celebrate neurodiversity while taking steps to accommodate the specific challenges that neurodiverse individuals may face. If an employer refuses to adapt processes with neurodivergent individuals in mind, they actually risk missing out on top talentTop tips to support people who are neurodiverse in the workplace 

This month,  Neil Hughes-Hutchings senior Health and Safety Consultant at Napthens Health and Safety is going to guide you through one of the health and safety terms that crop up on many occasions, and that is competence. Neil will talk you through what competence is and why it is important to identify the competencies needed for the different job roles within your organisation. 

In this podcast you will get an overview of what High Functioning Anxiety is, the common symptoms, possible causes and ways in which someone suffering with anxiety can get help and treatment.

The subject for discussion this month centres on the Fire Safety Act, which clarifies the scope of the Fire Safety Order.In this podcast, Neil Hughes-Hutchings makes clear what the Responsible Person must consider when conducting fire risk assessments, if not done so already.

This time, Abi interviewed Dawn Waller, former CQC Inspector and Policy Manager,  discussing how providers can raise the topic of relationships and sexuality with residents in a constructive and compassionate way.  

The subject for discussion this month centres on the lessons learned from a recent Health & Safety Executive prosecution of a care provider in Scotland.  In this podcast, Chris Walker, Head of Health & Safety at Napthens shares some real practical examples of how and why things can go wrong if we don't have the health and safety basics in order. 

In episodes 1 and 2 , we looked at what you need to do to become a registered manager.We have looked at what it means to be fit to be a manager, what skills and qualifications you need, and now we will tackle health.This is the area that I find people get concerned about. You are asked within the process to sign a declaration to say you are fit and healthy for the job and to give your GPs details.In this episode, Abi is going to walk you through the law, CQC guidance for providers, what you should expect in an interview and more!

 Losing someone you love can be extremely traumatic. It can also be a huge relief depending on the circumstances. It is not the same for everyone, and we cannot predict how relatives or significant people to the person who has died may feel.This isn't about being a fully qualified bereavement practitioner. This isn't about having all the answers. This is all about what you know - a person-centred response to human emotions.A few tipis by our care expert, Abi Spence:Treat the person with dignity and respect, create space and privacy for them. Let the person know where you are taking them, and what happens nextNever presume you know the person or how they feel. They may never have visited, you may have been told things by the person who has died, but this does not mean you know the relationship or how they feelObserve what is happening - Observing sensitively enables you to gain a little insight into how that person may be experiencing their first emotions relating to death