Too many care providers are still giving (and accepting) so-called references that say little more than, “yeah, they worked here.” That does nothing to protect people, and it certainly doesn’t meet your obligations under Regulation 19.
Providers can think they are ready and still be ambushed by poor ratings and an excoriating report. So what the heck went wrong? When an inspection report is much worse than expected, what can be done?
Back in the day one of the great “unsolved mysteries” was the “spontaneous combustion” of elderly folk. These days we know why they went on fire, yet this is still a neglected risk.
I think running a good care service is very much like flying a plane. Hopefully, by the time I’ve talked you through my piloting principles, you’ll see why I think so.
The CQC’s State of Care report says that 28% of homecare agencies in England are very small providers, supporting four or fewer people.
CQC updated its guidance on ‘when required’ (PRN) medicines in September 2025.
Too many care providers are still giving (and accepting) so-called references that say little more than, “yeah, they worked here.” That does nothing to protect people, and it certainly doesn’t meet your obligations under Regulation 19.
Providers can think they are ready and still be ambushed by poor ratings and an excoriating report. So what the heck went wrong? When an inspection report is much worse than expected, what can be done?
Welcome to your monthly digest of the biggest stories from the social care world.
Back in the day one of the great “unsolved mysteries” was the “spontaneous combustion” of elderly folk. These days we know why they went on fire, yet this is still a neglected risk.
Do your residents get up when they want, except on Wednesdays, when everyone is rudely awakened by the dustmen?
I’m going through the Z Cares archive and have found some old checklists and forms that you might find useful.
I’m going through the Z Cares archive and have found some old checklists and forms that you might find useful.
I’m going through the Z Cares archive and have found some old checklists and forms that you might find useful.
Each month I review the most recent and share any learning and reminders that I think will be of value to providers.
I think running a good care service is very much like flying a plane. Hopefully, by the time I’ve talked you through my piloting principles, you’ll see why I think so.
When auditing and reviewing a person’s care plan and risk assessments, my overarching principle is always “The New Carer Test”.