The QCS Podcast

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of fire strategy. Neil emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive fire strategy for buildings, noting that its absence can significantly worsen the effects of a fire. He explains that a fire strategy includes the building’s designed fire evacuation provision, supporting fi...

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, 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...

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 de...

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 provide...

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...

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-b...

Episode Overview ‘Everyone should have access to the expertise they need, in the location they choose, and in a way that makes sense to them.’ In this funny, thoughtful and inspiring conversation, dementia campaigner, consultant and writer Beth Britton MBE joins host Barry Price to explore what the future of dementia care could look like and why timely, personalised support matters. What You’ll He...

In this special solo episode of the Care Social Podcast , Barry, Price,  our Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, shares his personal and life-threatening brush with sepsis, just before World Sepsis Day. Sepsis is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, at any age. It’s our body’s extreme reaction to infection and, without urgent treatment, it can lead to organ failure, lasting dama...

Guest : Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England  Host : Nikki Walker, President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans In the the second episode of Nikki Meets, a spin off series of The Care Social where Nikki Walker, CEO of QCS, sits down with senior leaders shaping the future of social care. This time, Nikki is joined by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care...

New Podcast Episode: Nikki Meets… Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association.  In the first episode of Nikki Meets , Nikki Walker – President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans – talks with Dr Jane Townson OBE , CEO of the Homecare Association.  They discuss:  The future of home care in the UK  The challenges providers face right now  What needs to change so care in o...

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...

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 con...

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 keepi...

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 confi...

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 explo...

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 im...

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 refocu...

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...

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 suppor...

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 whe...

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...

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 di...

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 ma...

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 pra...