The QCS Podcast

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...

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 conce...

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&qu...

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 s...

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 progressi...

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 th...

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 neurodivers...

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...

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...

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 an...

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...

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

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 user Visual inspection by a person appointed to do this 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 th...

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.