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There’s plenty of free training and support on offer in this week’s issue, make sure you take advantage of anything relevant to your work.
We do our best to keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date in these fast-changing times and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
Final Reminder: Sign & Return the New DCC ASC Care Home Contract by 7 November
Just 1 day left to return your signed contract to continue receiving new DCC referrals from 10 November!
Devon County Council’s new Adult Social Care (ASC) care home contract and new fee model for older persons care homes goes live next Monday on 10 November 2025.
Important Reminder:
Providers must be signed up by 7 November to receive referrals from AST. If you're not signed up by then, you will not be eligible for referrals.
However, you can still sign up after 7 November to be included in future referral opportunities — so it's not too late to get involved!
Thank you to all those who’ve already completed the process!
What You Need to Do Now
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Use the Correct CQC Number: Ensure the contract includes the specific care home’s CQC number, not the overarching provider number.
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Attach Insurance Documents: Include a PDF copy of your insurance schedule, as issued by your insurer.
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Sign Electronically: Insert your electronic signature (image) into the signature field and return the contract in Word format.
This contract applies only to homes within Devon County Council’s boundaries – not Plymouth or Torbay.
Provider Workshops
Thanks to all the providers who attended one of our four provider information workshops. Please click the relevant links to see the slides and resulting FAQs.
Care Home Drop-In Sessions (post launch)– Join Us Online!
Have questions about the new DCC ASC contract or fee model? Join one of our informal online drop-ins, all welcome - a chance to ask questions, share feedback, or just listen in.
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Wednesday 12 November | 12:30–13:30 MS Teams Link
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Wednesday 19 November | 11:00–12:00 MS Teams Link
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Tuesday 25 November | 14:00–15:30 (Care Home Forum)
The registration link for the Care Home Forum will be shared via email shortly.
Community Services - Celebration of Strengths-Based Working Event 2nd December
We’re inviting you to come and join us and respond to research and themes we have identified through co-production, and look at how these stories will enable us to shape future commissioning.
It will explore the 5 key changes to unlock an equal life, from Research in Practice and Social Care Future:
- Communities where everyone belongs
- Living in the place we call home
- Leading the lives we want to live
- More resources, better used
- Sharing power as equals
We want to drill down into strengths-based ways of working, and understand the diverse offer already available to people. This will help us in our goal to shape the future of social care commissioning in Devon.
Details of workshops taking place on the day are included on the booking page. Please note that spaces will be limited to 2 per organisation initially, but we will expand this if we have capacity.
To book your place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebration-of-strengths-based-working-event-tickets-1838181573569?aff=oddtdtcreator
New Apprenticeship Levy: Paving the Way for Alternative Education Pathways
In a significant shift from traditional education routes, the new apprenticeship levy for 2025-2026 is set to revolutionise the way individuals gain skills and qualifications. Here’s how the updated levy is offering a fresh, flexible approach to learning:
Shorter Durations for Faster Workforce Entry:
The new rules reduce the minimum duration for certain apprenticeships from 12 months to just 8 months. This change is designed to accelerate the entry of skilled workers into the job market, addressing industry demands more swiftly.
Streamlined Assessments:
The assessment process has been overhauled to provide more flexibility and efficiency. Training providers can now deliver elements of the assessment, with End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) ensuring the validity of the process. This streamlined approach aims to make assessments less burdensome and more integrated into the learning experience.
Integrated English and Maths Learning:
Active learning for English and Maths must now be part of the training plan, ensuring apprentices continuously improve these essential skills. This integration emphasises the importance of ongoing skill development throughout the apprenticeship.
Foundation Apprenticeships:
A new section dedicated to Foundation Apprenticeships has been introduced, covering aspects that differ from other apprenticeships. This includes final payment details for apprenticeships with a typical duration of less than 12 months, providing clarity and structure for these shorter programs.
Flexibility in Off-the-Job Training (OTJT):
The new rules will publish minimum OTJT hours for each standard, allowing providers to deliver these hours over any timeframe, as long as the minimum duration is met. This flexibility is a game-changer for both full-time and part-time learners.
Further information:
These changes are set to reduce bureaucracy, enhance the quality of apprenticeship programs, and better align training with industry needs. The new apprenticeship levy is not just about gaining qualifications; it’s about making a real difference in people's lives by providing practical skills and real-world experience. For further information please visit: https://www.devon.gov.uk/providerengagementnetwork/workforce-development/apprenticeship-levy/
Learning Disability and/or Autism Support Services Now Funds Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
The Learning Disability and/or Autism Support Service (LDSS) has announced that it will now fund the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, marking a significant step forward in workforce development and inclusive practice.
This training, developed in response to the tragic death of Oliver McGowan and the subsequent campaign led by his family, is designed to ensure that health and social care staff have the right skills and understanding to support people with learning disabilities and autistic people effectively and compassionately.
By funding this training, LDSS is helping to remove financial barriers and make it easier for professionals across the sector to access high-quality, evidence-based learning. The training is a key part of the government’s commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for people with learning disabilities and autism. The Oliver McGowan training is available in two tiers, depending on the role and level of contact staff have with people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It is delivered by trained facilitators, including experts by experience, and is underpinned by the Core Capabilities Framework.
For more information on how to access the training through LDSS funding - Please Click here and for further information and FAQs about Oliver McGowan Training please visit: https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/learning-disability/current-projects/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism/faqs-oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-0
Good News Stories -Nursing Home Celebrates Diwali, The Festival of Lights
Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a day dedicated to culture, cuisine, and community.
The home, which supports individuals on a cognitive journey, marked the occasion with traditional food, music, dancing, and colourful decorations. Team members from the Hindu community shared their culture, creating an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone
Members of the kitchen team, Gurjeet and Jisho, prepared a delicious menu of traditional Indian dishes, including sweet and sour cauliflower, beef curry with vegetable rice, chickpea curry, and vermicelli pudding — all of which were enjoyed by everyone.
The team transformed the dining room and lounge with colourful decorations and lights, creating a welcoming and immersive space where family members, team members, and visitors could come together. Everyone enjoyed watching a traditional Hindu dance performance by a team member, while others came in on their day off and brought their children along, adding an intergenerational element to the celebration.
The Devon Nursing Home said “We’re proud to have such a diverse team and to share in the spirit of Diwali - a time of light, renewal and community. Wishing happiness and peace to all who mark the occasion.”
If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/
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