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Message from Tandra Forster. Director of Integrated Adult Social Care, Devon County Council.
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed during the incident in Exmouth last week. Your ability to stand up as individuals and teams so quickly, and work so effectively with other organisations and agencies to have such a meaningful impact was remarkable.
Once again, your collective response ensured that people remained safe and well, and that anyone needing ongoing care and support was able to receive it without interruption.
I hope you all managed to take some time to rest over the weekend, and to reflect on the positive difference you made to a neighbourhood and community in Devon. Your actions provided reassurance, stability, and compassion during what was an incredibly stressful and uncertain time for many. Thank you again for everything you did.
Both this event and the recent gas disruption is a reminder to us all about the need to ensure that when incidents like this happen we are as prepared as we can be. Please do access the and make sure your plans are in place and up to date.
Tandra, Director of Integrated Adult Social Care, Devon County Council.
Information for Care Home Providers
KPI Pilot Workshops Completed
Thank you to everyone who attended our second KPI pilot workshop this week. We were delighted with the strong turnout and the valuable discussions and questions shared.
The KPI pilot is a key part of the new Adult Social Care, Care Home Contract and is designed to improve quality, consistency, and outcomes across all care homes working with DCC.
What Happens Next
We are developing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document based on queries from both workshops. Next week we will share:
- The workshop slides
- The FAQ document
- A Microsoft Form for providers to submit any further questions
Save the Date – County Care Home Forum
Our next County Care Home Forum will be hosted by Helen Black, Commissioning and Market Development Manager. Helen will introduce the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for care homes, developed collaboratively through the Information Resources Group. The session will give providers the chance to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. Webinar link to be emailed out next week.
Care Home Forum - Tuesday 3 February - 14:00–15:30 - Online webinar
Safeguarding Adult Concern Guidance for Provider Services Partners
The Devon Care Home Collaborative supported the production of helpful safeguarding guidance for providers and led on producing a safeguarding quick guide on when to raise a concern.
The guidance was first published in 2022 with the centralisation of Devon County Council Safeguarding Adults Hubs into one Devon Safeguarding Adults Service. It aims to support Providers decision-making on when to raise a safeguarding concern with the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service and when a concern may not be considered a reportable concern. The Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership wants to remind Provider Services of this guidance published on its website to support and empower decision making around safeguarding concerns. It can be accessed on the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership website in the ‘provider safeguarding guidance’ section from this link: Policy and guidance - Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership.
Provider Services can also use these direct links to the guidance to support decision making:
Please note that the guidance should be used in conjunction with professional judgement and is not a substitute for the policies and procedures required of organisations who provide care and support services to ensure safe care. Providers can contact the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service for support where such decisions require further discussion and clarity.
Flourish Seeks Feedback on eLearning Courses
Flourish is calling on social care providers to share their training needs and help shape the future of eLearning. With over 134 courses available, including topics like safeguarding, infection control, and GDPR, Flourish aims to cover all essential areas. However, they want to know what additional courses could better support your staff.
"We're committed to continuously improving our offerings," said a Flourish spokesperson. "Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify and fill any training gaps."
Providers can share their input by filling out the contact form on the Flourish website. This initiative is part of Flourish's ongoing partnership with Devon County Council, which offers part-funded social care courses for adult care providers in the area. This opportunity has been extended until 31st March 2026. https://flourish.co.uk
Good News Story -
Beacon House Care Home in Dartmouth Completes Resident-Led Refurbishment Reflecting Warmth, Comfort and Community
Beacon House, part of Centrum Care Homes Group, has unveiled its newly refurbished communal spaces following a carefully planned three-month project shaped in close collaboration with residents and their families.
The refurbishment has transformed all shared areas with fresh colour palettes, new flooring, updated plasterwork and beautifully chosen furnishings - all designed to create a comfortable, calming and homely environment. More than an upgrade, the project has been a true celebration of community and connection.
What made the project stand out was the active involvement of residents throughout every stage. From setting timelines to choosing colours and furniture, their ideas and preferences shaped the end result. Regular meetings with residents and relatives ensured open communication and a shared sense of pride in the progress.
Resident, Angela Widdicomb, aged 86, said: "I love the look of the home now. I liked that we were asked for our opinion and were involved throughout, from helping choose the colours, meeting the team that were going to be doing the work and then also seeing it all come together."
Resident, Gail Etheridge, aged 95, said: "What a difference this has made. I love the colours. It was great to be involved from the start, with samples being shown to us, colours chosen together. The team also invited families in and they became involved too. The whole Beacon House team were great throughout the process and worked so hard to ensure that we were happy and cared for."
Sarah Tremlett, Registered Manager at Beacon House, said:
“This refurbishment has brought our community even closer together. Our residents helped shape every element of the work, and their ideas, input and enthusiasm have truly made it special. The spaces feel fresh, calm and welcoming - but more importantly, they feel like home. We’re incredibly proud of the result and grateful to everyone who played a part.”
For more information on Beacon House and Centrum Care Homes, click here: https://www.centrumcarehomes.co.uk/beacon-house.
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