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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.
Capacity Tracker Mandatory Submission Window is Currently Open!
Please note that the ‘Capacity Tracker mandatory data submission’ window opened on 8 March, the window will remain open for mandatory updates until 23:59pm on Monday 16 March.
Please remember that there is a statutory obligation which requires all registered providers to submit data via the Capacity Tracker between the 8th and 14th day of every month (or next working day). Providers risk being issued with a Notice of Intent if they do not update mandatory data for 3 months consecutively or 4 times within a 12-month rolling period.
Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership Multi‑Agency Risk Management Framework
From 9 March 2026, partner agencies across Torbay and Devon will begin using the Multi‑Agency Risk Management (MARM) Framework. MARM does not replace existing risk management frameworks but supports agencies to work together on complex, high‑risk situations where other risk management frameworks such as Section 42 safeguarding criteria are not met and there is a need for partner agencies to come together and share in the risk and action plan.
Why this matters for adult social care providers
You are often the first to notice early warning signs of high risk, patterns of behaviour, or changes that may indicate growing risk.
By sharing these emerging concerns with statutory partners:
- you help agencies recognise and act on high risk sooner
- your observations can support the evidence base for a MARM if one is needed
- agencies can act earlier to prevent significant harm and achieve better outcomes for adults
Find out more
Guidance, FAQs and a short video explaining the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership are available on the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership website.
NHS Torbay and South Devon Pop Up Sessions for 2026 - Restore 2 Facilitator
These sessions are currently FREE for care home providers within the Torbay and South Devon footprint. Delivered live via Microsoft Teams by our Subject Matter Experts.
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Oral Care – 8 May and 10 July 1:00pm – 2:00pm
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Bowel Care – 10 April, 12 June 1:00pm – 2:00pm
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Infection Control Matters – 17 March 2:00pm – 2:40pm
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Infection Control: Scabies – 17 April 2:00pm – 2:40pm
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Infection Control: ESBL – 22 May 2:00pm-2.40pm
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Infection Control: MRSA – 17 June 2:00pm – 2:40pm
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Infection Control: C’diff- 22 June 2:00pm -2:40pm
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Continence Care – Contact rduh.bladderandbowelsouth@nhs.net to book on 23 April and 21st May)
Additional Training Available via e-Learning on the HIVE
Good News Story
Heanton Nursing Home: A Career in North Devon That Became a Place of Belonging
At Heanton Nursing Home in North Devon, this idea shapes daily life. For Pamela “Pam” Manning, working in dementia and complex care has shown her that distress often comes from fear or confusion that feels completely real.
Meeting people in that reality can be the gentlest form of support.
Pam didn’t start her career in social care. After years as a funeral arranger, she and her husband moved to North Devon. Retirement felt empty, so when she heard about a dementia home nearby, she applied despite having no experience. A personal motivation drove her: her uncle Bill had lived in a dementia home before passing away, and she had been heartbroken seeing how poorly he had been cared for. She promised herself she would make a difference in his memory.
On her first day, Pam spent hours walking the corridors with Lillian, a resident who was often anxious and restless. Then, suddenly, Lillian stopped to admire “beautiful blue flowers” on the floor—flowers Pam couldn’t see. Instead of correcting her, Pam bent down, pretended to pick them, and suggested they take them home and bake a cake. Lillian’s smile and the warmth in her eyes changed everything. “That was the moment I understood connection,” Pam says.
From then on, Pam learned to step into the realities residents were living in. She discovered the importance of therapeutic lies—gentle reassurances that protect someone from repeated shock or grief when they can’t retain new information. It isn’t deception but compassion: choosing the response that reduces distress and preserves dignity.
Five years later, Pam believes the heart of care is simple: connection. “This is not just a job,” she says. “Heanton to me is home. They don’t need me; I need them.”
To read the full story : Heanton Nursing Home: A Career in North Devon That Became a Place of Belonging - Heanton Nursing Home
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