The QCS Podcast

Quality Compliance Systems
  • 4.5 (2)
  • MEDICINE
  • MONTHLY

Listen to the latest news stories and opinions in the care sector by our care experts.

  1. Health & Safety Podcast - Fire Strategy

    27 MAR

    Health & Safety Podcast - Fire Strategy

    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 fire safety measures, and the evacuation plan. Detailed recommendations are provided for both simple and complex premises, such as maintaining as-built plans, fire safety equipment specifications, and evacuation procedures for disabled persons. Neil stresses that the fire strategy should remain a living document, updated with significant changes, to ensure compliance and enhance safety within the organisation.

    4 min
  2. Health and Safety Podcast - Exposure to Second-hand Smoke

    19 FEB

    Health and Safety Podcast - Exposure to Second-hand Smoke

    In this episode,  Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores a significant issue of exposure to Second-hand smoke.

    5 min
  3. Health and Safety Podcast - Fire Doors

    19 FEB

    Health and Safety Podcast - Fire Doors

    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 detailed checklist for inspecting fire doors to ensure they are in good condition and functioning correctly to enhance fire safety in buildings.

    4 min
  4. Health and Safety Podcast - 'Grey Fleet' Vehicles

    19 FEB

    Health and Safety Podcast - 'Grey Fleet' Vehicles

    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 safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

    5 min
  5. Health and Safety Podcast - Permits to drive

    19/11/2025

    Health and Safety Podcast - Permits to drive

    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 provides detailed recommendations for employers, including assessing driver attitudes and fitness, conducting thorough licence checks, implementing drug and alcohol policies, and maintaining comprehensive records. Neil’s guidance aims to reduce the risk of accidents, ensure legal compliance, and protect both senior managers and their organisations.

    4 min
  6. Health & Safety Podcast - Working at height

    23/10/2025

    Health & Safety Podcast - Working at height

    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 to maintain safety, compliance, and well-being, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and adherence to legal requirements in these settings.

    6 min
  7. Health and Safety Podcast - Remote and mobile workers or RMWs

    20/10/2025

    Health and Safety Podcast - Remote and mobile workers or RMWs

    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-being in flexible work environments.

    6 min
  8. The Care Social Podcast Ep 20: From Daughter to Campaigner: Beth Britton’s Fight for Better Dementia Care

    30/09/2025

    The Care Social Podcast Ep 20: From Daughter to Campaigner: Beth Britton’s Fight for Better Dementia Care

    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 Hear in This Episode Beth’s personal journey from supporting her father with dementia to becoming a leading national voiceWhy she believes dementia needs its own standalone plan separate from the NHS ten-year planThe focus on rehabilitation and community-based support for people living with dementiaHow providers and families can work as true partners in careTraining, resources and practical tips for people living with dementia, carers and professionalsWhy This Matters Beth’s story combines lived experience with decades of frontline work, policy influence and training. This episode offers both a human story and a blueprint for change, with useful tips and information for people living with dementia, carers and family members who are supporting someone with dementia. Listen to Episode 20 🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts About Our Guest: Beth Britton MBE Beth Britton is a writer, consultant and campaigner on dementia and social care. She has worked with government bodies, care providers and charities, and was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to dementia care. Her expertise derives from both her professional work and her personal experience caring for her father, who lived with vascular dementia for many years. Join Our Community Want to know how we support people living with dementia? Take a look at our Dementia Centre We also have a free Dementia Champions Group on LinkedIn. Search Dementia Champions and join. It's free. Useful links from Beth  Beth’s G8 film: https://youtu.be/8QAKEgQMOcU?si=CmXptb6D18-HKlk-  TIDE: https://www.tide.uk.net/ Dementia Carers Count: https://dementiacarers.org.uk/ A good life with dementia: https://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Good-Life-Resource-Pack_Web.pdf My life, my goals: http://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/2021/09/my-life-my-goals/  World Alzheimer Report 2025: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2025/  Wendy’s books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/author/wendy-mitchell/ Dementia Community webinars: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/events/webinars-2  Dementia Community news: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/category/news Beth's website:  http://www.bethbritton.com/

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Listen to the latest news stories and opinions in the care sector by our care experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Quality Compliance Systems
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The QCS Podcast
  • Show Website
    The QCS Podcast