CMM - OFF THE PAGE

CMM Magazine

CMM – OFF THE PAGE is a podcast brought to you by CMM magazine. The podcast is hosted by respected leaders in the social care sector alongside CMM’s editorial team and is essential listening for all decision makers working in the sector. Guest speakers will equip listeners with take-home advice developed from learned experience having overcome the very problems we strive to solve in each episode. Topics include everything from legal challenges and recruitment strategies to supporting workforce wellbeing and technology innovations in the social care sector. CMM – OFF THE PAGE adds to CMM’s portfolio of content, which already delivers daily news, blogs, a monthly magazine and CMM Insight events. Subscription is FREE and is available to listen to via Spotify and iTunes. Podcasts will be published every other month.Visit www.caremanagementmatters.co.uk for more information and visit CMM’s Twitter feed for updates. To get involved in the podcast, contact: editor@caremanagementmatters.co.uk 

  1. 08/04/2025

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | HOW DOES SOCIAL CARE FIT IN TO THE 10 YEAR HEALTH PLAN?

    Season 2, Episode 4: How does social care fit in to the 10 Year Health Plan? The second season of CMM OFF THE PAGE returns with everything you need to know about how adult social care fits in to the 10 Year Health Plan, alongside commentary concerning the recent Spending Review.  This episode was co-hosted by Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Co-Chairman at the National Care Association (NCA), and Geoffrey Cox, Managing Director at Southern Healthcare, joined the conversation as a guest speaker.  The recording took place following the presentation of Government’s Spending Review on 11th June and the highly anticipated 10 Year Health Plan on 3rd July. The conversation dived in to how the adult social care sector is already supporting the NHS and how it stands ready to facilitate the Plan’s ambitious objectives to deliver care closer to home.   However, the discussion quickly turned to focus on the Plan’s shortcomings in fully acknowledging the wide-ranging capabilities of the sector to support the NHS to thrive. Here, our speakers sought to address whether a healthy NHS can truly exist without a healthy adult social care sector functioning alongside it as an equal and valued partner.  The podcast concluded with an overview of the recent Spending Review and our speakers expressed general disappointment that once again, allocated funding has not been ringfenced for adult social care, without which, meaningful reform is unlikely to be achieved.  Episode speakers  Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Co-Chairman at the National Care Association (NCA)  Nadra was elected National Care Association (NCA) Chairman in 2001, a position now shared with Ian Turner following a merger with the Registered Nursing Home Association (RNHA). Nadra is a Co-convenor of the Cavendish Coalition, and she continues to serve on Government taskforces and advisory committees. Nadra also holds numerous positions within voluntary organisations delivering services to vulnerable people. In 2023, Nadra was awarded the CBE for her continued services to social care.  Geoffrey Cox, Managing Director at Southern Healthcare Geoffrey Cox is Managing Director of Southern Healthcare and a Board member of Devon Care Homes Collaborative, which provides inter-home support, collaborates with commissioners and shares best practice. Geoffrey is also Chief Executive Officer of The Eden Alternative UK. The ‘Eden Alternative’ philosophy of care aims to eradicate loneliness, helplessness and boredom in care settings in a programme focussing on modern leadership principles, key domains of wellbeing and key principles underpinning quality of life. Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    52 min
  2. 10/25/2024

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CARE QUALITY COMMISSION'S (CQC'S) SINGLE ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK (SAF)

    Season 2, Episode 3: Everything you need to know about the care quality commission’s (cqc’s) single assessment framework (saf) The second season of CMM OFF THE PAGE continues with everything you need to know about the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) single assessment framework (SAF), as the regulator continues to dominate social care headlines.  This episode was co-hosted by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive at Care England, and Philippa Doyle, Partner and Head of Social Care at Hempsons solicitors, and Sharon Lowrie, Chief Executive Officer at Be Caring, the UK’s largest employee-owned social care provider, joined the conversation as expert guests.  This recording took place following the publication of Dr Penny Dash’s interim review into the operational effectiveness of the CQC and the subsequent statement issued by the regulator about re-building a trusted approach to its regulation. The conversation dives in to the SAF’s promising foundations and how the sector initially welcomed its proposed simplification of the inspection and reporting process. However, discussion quickly turned to focus on the SAF’s disappointing implementation, and the wider issues impacting the CQC at this time.   Since the recording, the sector has welcomed the publication of the final report of Dr Penny Dash’s review and the first report of the independent review of the SAF by Professor Sir Mike Richards and stands ready to support the re-establishment of an effective regulator.  Episode speakers  Professor Martin Green OBE Martin Green has had an extensive career in non-governmental organisation (NGO) development, both in the UK and internationally, and is Chief Executive of Care England, the largest representative body for independent social care services in the UK. He is a Trustee of the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH), Vice President of the Care Workers Charity (CWC), Champion of The National Aids Trust and Commissioner of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.  Philippa Doyle Philippa leads Hempsons’ social care team, specialises in CQC work and has significant experience of working both for and against, which gives her a unique insight and the ability to offer pragmatic advice. She has over twenty years’ experience in the health and social care sector and with a varied workload including information governance, safeguarding, Court of Protection and consent. She provides extensive registered manager training to aide compliance with the CQC’s fundamental standards.  Sharon Lowrie Sharon joined Be Caring as Chief Executive Officer in April 2018, when the business was known as Care and Share Associates (CASA). Sharon’s immediate aim was to stabilise the organisation financially whilst considering its reputation – having a strategy for the organisation to fulfil its potential as an employee-owned social enterprise. This ambition has led the business on its journey from CASA to Be Caring. Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    49 min
  3. 09/03/2024

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | WHAT DOES THE GENERAL ELECTION OUTCOME MEAN FOR SOCIAL CARE?

    Season 2, Episode 2: What does the general election outcome mean for social care? The second season of CMM OFF THE PAGE continues with a discussion about the outcome of the general election, in which the Labour Party formed a new Government, and its numerous implications for the social care sector. This episode was co-hosted by Professor Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer at the National Care Forum (NCF), and Martin Rix, Chief Executive Officer at Belong, Melanie Williams, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and Isaac Samuels, Co-production Advisor at Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), joined the conversation as expert guests. The sector has reacted with disappointment to Government's recent announcements concerning the withdrawal of the Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund and the indefinite postponement of the Adult Social Care charging reforms. What will the fallout be, and will Government introduce any new measures? In addition, listen to get up to speed with the first 100 days in office, pick apart Labour's manifesto pledges, understand the role of local government and recognise social care as being integral to economic growth. Episode speakers Professor Vic Rayner OBE Vic chairs Government’s national workforce and national social care advisory groups, is a regular national and international speaker and has extensive knowledge and expertise across a wide range of care, support, housing and social policy agendas. Vic also Chairs the Global Ageing Network and has worked extensively with international partners on key areas of innovation and change. Martin Rix Martin Rix is Chief Executive at Belong, a not-for-profit provider specialising in the care and support of older people, many of whom live with dementia. Belong runs eight ‘Care villages’ providing a range of residential care, independent living and support options, as well as extensive communal amenities. It also runs home care and day care services from each location. Melanie Williams Melanie has over 30 years’ leadership experience, working in local government, the NHS and the voluntary sector. Currently Corporate Director for Adult Social Care and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, Melanie is also ADASS  President, following leadership roles as Policy Trustee, Mental Health Policy Lead and Social Justice Priority Lead.   Isaac Samuels Isaac Samuels has dedicated his career to social justice, focusing on elevating and advancing equality for individuals from racialised backgrounds. Recognising that harm is a lived experience for many due to racism, Isaac has contributed to various programmes, including the NHS Assembly, Think Local Act Personal and most recently, the All-Parliamentary Group on adult social care. His work in delivering co-production across multiple systems has established him as a respected community campaigner and co-production advisor. Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    58 min
  4. 05/14/2024

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | THE NEXT STEPS IN DIGITISING SOCIAL CARE

    Season 2, Episode 1: The next steps in digitising social care In this episode, our expert speakers set out to improve your knowledge of digital technologies and their potential to enhance outcomes for both providers and people drawing on care and support.  The speakers also aim to increase your awareness of providers’ data protection obligations and cyber security strategies. In addition, this episode discusses the latest funding opportunities for providers, where to access them and other ongoing financial commitments to support digitisation. Furthermore, providers can expect to learn about best practise strategies for identifying, co-producing and implementing broad ranging technology solutions, and how you can get the most out of your assured solutions provider.  Episode speakers:  Liz Jones Liz is Policy Director at the National Care Forum (NCF). Liz leads the policy and research team, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer on influencing and championing NCF members’ voice, is responsible for membership support and engagement and leads the research work for the organisation.  Liz has a strong background in social policy, care and support and health and housing, with over 20 years’ experience across the civil service, local government and the charity sector, including Methodist Homes (MHA), Nottingham City Council and Manchester City Council.  Liz has strong research and analytical skills, along with consultation/engagement skills and brings with her a passion for ensuring that the voices and views of people and communities are central to policy development and implementation.  Liz in on the Board of Trustees at Dementia Carers Count (DCC), a charity that supports the emotional and practical needs of the 700,000 families living with dementia in the UK.  Beverly Futtit Beverly is Digital Transformation Lead at the NCF. She leads on the digital offer to NCF members at a time when the digital transformation agenda in social care is gaining pace and volume. Digital technology can bring huge benefits to those who access care and support services and to the organisations who deliver those services.  Having seen the benefits of digital care but also understanding the challenges of implementation, Beverly is dedicated to supporting adult social care providers to successfully adopt digital technology and processes.  Beverly is an experienced adult social care leader and has extensive experience across a range of functions in adult social care, including local authority commissioning, regional management of a specialist housing and support provider and more recently, running a charity providing specialist advice and support to adult social care providers around workforce development and quality improvement, which includes the delivery of a range of digital projects. Hannah Groombridge Hannah is Head of Healthcare Engagement at Person Centred Software. Hannah supports the building of partnerships throughout health and social care pathways to facilitate sharing of care records on a local, regional and national level.  Hannah is passionate about digital transformation within the care industry and believes that improving the flow of data between services enables better quality care and support for individuals through their journey. Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    55 min
  5. 02/23/2024

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF THE HOMECARE WORKFORCE

    Episode 10: Supporting the wellbeing of the Homecare workforce In this episode, we hear from Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association, Sharon Lowrie, Chief Executive of Be Caring, and David Glover, Chief Executive of Caremark. Together they explore ways to create an environment where care workers feel valued, drawing on personal anecdotes and discussing how to give carers more autonomy, a sense of belonging and the feeling they are making a valued contribution in the community.    With over half of providers delivering less care than they did 12 months ago, despite demand for homecare increasing since the beginning of 2022, they discuss the inconsistency of carers’ income and how that devalues the workforce. The importance of regular touch points for staff and being responsive to the needs of the workforce is discussed, as is the notion that the NHS and care workforce could be viewed as multidisciplinary teams in a geographic area, working together to support people.    David Glover highlights the value of an employee carer engagement app to help carers feel part of a team and Sharon Lowrie shares her strategies for retaining staff and a new model for paying carers. Jane Townson shares the Homecare Association’s call to Government and what the 10-year workforce plan should look like for social care.  Episode Speakers: David Glover, Chief Executive, Caremark David Glover is a solicitor and a leading UK franchising specialist. In 1996 David was ranked as one of the leading franchise solicitors in the UK. He then left the legal profession to pursue his franchising talents further, developing the global brand Subway Sandwiches across the South East. He opened some of the first Subways in the UK and went on to build up an extensive territory of stores, before selling the company in 2001. Now, as Joint Chief Executive Officer of Caremark, David is dedicated to growing the business and delivering exceptional home care to as many people across the UK as possible. Sharon Lowrie, Chief Executive, Be Caring Sharon joined Be Caring as Chief Executive Officer in April 2018, when the business was known as Care and Share Associates (CASA). Sharon’s immediate aim was to stabilise the organisation financially whilst considering its reputation – having a strategy for the organisation to fulfil its potential as an employee-owned social enterprise. This ambition has led the business on its journey from CASA to Be Caring. Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive, The Homecare Association Jane has extensive experience in the social care, health, housing, and technology sectors. She is Chair of the Board of Kraydel; formerly CEO Somerset Care Group; Chairman YourLife (JV with McCarthy & Stone); and Vice Chair UKHCA. Jane’s first career was in international leadership roles in research and development in ICI, AstraZeneca, and Syngenta, where she was Global Head of Bioscience Research. She then established her own business providing consultancy and training on the link between lifestyle factors and public health, working with private individuals and public sector organisations. Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    1h 2m
  6. 11/23/2023

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | UNDERSTANDING WORKFORCE DATA

    Episode 9: Understanding workforce data - How care providers can effectively interpret data to strengthen service delivery In this episode Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive of Skills for Care, takes us through the details of Skills for Care’s The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England report, which reveals demographic trends in the sector and five key variables on what providers need to consider if they are to aid workforce retention. Oonagh highlights the opportunity that the sector has to tailor roles to suit individual needs, such as contract styles and progression to management. She also outlines Skills for Care’s big ambitions for the years ahead with regards to the Workforce Strategy. Anna Severwright, Co-convener at Social Care Future, shares her personal experience of hiring Personal Assistants and explains what she considers when recruiting and urges providers to do everything possible so people drawing on care can life a gloriously ordinary life. Providers, Angela Farrow (General Manager and CQC Registered Manager, Home Instead) and Dave Wint (Registered Manager at The Oaklands, Nottinghamshire) share how they support staff in their roles and aim to be as flexible as possible to create a positive work environment. The guests also discuss their approach to training new recruits and outline how the Skills for Care data has support their operations and service delivery. All speakers make the case for raising the profile of social care and Oonagh Smyth reminds listeners of the innovation and progressive work taking place in the sector.  Episode Speakers: Dave Wint, Registered Manager – The Oaklands Dave is Registered Manager at The Oaklands.Dave is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history of working in a variety of health and social care settings including colleges, domiciliary care, supported living and residential services.He’s skilled in areas of care and management including coaching, learning disabilities, Ttam building, and compliance. Dave prides himself on being a strong, passionate professional with a supportive person-centred approach to care. He’s motivated by on-going improvement of service delivery that is focussed on successful outcomes for individuals. Angela Farrow, General Manager and CQC Registered Manager, Home Instead Angela is General Manager and CQC Registered Manager at Home Instead, covering South Leicestershire and Rutland. Their domiciliary care company has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).Since 2018, Angela has been Chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland Registered Managers Support Group, which is sponsored by Skills for Care with a small grant from the Department of Health and Social care.Professionally Angela is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, qualified in ‘Health and Social Care and in Coaching and Mentoring’.  Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive, Skills for Care Oonagh Smyth is Chief Executive of Skills for Care. For seven years she was Executive Director of Strategy and Influence at Mencap leading a directorate of around 500 people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Oonagh has held roles at the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action and the Northern Ireland Equality Commission, senior roles in Westminster Equalities Partnership and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. She is a former Co-Chair of the Care and Support Alliance. Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    1h 5m
  7. 10/11/2023

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIAL CARE

    Episode 8: The future of technology in social care  In this episode of CMM OFF THE PAGE, Professor Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive of National Care Forum (NCF), reviews the Government’s commitment to technology in social care, explains the role technology can play in supporting the social care workforce, comments on why the UK care sector must keep pace with technological change, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, and Vic also encourages providers to embrace data and ensure that people drawing on care are part of the discussions. Adam Hunt, Former Digital Transformation Lead at the NCF, updates on the learning and development offerings on offer for providers and details some of the barriers when implementing technology. Joanna Scammell, Managing Director for Technology Enabled Care (TEC) at Community Integrated Care, shares examples of how the charity is developing technology to support people to live independently and safely – and talks on the importance of personalisation.  The Digital Social Care website has now got a new name. It’s now called the Digital Care Hub and can be found here: https://www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/ Episode Speakers: Professor Vic Rayner OBE Professor Vic Rayner OBE is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Care Forum, joining the organisation in 2016. As CEO she is the chair of the government Strategic Advisory Forum on the social care workforce, co-chair of the National Social Care Advisory Group on social care and technology and sits on a range of government and national specialist groups with a focus on the social care workforce, digital transformation, new models of care and regulation.Vic is a regular national and international speaker and has extensive knowledge and expertise across a wide range of care, support, housing and social policy agendas. Prior to joining the NCF, she was the CEO of Sitra, a leading national membership body championing excellence in housing, health, care and support. Vic is a trustee of Hestia, a leading London charity providing care and support as well as The Care Workers Charity. Vic was previously the independent Chair of the Brighton and Hove Fairness Commission, tackling inequalities and promoting social justice within the locality. Vic has an MBA (Distinction), MA and BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021.  Joanna Scammell Joanna Scammell is the Managing Director for Technology Enabled Care for national social care charity, Community Integrated Care. In her role, she leads on the development and implementation of technology enabled solutions for people supported by the organisation, across England and Scotland.  With a passion for technology and a doctorate in research, Joanna has most recently led the development of a Virtual Care Centre, the deployment of an integrated care record and established a care coordination centre using workflow technology. Joanna also co-chairs the National Care Forum’s ‘Digital Transformation Forum’. Adam Hunt Adam joined the National Care Forum (NCF) in January 2022 with previous experience in digital and technology alongside promoting and supporting the adoption of assistive and enabling technology. Adam left the NCF in 2023 and The National Care Forum has welcomed Beverly Futtit into the Digital Transformation Lead role.  Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    50 min
  8. 09/13/2023

    CMM OFF THE PAGE | BEST PRACTICE IN SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

    Episode 7: Best practice in supporting people with Dementia This episode of CMM OFF THE PAGE explores how collaboration and person-centered care are integral to supporting people living with dementia whilst placing innovation at the heart of provision. This month’s guests also highlight the importance of community, opportunities to maintain social connections and looking for ways that care providers can work together. Guest speakers also explain the specialist strategies needed to enhance the experiences of residents with dementia and explore what can be taken from other social care settings to support individuals and workers. Episode Speakers: Eddie Coombes  Eddie is the Chief Executive of Optima Healthcare group of companies which focuses on providing care to vulnerable adults with complex needs. These services have two areas of care which includes dementia / complex nursing services in residential care homes as well as support for people with learning disabilities and autism in both residential and supported living settings. As a care provider Optima’s focus is to deliver care to the most vulnerable part of society who sometimes cannot access good care and support.   Dr Richard Ward  Dr Ward is a Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences. His background is in social work specialising in working with older people and people with dementia in particular. As a result, he has an interest in social care practice and the evolving landscape of dementia care and is also a member of the British Society of Gerontology and the British Sociological Association and belong to the BSA study group on Ageing, the Body and Society. Much of the research that he’s been involved in has been participatory and he is particularly interested in using methods that can support people with dementia to meaningfully participate in research. Current interests include dementia and place, with a focus on the lived experience of dementia in time and space. Richard is also part of a knowledge partnership leading a dementia enabling community development project across Stirling called 'Our Connected Neighbourhoods'.   Amanda Gardiner   Amanda has worked in the NHS as a registered nurse and has been working in the social care sector for the last twenty five years –  ten years as a care home manager and 15 years as a care home owner. She has two care homes in Dorset, both specialising in caring for older people with dementia and Amanda is on the Dorset Care Association Board. Her PhD research focuses on the processes and the lack of person centered pathways involved in ‘transitional care’ for older people with dementia moving into long term care from the perspective of care home providers.    Robin Hall   Robin works for Oaklands Rest Home, a small residential care home on the edge of the New Forest caring for up to 29 residents, most of whom have some degree of cognitive impairment. She works in electronics and broadcast before moving into social care and have an interest in how providers use innovation and technology to optimise the care they can give, and the performance of their businesses. Serving on the board of the Hampshire Care Association has helped Robyn to learn from a wide variety of providers and share experiences with peers in other organisations.  Join the #CMMOFFTHEPAGE conversation and visit CMM's Twitter channels at @CMM_Magazine and share your feedback and thoughts on each episode. CMM Magazine 💚 (@cmm_magazine) / Twitter To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube

    33 min

About

CMM – OFF THE PAGE is a podcast brought to you by CMM magazine. The podcast is hosted by respected leaders in the social care sector alongside CMM’s editorial team and is essential listening for all decision makers working in the sector. Guest speakers will equip listeners with take-home advice developed from learned experience having overcome the very problems we strive to solve in each episode. Topics include everything from legal challenges and recruitment strategies to supporting workforce wellbeing and technology innovations in the social care sector. CMM – OFF THE PAGE adds to CMM’s portfolio of content, which already delivers daily news, blogs, a monthly magazine and CMM Insight events. Subscription is FREE and is available to listen to via Spotify and iTunes. Podcasts will be published every other month.Visit www.caremanagementmatters.co.uk for more information and visit CMM’s Twitter feed for updates. To get involved in the podcast, contact: editor@caremanagementmatters.co.uk