Homecare Association

11/06/2026

⚠️ Guidance Alert: Supporting Staff Safety During Civic Unrest

In light of recent civil unrest and protests, it is important that homecare providers review their arrangements for keeping staff safe while delivering care in the community.

Homecare Association members can access guidance covering risk assessments, staff safety during demonstrations, lone working arrangements, personal safety measures and emergency contact protocols to support contingency planning and workforce wellbeing.

🔗 Read and download the guidance here (member-only):

We are the UK’s membership body for homecare providers. Together we ensure that homecare is valued so that everyone can live well at home and flourish within their communities.

10/06/2026

Homecare Association member Caremark - Hull, East Riding, York, Selby & North Lincolnshire is embracing a greener approach to homecare with an expanded fleet of eBikes. 🚲💚

The provider has added 12 new eBikes to help care assistants travel more efficiently between visits while reducing emissions.

Since introducing the eBikes, average journey times for those using them have fallen from 17-minutes to just 5-minutes - helping the team provide more responsive care while reducing reliance on cars.

It's fantastic to see homecare providers finding innovative ways to improve sustainability and enhance care delivery for local communities.

🔗Read the full story here: https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/resource/ebikes-help-deliver-greener-more-efficient-home-care.html

09/06/2026

Ready to strengthen your homecare service and expand your expertise?

Our online training supports you at every stage.

Upcoming sessions will help you to:

🔸 Gain practical guidance to achieve sponsor licence compliance
🔸 Strengthen approaches to safeguarding people in need of care
🔸 Develop the skills needed to deliver high-quality end of life care
🔸 Understand best practice for delivering delegated healthcare activities effectively in homecare

🔗 Book your place and explore the full schedule of webinars and workshops: https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/trainingandevents.html

05/06/2026

More good news stories from our wonderful members. 🧡

Our latest update includes stories on a duck race, an NHS vaccination service, Dementia Friends sessions, a new fleet of eBikes, and more...

Please read, share and celebrate!👏

https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/news-and-opinion/good-news.html
With thanks to Barclay Specialist Care, Walfinch Leicester and Loughborough, Caremark - Hull, East Riding, York, Selby & North Lincolnshire, Caremark Harrogate, Caremark Leeds & Bradford, Radfield Home Care Liverpool North & Sefton. Walfinch Home Care Watford and Hemel Hempstead, Radfield Home Care Chester & Ellesmere Port, and Hales Group.

02/06/2026

⚠️ Medication Recall Alert for Homecare Providers

The MHRA has issued a precautionary recall of a batch of Ramipril capsules following a packaging error.

If your organisation supports people who take this medication, please review the recall notice and take any necessary action.

🔗 Read the full recall notice and guidance:

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a precautionary recall of blood pressure medication (Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules) after a packaging error. 

28/05/2026

Managing DBS checks shouldn’t slow down your recruitment process.

The Homecare Association Disclosure Service combines a simple online portal with dedicated customer support - helping homecare providers process DBS checks quickly, securely and confidently.

Make your DBS checks process straightforward and supported:

✔️Easy-to-use online portal
✔️Secure and confidential service
✔️Fast turnaround times
✔️First-class customer care

And switching is quick, easy and free.

You only pay per check - making it cost-effective and flexible to try our Disclosure Service.

🔗 Learn more about DBS checks with us: https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/disclosure-service.html

22/05/2026

Paul Cooper and Erica Siwo from the Homecare Association team recently visited our member Third Hand Care in Farnham.

We had a great discussion on the latest in homecare and the work of Third Hand Care, covering a range of topics including commissioning, pay rates, recruitment challenges, and changes to international recruitment.

Rodgers Phiri from Third Hand Care shared the progress the team has made in developing the service, from proudly achieving a CQC Good rating to securing Investors in People accreditation - an internationally recognised standard for people management and workplace culture. 👏

Thank you to Rodgers and the team for the warm welcome and insightful catch-up! 🧡

22/05/2026

Keeping up with sector changes while supporting and developing teams can be challenging for .

That’s why Homecare Association members have access to training and events designed specifically for providers - free or at significantly discounted rates.

☑️ Sector-leading homecare conferences and regional events
☑️ Expert-led workshops covering compliance, operations and core care skills
☑️ Webinars on essential topics for running a successful homecare service

We’re here to help homecare providers strengthen their businesses, build skilled teams, and deliver high-quality care. 🚀

Not a member? Don’t worry - many of our training and events are open to non-members also.

🔗 Explore upcoming training and events: https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/trainingandevents.html

20/05/2026

👏 That’s a wrap! Sharon Lowrie, Chair of the Homecare Association Board and Chief Executive of Be Caring closes the conference as she reflects on key insights, celebrates shared achievements, and looks ahead to the future of homecare.

A huge thank you to everyone who joins us today at the Kia Oval, and to those following along online throughout the day. 🧡

💬 As we look back on an inspiring conference, we’d love to hear your reflections.

What were your highlights from ? Let us know in the comments below!

20/05/2026

afternoon plenaries focus on the future of integrated care and regulation, exploring how homecare providers can strengthen local health systems while navigating an evolving regulatory landscape.

🎤 How homecare can contribute to Neighbourhood Health

This session explores the vital role homecare providers play in supporting Neighbourhood Health through collaborative and person-centred approaches that improve outcomes and strengthen local wellbeing.

👥 Panellists:
(Chair) Dr Jane Townson OBE, Homecare Association
Tom Downes, NHS England
Iain Macbeath, Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC and NHS England
Nicola Gitsham, NHS England

🎤 Shaping the future of care regulation

This session examines the future of care regulation, offering practical guidance on CQC requirements, policy developments and approaches providers can take to strengthen quality and navigate regulatory change with confidence.

👥 Speakers:
Natalie Reed, Care Quality Commission
Debbie Westhead, Care Quality Commission