Month: October 2024

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is regarded as the central body overseeing care standards in the UK. Its regulatory framework, established in 2009, sets benchmarks for quality across care providers.

A recent review, led by Dr Penny Dash, highlights several challenges facing the CQC. These challenges lie particularly in its operational efficiency, reporting, and sector expertise.

The findings suggest there’s room for other means of validating and upskilling care organisations.

Care providers can benefit from going beyond traditional regulatory ratings. Independent training accreditation offers an alternative route to showcase commitment to higher standards.

 

CQC Review: Key Insights

Dr Dash’s May 2024 review uncovered several operational inefficiencies in the CQC. These include inspection backlogs, registration delays, and slow adoption of their new Single Assessment Framework (SAF). This leaves care providers frustrated with delays in feedback, unclear statements and inconsistent ratings.

The review gathered input from over 300 people, including care professionals, CQC staff, and service users.

Providers have noted a loss of sector-specific expertise within the CQC, further compounding concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of inspections. This loss of expertise is a result of a 2023 restructuring.

Dr Dash’s findings acknowledge the vital role of the CQC. However, they also raise questions about how well a good CQC rating reflects the quality of care within an organisation.

A second review will be published in 2025. Over the next 12 months, the CQC will work to rebuild expertise and improve performance.

 

The Value of Accreditation

Accreditation offers care providers a proactive way to show their dedication to high-quality services. We help organisations become accredited training centres. Organisations can train staff with bespoke and ready-to-use learning materials on a wide range of care topics. Our materials provide care workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver the highest standard of care.

By becoming accredited, care providers can tailor their training programmes, track learner progress through our online portal, and issue certificates.

 

Accreditation as a Quality Marker

CQC ratings offer an overview of a care provider’s performance. Accreditation dives deeper into the day-to-day operations and continuous professional development of staff.

Independent accreditation reflects an organisation’s ongoing commitment to quality. This offers a more comprehensive picture of the care being delivered.

Our accreditation process includes access to learning materials, such as presentation slides and lesson plans. These resources enhance staff capabilities and ensure providers can confidently maintain and exceed regulatory standards.

 

Become an Accredited Training Centre

Prove your dedication to quality care. Highlight your strengths, support your staff, and offer a clear signal of quality to those you care for and their families.

While the CQC continues to refine its processes, accreditation through Advantage Accreditation offers a valuable, forward-thinking alternative.

For more information on becoming an accredited training centre, contact Advantage Accreditation today.

World Menopause Day, 18th October, raises awareness about menopause and the support available for those experiencing it. 

This year’s theme is Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT).

What is Menopause?

Menopause refers to a change in hormone levels in people who experience periods. This can include women, transgender men and non-binary people. It usually begins between age 45 and 55 but can begin earlier.

Symptoms include fatigue, hot flashes, anxiety and insomnia. MHT, also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), can offer some relief from symptoms. However, they still have a huge impact on work and personal life. 

Menopause in the Workplace

In the UK, around 4 million people in the workforce are experiencing menopause (Department for Work & Pensions).  59% of menopausal women say it negatively affects their work (CIPD).

It is important to support those experiencing menopause to retain valuable talent, support productivity, and maintain an inclusive workplace. 

The Role of Education

At Advantage Accreditation, we believe education is the most powerful tool to create more supportive environments. Knowing the facts helps reduce stigma and increase empathy and inclusivity. 

We provide accreditation for a wide range of training providers. We are proud to work with Menopause Experts, providing accreditation for their training. If you are looking for more information about menopause, please visit their website.

Employers have a responsibility to support their employees. This not only improves the well-being of employees but also encourages employee retention and productivity (). We highly recommend training on menopause for all workplaces. This can range from awareness on symptoms to in-depth training on supportive measures, such as flexible working, temperature control, policy change, healthcare access etc. Some workplaces choose to appoint menopause champions. 

By raising awareness and equipping individuals with the tools to support their colleagues, education becomes a powerful force for change.

Celebrate World Menopause Day by committing to education, understanding, and support—for a healthier, more inclusive workplace for all.

If you are interested in becoming an accredited training centre, please contact Advantage Accreditation.

This year, World Mental Health Day (WMHD) focuses on the critical theme of Mental Health at Work. At Advantage Accreditation, we understand the importance of creating supportive, mentally healthy work environments. Education is key to achieving this, and our accredited training centres play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering positive change in the workplace.

Poor mental health at work not only affects individual well-being but can also impact productivity, job satisfaction, and overall workplace morale. That’s why WMHD 2024 is advocating for mental health reform, encouraging businesses and training providers to prioritise mental health education. By providing staff with access to mental health training and resources, workplaces can actively combat stress, burnout, and stigma, creating environments where employees feel supported.

At Advantage Accreditation, we’re committed to empowering training centres to deliver high-quality learning materials that support mental health awareness and education. Our resources are designed to help organisations integrate mental health training into their workplace, fostering open communication, reducing stigma, and promoting healthier work cultures. From awareness to action, high-quality education can make a real difference in how mental health is perceived and managed at work.

Becoming an accredited training centre with Advantage Accreditation allows you to access a comprehensive range of learning materials that can transform your workplace. These resources empower staff to better understand mental health issues, recognise signs of distress, and take proactive steps toward supporting colleagues. By offering education that combats workplace stress and stigma, you help create a workplace that values well-being and resilience.

Join us in supporting World Mental Health Day 2024 by becoming an accredited training centre, and by making mental health a priority in your workplace. Please contact Advantage Accreditation to enquire.

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to educate and reduce stigma around Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite being one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD is often misunderstood. 

What is ADHD?

ADHD affects both children and adults. Symptoms include difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD impacts how individuals live their daily life, their relationships, and their mental health. It is complex and manifests in different ways, from forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks to struggling with time management and emotional regulation.

Facts About ADHD:

• ADHD affects around 5% of children worldwide (NICE).  
• In the UK, 3%-4% of adults are diagnosed with ADHD (NICE).  
• About half of children with ADHD in the UK feel unsupported by their school (ADHD Foundation).

Accessing the right diagnosis and support is a huge challenge.

Spreading Awareness

The key to breaking down stigma is education. To help create understanding and reduce misconceptions, we need to share accurate information. You can support ADHD Awareness Month through social media (#ADHDAwarenessMonth), local events, or conversations with colleagues, friends and family. 

Those who support individuals with ADHD, for example, health and social care staff, require ongoing education. We support over 100 organisations in the UK to deliver training to an excellent standard. This includes training programmes that teach care staff to understand and respond to the needs of individuals with neurodiverse conditions. Through training, we can help improve the quality of care and promote better outcomes for all.

Advantage Accreditation supports organisations to achieve excellence in training. We make sure every learner is equipped to make a positive impact. To find out more, please contact us.