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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.

At Advantage Accreditation, we pride ourselves on our rigorous yet supportive process of accrediting Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses. Whether you’re a training provider or an organisation looking to enhance professional skills, CPD accreditation ensures your courses meet the highest quality standards. Here’s a detailed look at how we work with you from start to finish to accredit your CPD course.

Step 1: Centre Registration

The first step in accrediting your CPD course is becoming an accredited training centre. This process begins with an online registration form, where we collect key details about your organisation, including your facilities, staff qualifications, and commitment to providing structured learning.

During this stage, we will assess whether your organisation has the appropriate setup, including:

• Adequate training facilities
• Suitable equipment
• Safe learning environments in compliance with industry standards

Once your organisation meets our criteria, you’ll receive Centre Approval, allowing you to progress to the next step in the accreditation process.

Step 2: CPD Course Approval

Once your centre is registered, you can submit your course materials for approval. This involves a detailed review of your curriculum, learning resources, and teaching methods. At Advantage, we evaluate whether your course provides learners with valuable knowledge and skills relevant to their profession. We look for:

• Clear learning objectives
• Structured course content
• High-quality resources (presentations, worksheets, etc.)
• Well-designed materials free of errors
• Engaging and effective teaching methods

Our Curriculum Support Team will guide you through any necessary revisions to align your course with the relevant national standards and industry regulations.

Step 3: Trainer Approval

Your trainers are the backbone of your CPD course, so ensuring they have the right expertise is crucial. We require trainers to have sufficient knowledge in their subject area, as well as appropriate teaching qualifications.

During this step, we will review:

• Trainer qualifications and subject knowledge
• Previous teaching and professional experience
• Ability to engage and assess learners effectively

Our team will provide constructive feedback if any gaps in qualifications or knowledge need addressing, ensuring your trainers are well-prepared to deliver CPD-accredited courses.

Step 4: Certification

After your course and trainers are approved, the final step is certification. At this point, you can begin delivering your CPD-accredited courses. Each course will be awarded CPD credits based on the amount of time spent on active learning—typically, one hour of learning equals one CPD credit.

You will also receive dual-branded certificates, which feature both your organisation’s logo and the Advantage Accreditation kitemark. These certificates signify that your training adheres to our high standards, providing learners with credible, verifiable proof of their professional development.

Once your course is accredited, you can proudly display the CPD kitemark on all marketing materials, training resources, and certificates. This stamp of approval boosts your credibility and sets you apart from competitors, demonstrating that your training meets robust, externally verified standards.

You’ll also be listed in our Accredited Centres directory, making it easier for professionals to find and enrol in your courses. The CPD kitemark adds value, showing that your training contributes to ongoing professional growth and career advancement.

Step 5: Ongoing Support

We don’t just leave you once you’re accredited. Our team offers continuous support to ensure your training remains relevant and high-quality. You’ll have access to our online portal where you can:

• Manage courses and schedules
• Track learners’ progress
• Issue certificates
• Monitor performance metrics

We also provide account management services to assist with any questions or updates needed along the way.

Gaining CPD accreditation through Advantage Accreditation is a rewarding and thorough process that ensures your training delivers exceptional value to learners. By aligning your courses with industry standards, you boost your credibility and offer a structured pathway for professional growth.

If you’re ready to get started, contact us today! We’ll guide you through every step, from centre registration to delivering CPD-accredited training.

This Saturday, September 21st, marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a vital part of World Alzheimer’s Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. With more than 55 million people worldwide affected by dementia, we must continue to challenge the stigma and ensure that those providing care have access to the most up-to-date knowledge and training.

At Advantage Accreditation, we are proud to support this important day and encourage everyone to get involved. Whether it’s participating in awareness events, sharing stories of how dementia has affected loved ones, or simply educating yourself about the disease, every action contributes to a greater understanding and more inclusive care.

Why World Alzheimer’s Day Matters

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Early diagnosis and well-informed care can make a significant difference in the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This year’s theme, “Time to Act on Dementia”, focuses on the need for more awareness, better care, and reducing the stigma that still surrounds dementia.

Delivering High-Quality Dementia Care

Providing the best possible care for people with dementia starts with education. Advantage Accreditation offers high-quality, accredited training materials designed to ensure that those caring for individuals with dementia are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices. Our materials are developed in line with the most recent research, so care staff can deliver compassionate, informed care that makes a difference.

Providing Dementia Training

If you are a training provider or an organisation looking to enhance your dementia care, we encourage you to explore accreditation. Becoming an accredited training centre means you’ll have access to resources that ensure your learners are well-prepared to provide top-tier care based on current best practices.

Our courses cover essential topics such as:

• Legislation and standards
• Types of dementia
• Risk factors and diagnosis
• Signs and symptoms
• Medications
• Person-centred approaches
• Therapeutic activities
• Communication

Get Involved

World Alzheimer’s Day is an opportunity to unite in the fight against dementia. Whether you work in health and social care or simply want to support the cause, now is the time to act. 

If you’re interested in becoming a training centre, contact us today to learn how you can start delivering our accredited dementia training courses and make a positive impact on the lives of those living with dementia.

Together, we can make sure that people affected by dementia receive the best care, guided by the latest research and expert knowledge.

For more information or to become a certified training provider, get in touch with us.

In public health, prevention often holds greater significance than treatment itself. As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. Translating this principle into everyday practice has its challenges.

Many individuals live with preventable conditions. Premature deaths from avoidable causes are still prevalent. We need a proactive approach to health and wellness.

Social care plays a critical role in prevention. Through regular interaction with individuals and families, staff can encourage healthier lifestyles.

Introducing the New eLearning Resource 

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), in collaboration with the Royal Society of Public Health, have developed a new eLearning resource. This empowers care providers to prioritise prevention. The eLearning offers practical guidance to staff at adult social care settings.

What’s Inside the eLearning Resource?  

The new resource covers key areas crucial to a prevention-focused approach:

Infection Prevention and Control: Strategies to minimise the spread of infections.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: Techniques to support mental health and emotional resilience.

Healthy Ageing: Advice on promoting healthy ageing practices among residents.

It also addresses the health and well-being of colleagues.

The developers received positive feedback from social care professionals who trialled the resource. Many recommend the eLearning to their peers.

Access the Resource 

The eLearning is free and user-friendly. Staff can even select the topics most relevant to their role.

Click here to access the eLearning.

We’re happy to spread the word about this fantastic resource. We encourage you to share it too!

Thank you to all care professionals for your incredible work. Your dedication supports individuals to live healthier, longer lives. 

If you are interested in becoming an accredited training centre with Advantage Accreditation, please get in touch.

At Advantage Accreditation, our Curriculum Team is committed to maintaining the accuracy and relevance of our training materials. This is especially critical in the health and social care sector, where advancements in science and procedures continually reshape best practices.

We are pleased to announce that our Level 2 Award in Dementia course has been updated to incorporate new information about the Alzheimer’s drug Lecanemab, which has recently received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK. Lecanemab is a groundbreaking, disease-modifying treatment shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 27% in patients with mild symptoms. This represents a significant advancement in dementia care, offering new hope for those affected by the condition.

However, despite the MHRA’s approval, Lecanemab will not be available through the National Health Service (NHS). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has determined that the drug’s high cost, alongside the extensive resources required for its administration—such as fortnightly hospital infusions and intensive patient monitoring—makes it unsuitable for public funding. Consequently, Lecanemab will only be accessible via private healthcare providers in the UK.

To ensure our accredited centres and learners remain well-informed, we have revised our dementia awareness course materials to include these key updates. The revised content addresses both Lecanemab’s efficacy in slowing Alzheimer’s progression and the current limitations on its availability within the NHS.

These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to equipping learners with the most current and accurate information on Alzheimer’s treatment and care.

For further information about becoming an accredited training centre or to learn more about our updated course materials, please contact us. 

As part of our accreditation services, we offer comprehensive training materials to our accredited centres. Our curriculum team work to keep our materials up-to-date and in line with guidance from national bodies.

The team recently added more information to our Level 2 Award in Dementia Awareness course. This now includes additional presentation slides about medications.

The updated dementia awareness presentation now includes information on two experimental drugs: Donanemab and Lecanemab. Both drugs are in the early stages of development and have not yet progressed past clinical trials. Despite their experimental status, they represent a promising advancement in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, a common form of dementia.

These disease-modifying treatments aim to tackle the root causes of Alzheimer’s Disease, rather than just relieving symptoms. This innovative approach could potentially transform the management and progression of the disease, offering hope for more effective long-term treatments.

By including these medications in our curriculum, we can keep learners informed about the latest developments in dementia care and research.

The Advantage Curriculum Team have been able to review and update more courses in a shorter time frame thanks to our newest addition to the team: Lauren. Our team is growing, and Advantage’s staff has doubled since 2021.

To our accredited centres who deliver our Level 2 Award in Dementia Awareness course, please keep an eye on your inbox for the updated presentation slides.

We look forward to delivering more updates and improvements to our courses soon.

If you are interested in becoming an accredited training centre with us, please contact us.

Today is a significant event in the mental health calendar—National Schizophrenia Awareness Day. Observed annually on 25th July, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about schizophrenia, a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. 

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. National Schizophrenia Awareness Day serves as a reminder to educate ourselves and others about the realities of schizophrenia, to dispel myths and stigma, and to advocate for better support and treatment options for those affected.

Why is Schizophrenia Awareness Important?

Breaking Down Stigma: Many people with schizophrenia face prejudice and misunderstanding. By increasing awareness, we can challenge stereotypes and create a more supportive environment.

Promoting Early Intervention: Awareness helps in recognising symptoms sooner, leading to timely intervention and support.

Supporting Caregivers and Families: Families and caregivers play a critical role in the support system for individuals with schizophrenia. Awareness can provide them with the knowledge and resources they need.

Encouraging Research and Funding: Increased awareness can lead to greater investment in research, which is essential for developing better treatments and understanding the condition more thoroughly.

At Advantage Accreditation, we aim to enhance the quality of health and social care through high standards and comprehensive learning resources. We provide accredited learning materials that cover a wide range of topics, including mental health. Our accredited centres can use these materials to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with mental health conditions.

By increasing our understanding and improving our skills, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society for those living with schizophrenia.

For more information about our courses and resources on mental health, please get in touch.

At Advantage Accreditation, we are proud to support Samaritans Awareness Day. This annual event takes place on 24th July (27/4) to remind the public that they can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Samaritans exists to provide support to those suffering from a range of issues, including mental health challenges, loneliness, and crisis situations. Their free, confidential phone line takes a call for help every 10 seconds. Even more people are helped through online chat, email, in-person visits and letters.

They operate throughout the UK and Ireland. Throughout July, many Samaritans branches will host events to raise awareness about their work. You can find your nearest branch on their website.

You can support Samaritans Awareness Day by spreading the word with the hashtag #SamaritansAwarenessDay

If you need support, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 or get in touch online. 

As advocates for excellence in education, we are happy to support the fantastic work of the Samaritans. We also support the education of the public on mental health. Here are some facts from our training courses on mental health:

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem

1 in 10 children and young people will experience a mental health problem

It is likely that we all work with a person or people who have a mental health problem

There are more annual deaths as a result of suicide than road accidents

Just like physical illnesses, mental health disorders are not deliberate or controllable and people require treatment and support to get better

You could have a significant positive impact on a person experiencing a mental health problem by offering support

We offer a range of learning materials on mental health-related topics, including:

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Loss and Bereavement

Understanding Mental Health

These materials are available for our accredited training centres to deliver to their delegates. If you would like access to our high-quality learning materials and support, please get in touch about becoming a centre.

As Pride Month draws to a close, we at Advantage Accreditation want to remind everyone of the importance of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) all year round. Pride Month is a significant time for celebrating members of the LGBTQ+ community, but our commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all people must continue beyond June.

Under the Human Rights Act 1998, everyone has the right to live a life free from discrimination. Under the Equality Act 2010, individuals are protected against discrimination in the workplace and wider society based on the following nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. These terms are used in legislation, however, we recognise that language and identities are ever-evolving.

We offer comprehensive training materials on EDI, which are available to our accredited centres. These materials include:

– Detailed slides on terminology associated with LGBTQ+ groups
– Strategies for promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in various settings
– Guidance on fostering a respectful environment for everyone

If you are interested in delivering accredited training on these topics, please get in touch with us. Our resources are designed to help learners understand and implement best practices for EDI.

As we move beyond Pride Month, let’s continue to show respect and kindness to all individuals, fostering equality in every aspect of our lives.