Adult social care
Guidance and briefings

Capacity Tracker Q & A

Published: May 2021

The Capacity Tracker was originally developed by NHS England to better manage hospital discharges by identifying available capacity in care homes. This Care Provider Alliance briefing note covers questions and issues raised by care providers about Capacity Tracker including how data is accessed and used, and how changes to the system are agreed and communicated. The CPA will update this Q&A on a regular basis.

Visitors’ protocol - CPA briefing note

Published: February 2021

Originally published in June 2020, and updated in February 2021. This protocol aims to provide a set of principles and top tips to help people using care and support to have the opportunity to safely receive visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, while minimising the risk of its introduction to, or spread within, the care setting.

It is primarily aimed at care settings which cater for older people, including people with dementia, such as residential and nursing homes. However, it will be of help for other care settings and groups. The protocol will be updated when further details about opening up in-room visits from 8 March 2021 are available.

EU Settlement Scheme and adults using care services

Published: February 2021

This document provides information and guidance about the EU Settlement Scheme and its implications for vulnerable people who use social care services whether it be in their own home, residential setting, and/or access care support on a regular or infrequent basis. Jointly published by CPA and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, it is aimed adult social care providers, carers and families.

COVID-19 Oximetry @Home Services for care home residents

Published: February 2021

COVID-19 Oximetry @home services are supporting people to monitor their oxygen levels with pulse oximeters, including residents in care homes. This document brings together existing guidance into a single document with some extra detail in terms of what this means for people who live and work in care homes. The main target audiences are care home managers and staff. The guidance is accompanied by a diary to record oximetry readings.

Staff movement: a risk management framework for care homes (2nd Edition)

Published: February 2021

Restricting staff movement is critical to minimising the risk of transmission. This Care Provider Alliance briefing outlines a risk management approach (developed by CPA member, the Registered Nursing Home Association) that care homes can use to manage restrictions on staff movements. The briefing relates to CQC registered care homes with or without nursing in England. Originally published in December 2020, the briefing has been updated to the introduction of an additional Workforce Capacity Fund instead of regulation to reduce staff movement.

End of Transition Period and keeping data safe

Published: January 2021

The government has confirmed that the Transition Period will end on 31 December 2020 and there will be no extension. On 1 January 2021, the UK will become a "third country" for data protection purposes unless an adequacy decision is reached with the EU. This joint CPA and Digital Social Care briefing outlines three key actions that all adult social care providers should take to prepare for the end of the Transition Period. (First edition published December 2020, second edition published January 2021).

Day services and COVID-19: CPA and LGA briefing

Published: December 2020

This joint CPA and Local Government Association briefing directs social care commissioners and providers towards useful resources to consider when looking to provide or support the safe functioning and re-opening of day services in their local area, and to protect the future viability of those services.

Flu vaccination for adult social care workers 2020/21: CPA briefing

Published: October 2020

This briefing aims to support care managers, occupational health leads, team leaders and care service owners to maximise take up of the flu vaccine by their eligible staff. It covers both residential and community-based services. The briefing provides examples of how to arrange occupational health schemes, or access the NHS complementary scheme, as well as how to monitor and report on progress. It also includes a template letter on proof of employment status when attending for vaccinations at GPs or pharmacists.

Infection Control Fund 2: reporting to local authorities - CPA briefing

Published: October 2020

This updated Care Provider Alliance (CPA) briefing note provides further information and examples to support care providers' reports to local authorities on additional expenditure on infection control arrangements because of COVID-19. It can be used by care providers to consider potential additional costs. Arrangements will vary across local authorities. If a care provider is unsure if a potential expenditure would be in scope of the Infection Control Fund Round 2, they should discuss this with their local authority.

Medicines and medical devices: business continuity guidance

Published: July 2020

This guidance is to support care providers to develop their business continuity plans in relation to the supply of medicines and other items important for managing people�s health. It is mainly focused on people living in residential and nursing homes, but also gives advice for people providing medicines support for adults (aged 18 and over) who are receiving social care in the community.

Non-medical consumables, goods and service: business continuity guidance

Published: July 2020

This guidance provides information and advice on managing actual or perceived shortages of non-medical consumables (disposable or short-life items), goods and services and the impact on adult social care providers in England. It is aimed at all managers, owners and purchasing/supply leads. Guidance of particular importance to residential or home care services is highlighted throughout.

Fuel supplies and transport: business continuity guidance

Published: July 2020

This guidance provides information and advice on managing actual or perceived shortages of fuel and the impact on adult social care providers in England. It is aimed at all managers, owners and workforce/personnel leads within adult social care providers in England. Guidance of particular importance to residential or home care services is highlighted throughout.

EU Settlement Scheme: guidance for adult social care providers

Published: July 2020

This guidance provides information and advice on the EU Settlement Scheme and its implications for the adult social care workforce, people who use social care services and their family and friends in England. It's aimed at all adult social care managers, owners and workforce/HR leads in England.

NHS Volunteer Responders guidance

Published: July 2020

NHS Volunteer Responders offer help to people in need of support or who are avoiding public places during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is run by the NHS in England, supported by Royal Voluntary Service and operates across England. This Care Provider Alliance briefing summarises the programme and how staff, care provider organisations and people who use care services can access NHS Volunteer Responders.

Protocol for care homes and funeral directors during COVID-19

Published: May 2020

Joint protocol to ensure that funeral directors and providers of care in a residential setting are fully aware of the risks posed when an individual dies in a residential care setting and is either confirmed to have had COVID-19 or is suspected to have had it. The protocol has been developed by CPA member, National Care Forum, and the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Business continuity planning guidance

Published: May 2020

From exceptionally bad weather, a fuel shortage or a flu outbreak, to financial or quality problems, there are many circumstances that can disrupt the services that adult social care providers run.

This guide has been written to help care providers to develop plans to ensure continuity of care and support, and to ensure that your business can continue, if a problem occurs. It updates and expands the guidance published in June 2018.

Business continuity planning template

Published: May 2020

This Word template will help care providers to create or refresh their business continuity plan to prepare for situations that, should they arise, could have a major impact on the business and the people who use services.

It provides an overview of the details and risks you should consider as part of a robust plan, regardless of the service you provide.

NHS Clinical support to care homes - CPA briefing note

Published: May 2020

Primary care and community health services are key to ensuring care homes have the clinical support they need - particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak. The NHS has committed that all care homes will be supported via primary and community support, by 15 May 2020.

This CPA briefing note summarises what support should be available, what care homes can do to make the most of the scheme, and who to contact. Care home managers should press to be actively involved in decisions about plans and implementation the new arrangements. They can use this note to ensure they get what they need, and enable them to work as an equal partner with their local health colleagues.

COVID-19: Risk, insurance and possible liabilities - CPA briefing note

Published: May 2020

This note is provided by the CPA to assist members in considering the potential risks and liabilities arising from the pandemic. It is not intended to be legal advice. Providers should seek independent legal advice if they have any concerns arising from the matters discussed in this note.

Infection prevention and control: guidance

Published: February 2020

UPDATED: April 2020: This CPA guidance and checklist provide advice and information on infection prevention and control. It aims to help adult social care providers protect the health and well-being of service users in care settings, and to reduce the effect of an infection outbreak on service provision.

Infection prevention and control: checklist

Published: February 2020

A simple checklist to help plan your infection prevention and control activities.

New ways of working in adult social care services

Published: January 2019

This resource draws together some of the many new ideas and approaches from across our vibrant, innovative and forward looking sector. It includes new ways for services to work together locally, digital applications, innovation in care practice, and a look forward to the use of robotics and artificial intelligence. There is also information about possible sources of funding and advice.

Quick Guide: Hospital Transfer Pathway - 'Red Bag'

Published: June 2018

The CPA worked with NHS England and NHS Improvement to produce this quick guide which aims to help local health and social care systems to develop effective and efficient arrangements for Hospital Transfer Pathways (more commonly known as the 'Red Bag' initiative).

An introduction to Cyber Security

Published: December 2017

This CPA publication provides an introduction to cyber security and the safeguards that organisations can take to avoid or reduce any disruption from an attack on data, computers or mobile devices.

Encouraging Engagement CPA Guidance Summary

Published: September 2017

This PDF document provides an overall summary and recommendations. It was sent to each STP lead with the request that they take action and report what they have done by March 2018.

Encouraging Engagement CPA Guidance Detailed

Published: September 2017

This Word document is a report providing more detail of the CPA's work in relation to STP engagement between April and August 2017.

Initial mapping document

Published: August 2017

This mapping document lists and gives very brief details of existing publications and work streams having a bearing on the engagement of the independent and voluntary adult care sector in local commissioning.

Developing trusted assessor schemes

Published: July 2017

This document was developed to give guidance to local service systems on the development of Trusted Assessor schemes. The document is endorsed by the CPA.

Working with care providers to understand costs

Published: May 2017

CIPFA produced this document in consultation with the CPA to support a Department of Health initiative to support the implementation of the Care Act. This guide provides a framework to agree prices.

Promoting less restrictive practice

Published: July 2016

Market Position Statement

Published: July 2016

IPC produced this DH document in consultation with the CPA to support local authorities with their market shaping activities under the Care Act.

Managing Care Home Closures

Published: October 2015

This online guide produced by the Department of Health is endorsed by the CPA. The guide provides practical tips to support health and care systems.

Market Shaping Toolkit

Published: June 2015

IPC produced this Toolkit as commissioned by the DH in consultation with the CPA to highlight good practice to encourage local market shaping activities.

Impact of CPA Membership

Published: March 2015

The killer facts of the market.

Making it Real

Published: June 2014

TLAP report on personalisation in social care as endorsed by the CPA.

Safety of Medicines in Care Homes

Published: August 2010

CPA produced this guide to underpin the recommendations to ensure safety in the use of medicines in care settings.