Adult social care
Guidance and briefings

CHIP and CPA National Provider Issues Group Update - September and October 2022

Published: December 2022

The State of Social Care and Support Provision in England

Published: November 2022

The adult social care sector in England is in an increasingly fragile position that will only worsen without substantial central investment and reform.

This briefing outlines the concerns and calls for action of the Care Provider Alliance and our members.

Responding to fuel supply disruption: Supporting the social care sector

Published: October 2022

Energy Costs and Adult Social Care: briefing for care providers

Published: September 2022

The Government’s announcement on 21 September 2022 of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, details measures to support non-domestic customers, including care homes, with rising energy prices. 

This short briefing, based on CPA member Care England’s information, highlights issues that care providers should consider. We will update this briefing as the situation develops.

Fair Cost of Care Workshop Report: Provider Market Sustainability Planning Support to Councils

Published: September 2022

The Fair Cost of Care (FCoC) process has been accepted by some care providers as an essential part of evidencing the true cost of providing adult social care and rejected by others as another cost of care exercise which will see councils negotiate rates below the actual cost of provision. Providers felt the exercise didn’t accurately reflect the past or the future and asked the CPA to coordinate a paper to share their views with councils ahead of their FCoC Annex A, Cost of Care Report and Market Sustainability Plans being submitted to the DHSC. This report outlines the findings from five workshops with providers. 

Adult Social Care Provider Partnerships in Integrated Care Systems

Published: August 2022

The Care Provider Alliance has developed a guide for adult social care providers on Integrated Care Systems and the opportunities they provide for partnership working between health and social care. ICSs are partnerships between health and care organisations, coming together to collectively plan and deliver health and care to meet the needs of their population. This guide has been developed with input and support from NHS England and is designed to help adult social care providers understand ICS and, at the same time, help ICSs to have a better understanding of the value of the full participation and engagement from adult social care providers.

COVID-19 vaccination as condition of deployment: Q & A for care homes in England

Published: November 2021

This Question and Answer briefing is based on Government guidance and two Care Provider Alliance (CPA) webinars with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and other sector experts on the implications and implementation of COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of deployment in care homes in England. First published in August 2021, and updated in October and November 2021.

Visitors Protocol, including Essential Care Giver role

Published: September 2021

Originally published in June 2020, this protocol has been updated several times. 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 also includes information about the Essential Care Giver role.

Essential Care Givers - CPA webinar and presentation

Published: September 2021

All care home residents should be enabled to have an essential care giver, who can visit more often and provide more support than other visitors – including during COVID-19. This CPA webinar recording outlines how to support the role. CPA’s Visitors’ Protocol has also been updated to include information on the Essential Care Giver.

COVID-19 vaccination as condition of deployment: webinar presentation

Published: August 2021

Presentation from CPA webinar, including contributions from CQC and NHS England.

Enhanced Health in Care Homes: a guide for care homes

Published: August 2021

This guide explains what the Enhanced Health in Care Homes (EHCH) programme is, how to make it work in the best way possible for people living in care homes and the people who care for them, and what everyone involved can expect from it. This guide was originally published in January 2021 and reviewed and updated in August 2021.

Social care leaders' vision for a future workforce strategy

Published: July 2021

This document outlines what we - the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, Care Provider Alliance, Care and Support Alliance, Local Government Association, Skills for Care, Social Care Institute for Excellence and Think Local Act Personal - think a social workforce strategy should include. We require a coordinated commitment to the workforce, delivered through a workforce strategy or people plan.

Top tips for retention: A briefing for adult social care providers

Published: July 2021

The Care Provider Alliance and Local Government Association share tips on retaining adult social care staff in a new briefing published today. The briefing includes some of the approaches taken by organisations to reduce staff turnover and help retain people in the care and health workforce. Through sharing these tips, the CPA and LGA invite care providers to share what successes they have had with retention across the social care workforce or lessons that may help others.

End of Transition Period and keeping data safe

Published: June 2021

On 28 June 2021 the EU officially adopted a ‘data adequacy’ decisions allowing data to continue flowing freely to the UK. Care providers still need to comply with data protection legislation and regulations. This CPA and Digital Social Care briefing was originally published in December 2020, and updated in January and June 2021.

Business continuity planning template

Published: June 2021

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.

Business continuity planning guidance

Published: June 2021

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.

EU Settlement Scheme and adults using care services

Published: June 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.

EU Settlement Scheme: guidance for adult social care providers

Published: June 2021

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.

COVID-19 Oximetry @Home Services for care home residents

Published: May 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. Published in February 2021 and updated May 2021.

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.

Fee setting and commissioning practice

Published: May 2021

Q & A from a joint Care Provider Alliance and Care and Health Improvement Programme webinar. This session explored the key issues and some common misconceptions regarding fee setting and commissioning practice, illustrated what providers should expect from local authorities and highlighted examples of good practice and the importance of communication and consultation between local authorities and providers. A copy of the presentation is also available.

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.

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.

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.

Keeping connected: Open and transparent communications in the time of COVID-19

Published: June 2020

This is a joint statement from the Relatives & Residents Association and the National Care Forum, endorsed by the Care Provider Alliance, the Care Quality Commission and Skills for Care. It sets out shared expectations and good practice relating to the importance of clear, open, transparent and regular communications during the COVID-19 crisis between care providers and the families of their residents.

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.

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.

Top tips for providers in communicating with staff, service users and families during the COVID-19 pandemic

Published: March 2020

While it is important to make sure that the operational activities within the care service is functioning as best as possible, it is also essential to communicate regularly with service users, friends and family and keep them informed throughout the pandemic. The frequency and format of the communication will need to be adapted for each care setting and service user groups supported. This document has been produced to provide useful tips to help care providers to communicate effectively during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Top tips for CPA members in communicating with providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Published: March 2020

This document has been produced to provide useful tips to help Care Provider Alliance members communicate effectively with your members - care providers - during the Coronavirus pandemic.

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.