Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Conference on 12th March. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and such high levels of engagement from across the sector.
We were delighted to welcome CQC back into the room - an important step in strengthening meaningful discussion and collaboration. Stefan Kallee, Deputy Director of Adult Social Care, shared valuable insights on the future of regulation and emphasised the importance of building strong, constructive relationships with providers as we move forward together.
The day also featured impactful contributions from SWAST on their work to improve safeguarding, and from Nadra Ahmed, Chair of the National Care Association (NCA), who spoke about Providers Unite and the collective efforts to drive improvement across the sector. Alongside this, RWK Goodman provided key updates and practical guidance on employment law and international recruitment.
"I absolutely enjoyed attending as a care home owner and SW SCNAC Co-Chair - amazing day"
Cindy Willcocks
"Great day and to meet many of you face to face. Lots of challenges and change, but together we are stronger"
Tushar Shah
A special highlight of the conference was our Recognition Awards, celebrating individuals who make a meaningful impact every day. Their dedication, compassion and professionalism represent the very best of our sector. One standout moment was the recognition of Corbin Wreford, an award winner at just 17 years old - an inspiring example of the incredible future talent within social care.
Our exhibitors added further value by showcasing services and products that support our daily work.
Most importantly, thank you to our members for your continued engagement and commitment. Your involvement strengthens our collective voice and helps ensure we represent the sector effectively. We are proud to represent 75% of care homes in Devon, and your participation is central to our growth and ability to champion positive change.
This short video captures the heart of our work. It's a glimpse into the joy, the connection, and purpose behind everything that we do:
Speakers
CQC: Update & Local Overview (Stefan Kallee, Deputy Director of Adult Social Care & Jo Spurle, Operations Manager)
RWK Goodman: Employment Law Update (Adrian Henderson, Associate). CQC Framework (Keara Bowgen-Nicholas, Senior Associate). International Recruitment Update (Adrian Henderson, Associate)
Providers Unite: Update (Nadra Ahmed, Co-Chair of National Care Association)
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT): Safeguarding (Jodie Gallagher & Ali Mann)
Skills for Care: Oliver McGowan Training & Funding (Jill Croskell, Locality Manager)
Advanced Diploma in Adult Social Care Nursing: Margot Whittaker & Shaun Kershaw
Recognition Awards
We're delighted to celebrate individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their work - those who demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion, and make a truly meaningful difference in the lives of the people they support.
You can learn more about their inspiring achievements and the reasons behind their nominations here.
Ros Wills - Care Manager at Mallands Care Ltd
Emma Webber - Team Leader at The Seaton Nursing Home
Daisy Tolchard - Healthcare Assistant at The Old Rectory
Corbin Wreford - Trainee Carer at Summerhayes Care Home
Vicky Herniman - Activities Co-ordinator at Sefton Hall Nursing Home
Kimberley Bennett - Parkwood House Nursing Home
Lisa Wills - Housekeeping Team Manager at Parkwood House Nursing Home
Marion Painter - Interim Manager at Burdon Grange
Emma Downes - Registered Manager at Somerforde Residential Home
"Thank you all for a lovely day. The speakers were great, the food was great and great networking"
Jacqui Curry
"As an exhibitor, we enjoyed the event...it was lovely to make fresh contact with so many of our valued customers. Thanks for inviting us and looking forward to the next one"
Murray Bell
Exhibitors
It was clear to see, from the exhibitors, just how much care home providers need to consider in their day-to-day operations and management. Please do feel free to reach out to any of our sponsors and exhibitors. All their products and services are designed to enhance the delivery and standard of care in our homes.
RWK Goodman: The Health and Social Care team at RWK Goodman is a recognised market leader, with in-depth knowledge and experience in the social care sector.
Ocean Healthcare: Ocean Healthcare specialise in the provision of high-quality agency staffing support.
Barons Furniture: For over 50 years, Barons has manufactured handcrafted high-quality furniture specifically to meet the needs of the care markets.
Gillmans: A third-generation family business. They provide commercial laundry, dishwashing, bedpans and refrigeration machines to the care sector, as well as service and repair support across Devon.
CoolCare: A software management system that makes operating your care home easier, more efficient and more profitable.
CLH Healthcare: CLH provide a full range of care home supplies and healthcare products, making them a one stop shop for all your business and care needs.
Christie & Co: The market leader in specialist advice and brokerage within the healthcare sector.
Ablyss Systems Ltd: A complete care management system that helps you to manage your service users, staff and care home.
InstaCare: Your local, independent specialist in all things nurse call. That is everything from a pressure mat to an annual service inspection, right through to a new system installation.
The Gold Standards Framework: The UK’s leading training provider for generalist frontline staff caring for people in the last years of life.
OMi: A world leader in motion activated sensory systems for care and special needs sectors.
JMS: Helps digitalise your workforce management and maximise operational efficiency.
Advanced Diploma: Adult Social Care Nursing: A free social care nursing programme, which has been approved by the University of Bolton and supported by NHS England.
Devon Integrated Social Care Alliance: DISCA is a Community Interest Company that provides peer-to-peer support, facilitates best practice sharing and offers training opportunities to managers and owners in social care.
Camascope Ltd: Camascope’s intuitive system, eMAR, has made medication management easier and more efficient, giving staff more time to focus on what really matters, caring for residents.
Eden Alternative UK: Eden offers training events to create an empowered culture of care.
Exeter College is an award-winning, world-class institution: As one of Devon's Ofsted Outstanding further education colleges, our vision is to shape the future.
"Thank you for a great day, lovely to get to chat to everyone and very informative"
Emma Corderoy
"Amazing day - really appreciate the support and information"
Charlie Mason
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