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Exclusive: Care watchdog to roll-out new ‘provider welfare’ training amid wellbeing fears


The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is developing new training for its inspectors “to help support and protect provider welfare”,The Care Home Environment has learned. The move has come amid fears in the sector


over the potential harm caused to registered managers’ mental health during CQC inspections, and a call on the regulator to roll out fresh training for its inspectors alongside implementation of its new framework and increased inspection drive. A group of Kent registered managers are


to hold a suicide awareness event this month hosted by Trisha King, manager of the first luxury care home from new operator Dunham Care - Herne Bay Manor - and Kim Carter, of training provider the Learning Curve Group. She said the event has been motivated by


a drive to avoid the pressure of a regulatory process ending in tragedy in the care sector, as it had in the education sector in 2022 when primary head Ruth Perry took her own life Ofsted downgraded her school. “Managers are aware of the case involving


a headteacher who sadly took their own life following an Ofsted report,” said Ms King. “This event aims to raise awareness and help


prevent a similar situation occurring within the care sector following a CQC report.” Managers at the event will hear from Dover


House manager Amanda Lailey, who said it’s “crucial that we all develop the skills to ask the difficult questions around suicide” and added


their life or not. Just like CPR training, that we all have to participate in, these conversations can be lifesaving,” she added. Another experienced care manager, who did


not want to be named, called for new inspector training in delivering the new framework. “There is still a real sense of fear around


inspections,” they said. “It should be about support and improvement, not just fear.” “You can change the framework, the rules


and the approach, but if inspectors are not retrained to change how they inspect, then nothing really changes,” they added. CQC adult social care inspector Chris


“these conversations can be lifesaving” in the same way as CPR training. “With a background in suicide prevention,


I am acutely aware that life is very hard for many of the people in our teams,” she told TCHE. She said care home teams often “work in


roles that are low paid, undervalued, and incredibly demanding both physically and mentally” which “create a potential melting pot for stress and despair” when added “alongside the usual difficulties that life can throw at us such as bereavement, money worries and relationship difficulties.” “I believe it is crucial that we all develop the


skills to ask the difficult questions around suicide. “Evidence shows us that by asking questions we can directly impact whether someone ends


Care UK and Barchester kick off £47m care home developments across southern England


Two of the UK’s largest care home groups have struck a deal with longstanding construction partner Kori to work on four new care home developments, according to the building firm.


The projects, with a combined value of £47m, will provide 274 new beds across the south of England, according to the developer, which has previously completed four schemes for Barchester Healthcare and three for Care UK, with a further project for the latter already underway. The two developments for Care


UK comprise a 78-bedroom care home in Burnham, Buckinghamshire and a 72-bedroom scheme in Weybridge, Hampshire on a site that will require demolition of an existing office building. The Barchester Healthcare projects comprise a 64-bedroom home in Liss, Surrey and a 60-bedroom nursing home in Crowthorne, Berkshire, with the latter designed to support elderly, frail and ‘memory care’ people.


The plans for all four schemes involve private en-suite accommodation, alongside


a range of communal amenities, including cafés, lounges, dining areas and landscaped gardens.


The developer said the schemes are scheduled for completion from late 2027 through 2028 and will incorporate site- specific social value initiatives, including employment, skills development and community engagement.


Kori also works with Porthaven Care Group and Cinnamon Care Collection.


Badger said the watchdog “works hard to ensure we minimise our impact on providers while doing everything within our power to make sure people are safe. “We understand this is a delicate balance


and will always take on board feedback from providers on this. He added that the regulatory is “developing


new training for our inspectors and staff to help support and protect provider welfare” .in collaboration with providers. Care England chief executive Professor


Martin Green OBE said there is a “need for people to understand the complexity and stresses involved in delivering care and support” and a need for support to be offered to people in very stressful roles.” The Samaritans offer free 24/7 support for anyone who feels in need via its helpline: 116 123


July 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 7


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