https://www.clwcareandconsultancy.co.uk/

CLW Care and Consultancy Services, Coventry (2025)

11/09/2025

This week has been all about supporting providers to strengthen their CQC compliance 💚

I’ve been busy designing a comprehensive Quality Statements Compliance & Evidence Handbook — a fully branded tool that care and nursing home teams can use to:

✅ Evidence how they meet the CQC Quality Statements
✅ Record what is in place, where evidence is stored, and what actions are needed
✅ Promote a positive culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement
✅ Be fully prepared for inspections and quality assurance visits

The handbook brings together all five KLOEs — SAFE, EFFECTIVE, CARING, RESPONSIVE and WELL-LED — into one clear, practical, easy-to-use format, with space to record evidence and track progress.

This has been a huge project, but I’m proud of how it’s coming together and excited to see how it will support services in demonstrating the fantastic work they do every day 🌿

13/08/2025

🌟 Feedback like this is why I love what I do!

Following a recent compliance audit at a supported living service, I received this:

"Everyone commented on how fab you were in explaining things, with such in-depth knowledge and highlighting areas of good practice. Even with a sense of fear in the air, you were just so 'human'!"

Inspections and audits don’t have to be stressful — with the right support, a good conversation, and yes… the right biscuits 🍪, compliance can actually feel manageable (and even a little enjoyable!).

If you want audits and action plans to feel less daunting, I’m here to help.

21/07/2025

⚡ The storms over the weekend got me thinking... ☔

While the weather was wild—thunderstorms, torrential rain, and all—I couldn’t help but draw a comparison to what I see in some care services...

Too many providers still don’t have regular quality assurance or compliance oversight in place. No fresh pair of eyes reviewing their audits, governance, or service delivery—until it’s too late.

Then along comes a CQC inspection or a PAMMS review, and suddenly:

There’s no meaningful audit trail

No service improvement plans

No clear evidence that shortfalls are being picked up or acted upon

It doesn't need to reach crisis point before you get support.

I’m not a big company. It’s just me—30+ years’ experience, enhanced DBS (on the update service), fully insured, and trusted by providers to be a friendly, honest critical friend.

✅ Mock inspections
✅ Action planning
✅ Medication & health and safety audits
✅ Staff supervisions/workshops
✅ Governance reviews
✅ General compliance support

My fees are affordable, my support is tailored, and I genuinely care about helping teams get it right—not just for inspections, but for the people they support.

If you’ve been meaning to get someone in but keep putting it off, consider this your nudge. I'm happy to help.

17/07/2025

A day of doing my "books" today – not the most glamorous part of being self-employed, but definitely one of those jobs that needs doing!

In between the spreadsheets and receipts, I’ve had some lovely chats with providers about the kind of support they’re looking for. It’s always great to connect and explore how I can help – whether that’s audits, staff supervisions, medication competency, mentoring, Reg 44 visits, or just being a critical friend when things feel a bit overwhelming.

As a former CQC and Ofsted Registered Manager, I get the pressures and challenges that come with the job – because I’ve lived it. Sometimes having someone alongside you who understands the ins and outs can make all the difference.

I’ve got a few visits booked in already, but still have some availability coming up. Always happy to have a no-pressure chat – and I’m more than happy to share my CV if you’d like to know more about my background and experience.

📩 Just drop me a message!

08/07/2025

🌟 Quality care doesn’t start with paperwork — it starts with people. 🌟

Today I’ve been reflecting on what really makes a difference across the services I support — whether that’s children’s or adult provisions, supported living, supported accommodation, or home care.

It’s not just about meeting regulations. It’s about:
✅ Observing real practice — not just what's written in a folder
✅ Having honest conversations with staff and leaders
✅ Supporting services through challenges, not judging them
✅ Helping to build confidence, competence, and consistency

I’ve seen firsthand how small changes in practice, support, and systems can lead to better outcomes for the people being supported and the teams doing the supporting.

If you’re feeling stretched or stuck, I’m here to help. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective, a practical plan, and someone who understands the sector inside out.

📩 Drop me a message if you’d like to chat — I offer flexible, hands-on support tailored to your service.

07/07/2025

🚨 Immigration Reforms & the Real Conversation We Need to Have in Social Care 🚨

The recent immigration changes have hit care providers hard — salary threshold increases, tighter visa rules, and more oversight. While this will rightly w**d out unethical practices, it’s also exposed how heavily some providers have come to rely on overseas recruitment.

We can't ignore the fact that some providers exploited the system. But for many doing it right, these reforms now pose real workforce challenges.

So what’s the solution?

👉 We must double down on recruiting locally — not just to "fill gaps" but to build careers.

Here’s how providers can start:

✅ Stop selling a ‘job’—start promoting a career. Many care workers want progression. Show them a path from care assistant to senior roles, team leads, or even Registered Manager.

✅ Engage your local community. Colleges, job centres, and community groups are full of potential. Partner with them, talk about what care really involves, and offer work placements or taster days.

✅ Invest in training and mentoring. It’s not enough to do a rushed induction and hope for the best. Proper training, shadowing, and ongoing support build confidence and reduce turnover.

✅ Change the narrative. Caring is a skilled, valuable, professional role. We need to speak about it as such—in job ads, in interviews, and on social media.

✅ Pay fairly and respect your team. Recruitment is only part of the story. Retention is the real test. Staff stay where they feel valued.

The care sector has weathered challenge after challenge. If we want a sustainable future, we must invest in local talent, promote real opportunities, and lead with integrity.

Let’s raise the bar.

02/07/2025

🚤 Just back from an absolutely glorious sailing holiday around the peaceful, less crowded Greek Ionian Islands! 🌊☀️ The sun was shining, the sea was sparkling, and the only heavy lifting I did was... well, the mountain of ironing when I got home! 🧺😂
I love sailing — the breeze, the freedom, the views — but let’s be honest, I’m more about navigating compliance than handling the ropes! (If only Reg 44 visits came with a skipper’s hat and a parrot! 🦜)
Since my return, it’s been full steam ahead with supporting care providers through:
✅ Reg 44 visits
✅ Mock CQC inspections
✅ Insurance liability and risk surveys
If you need a steady hand to help steer your service towards outstanding compliance and quality, I’m here and ready to help — at reasonable rates, no hidden fees, and with a good dose of patience and understanding. 🙌
Whether it’s a quick check-in or a full inspection prep, let’s chat and get your service shipshape. Because running a care service shouldn’t be harder than sailing through the Ionian!
Drop me a message to discuss how I can support you — and maybe share some sailing stories too! ⛵😉

06/06/2025

Could your service do with a bit of extra support?

Not every provider has a dedicated quality team – and that’s totally understandable. Sometimes, having someone pop in once a week or even once a month can give you that outside perspective and keep things on track.

That’s where I come in! With over 30 years in the sector (including experience as a Registered Manager with both CQC and Ofsted), I offer a hands-on, no-fuss approach to supporting care services.

Here’s what I can help with:
✅ Mock CQC and Ofsted inspections
✅ Quality audits – meds, care plans, health & safety, etc.
✅ Staff supervisions and competency checks
✅ Reflective supervision and critical friend support for managers
✅ Mentoring for new or developing leaders
✅ Reg 44 visits and investigations
✅ Help with action plans, governance & overall service improvement

💬 I’m friendly, flexible, and happy to roll my sleeves up – whether it’s a one-off visit or regular support.
📍 Based in the West Midlands, but happy to travel.

✔️ Online Enhanced DBS (Children & Adults)
✔️ Up-to-date CV
✔️ Public liability & professional indemnity insurance
✔️ Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

💷 My day rate is fair and competitive, with discounts available for block bookings.

If you think your service would benefit from a fresh pair of eyes, drop me a message – always happy to chat.

07/05/2025

It’s been a while since I last posted… and for good reason!

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity – from supporting providers with compliance audits, mock inspections, and Reg 44 visits, to enjoying precious time in my newest role as Grandma 💙👶

I've had the privilege of working alongside some fantastic teams, helping them strengthen their governance, prepare for inspections, and ultimately provide the best possible care for the people they support.

Amidst all the busy days, I’ve also managed to enjoy a bit of sunshine – a rare treat when you're juggling laptops, legislation, and little ones!

If you’re looking for extra support with compliance, audits, or just need a critical friend to offer a fresh perspective – I’ve still got some availability coming up. Feel free to reach out 📩

11/03/2025

It’s another busy week in the world of social care consultancy! I’ve been deep in a mock CQC compliance audit and write-up for a homecare and supported living service, along with risk surveys and governance support—helping providers stay ahead of the game and feel prepared.

Last weekend was a much-needed break, getting the garden in order and attempting to rejuvenate what "tries" to pass as a lawn (nature has other ideas!). Now, I’m gearing up for a two-day mock inspection of a large care home, working closely with the team to identify strengths, tackle any risks, and ensure they’re inspection-ready. These in-depth audits don’t just highlight areas for improvement—they build confidence, strengthen compliance, and help services deliver the best possible care.

Then, to round off the week, I’ll be switching from compliance mode to Grandma duties—babysitting my 3-month-old grandson while my son enjoys his birthday. A different kind of responsibility, but one I wouldn’t trade for the world!

If your service could benefit from a mock inspection, risk assessment, staff training, or governance support, feel free to get in touch. I love working alongside providers to navigate compliance challenges and achieve the best outcomes for teams and the people they support.

24/02/2025

Is your supported accommodation service meeting Ofsted’s expectations?

Recent Ofsted reports have raised serious concerns about insufficient managerial oversight in supported accommodation, particularly around care plan reviews, risk assessments, and health and safety audits. With the introduction of regulations, providers must ensure they have robust governance and quality assurance processes in place.

But are we seeing the same level of independent scrutiny that children’s homes receive through Reg 44 visits? Would it not be prudent for supported accommodation providers to commission independent oversight visits to identify shortfalls before Ofsted does?

The latest inspections have flagged other key areas of concern, including:
🔹 Placing young people with needs beyond the scope of supported accommodation, leading to unregistered care provision.
🔹 Failing to conduct learning reviews after serious incidents, limiting opportunities for improvement.
🔹 Non-compliance with registration requirements, with refusals linked to poor policies, insufficient staff training, and unsuitable environments.

Proactive oversight isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding young people and ensuring high-quality support. If you’re a provider looking to strengthen governance and prepare for inspection, commissioning regular independent reviews could make all the difference.

24/02/2025

Today has been all about catching up on emails, ensuring all my professional insurances are up to date, making sure my DPO certificate is available for viewing, and checking that my website accurately reflects my services. Staying on top of these details is key to maintaining high standards and transparency.

This evening, I’m looking forward to a face-to-face meeting with a potential new client who shares my ethos when it comes to caring for children. It’s always great to connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about providing the best support for young people. Looking forward to seeing where this conversation leads!
Please get in touch if you want a chat too!!

CLW Care and Consultancy Services

11/09/2025

13/08/2025

21/07/2025

17/07/2025

08/07/2025

07/07/2025

02/07/2025

06/06/2025

07/05/2025

11/03/2025

24/02/2025

24/02/2025

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