National Care Association

08/09/2025

🌟 Guest Speaker Spotlight: Eddy McDowall 🌟

We’re delighted to welcome Eddy McDowall, Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP), as a guest speaker at our upcoming conference.

Eddy has been leading OACP since 2014, championing the adult social care sector in Oxfordshire. With a career in social care stretching back to 1988, his experience includes work with the Local Government Association, commissioning Healthwatch, and contributing to the development of health and wellbeing boards with the Department of Health.

Before joining OACP, Eddy spearheaded the Dementia 4 Schools project, engaging over 140 schools to raise awareness of dementia and foster a dementia-friendly generation, working alongside the Department of Health, Angela Rippon OBE, Alzheimer’s Society, and local partners.

Eddy brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for the future of social care—along with a love of football and family history (though he’s yet to discover a professional footballer among his ancestors!).

👉 Don’t miss the chance to hear from Eddy on the 18th September
https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.co.uk

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05/09/2025

We’re delighted to welcome Jess McGregor, the new President of ADASS and Director of Adult Social Care, as a keynote speaker at our Conference on 18th September.

Commissioning is a topic often raised in our member meetings, and Jess will share her insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the sector. This is a fantastic opportunity for providers across the country to better understand what lies ahead and to engage directly—Jess will also be taking questions.

Our relationship with commissioners is central to delivering the best support for the people we serve, and we’re excited to open this vital conversation at the conference.


Providers Unite

04/09/2025

🌟 We’re excited to welcome Helen E. Chief Executive of Brandon Trust and Janis, as guest speakers at our upcoming conference!

Helen brings over 30 years of experience in health and social care, from her early career as a music therapist through to executive leadership roles in the NHS, independent, and voluntary sectors. Since 2023, she has led Brandon Trust, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people across the south of England.

With her passion for inclusive leadership and deep sector expertise, Helen will share valuable insights on empowering people and driving positive change.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from Helen at our conference on the 18th September 2025 🎤✨

Book here-https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.co.uk

03/09/2025

🌟 Leading a care team? Start here with FuturU

Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to sharpen your approach, the Care Leader’s Handbook is designed to support you.

This free 25-page guide is packed with practical insights to help you lead with clarity, confidence and care.

What's inside:
🌱 Actionable strategies for team development
💖 Tips for navigating common leadership challenges
🎁 Guidance on creating a culture of learning and growth.

+ seven ready-to-use resources including 1:1 question bank, exit interview checklist and wellbeing toolkit.

Download your free copy now

Download the free Care Leader’s Handbook – a 25-page guide packed with practical tools to help care managers lead confident, compassionate and thriving teams.

03/09/2025

01/09/2025

🌟Why Attend the National Care Association Conference? 🌟

This year’s conference is packed with practical, real-world sessions designed to give you the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in a challenging year for social care!

Here’s what you’ll gain:
🔹 Navigate Workforce Challenges with Confidence
Understand the new Fair Pay Agreement, avoid recruitment pitfalls, and stay on top of employment-law changes.
🔹 Learn from Real Success Stories
Discover how Brandon Trust raised quality without raising burnout — and how you can apply the same strategies.
🔹 Harness AI for Safer, Smarter Care
Find out which digital tools make the biggest impact on safety without adding unnecessary workload.
🔹 Pass Your Next Inspection with Ease
Get insider knowledge from HCR Law and CCH Group on what inspectors are looking for right now.
🔹 Run a Resilient SME in a Tight Year
Practical advice on fee negotiations, cost-saving wins, and cashflow strategies that really work.
🔹 Collaborate for Impact
Join cross-provider action groups, share resources, and shape what we’ll achieve together over the next 90 days.
✨ Plus: Network with sector leaders, expert panels, and fellow providers who understand your challenges.

📅 Date: 18th September
📍 Location: https://www.venue360.co.uk/

Don’t miss the chance to leave with actionable strategies, valuable connections, and renewed confidence for the months ahead.

👉 Register now at https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.co.uk

Looking for a gym, conference or meeting room, cafe bar or leisure centre in Luton? Look no further, Venue 360 has the lot. Call us now on 01582 418873.

29/08/2025

Supporting International Care Staff – Open Provider Forum
Hosted by the National Care Association

In light of recent protests and growing concerns across the sector, this open seminar has been created to give providers a safe space to come together and discuss how we can best support our international workforce.

We know that many of you have reached out to share that your teams are experiencing distress, uncertainty, or even hostility and we want to make sure you’re not facing this alone.

🗣 This is a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and hear how others are approaching support, safety, and reassurance for their international staff.

Together, we can create a stronger, more united approach.

🗓️Tuesday 2nd September 13:00 (Teams)
📍 Online (link to follow once registered)

This session is open to all care providers whether you’re an NCA member or not.

👉 Please register to attend and join the conversation.

Hosted by the National Care Association.

28/08/2025

Care professionals in the South – this one’s for you.

Join Care Roadshows at Epsom Downs Racecourse on 14 October for a day of free CPD learning, led by some of the sector’s most respected voices.

From sector leaders to frontline experts, the programme is designed to share solutions, strategies and fresh inspiration to support your care setting.

Secure your free place today: https://careroadshows-2025.reg.buzz/facebook

27/08/2025

A message from our new board member Katrina Hall 💚

✨ Exciting news! I’ll be at the National Care Association Conference in Luton on Thursday 18th September.

From AI in care and new tech to workforce, inspection prep, and the amazing Providers Unite panel (which I’m so proud to be part of) — the agenda is incredible! 💡💬

If you’ve been meaning to grab a coffee or catch up, this is the perfect day. I’ll be buzzing around with lots of energy and can’t wait to connect.

👉 Get booked in — let’s make it a day to remember! https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.com


Providers Unite

27/08/2025

🌟 Panel Highlight: Inclusion That Works 🌟

Join us on 18th September at Venue 360, Riverside, Luton, for a transformative session led by Helen E., Chief Executive of Brandon Trust.

What to Expect:
Inclusive Leadership: Drawing from over 30 years in health and social care, Helen will share insights on fostering inclusive environments for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

✨ Innovative Practices: Learn about Brandon Trust's approach to person-centred support and community integration.
✨ Practical Strategies: Gain actionable ideas to implement inclusive practices within your own organisation.

About Helen England:
Helen has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and opportunities of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. As CEO of Brandon Trust, she leads efforts to support people in living fulfilling lives, championing innovation and inclusivity in care.

🏃‍➡️ Secure Your Spot:
Seats are limited! Book now at https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.com

Let's work together to create a more inclusive future for all. 💙

26/08/2025

🚀 National Conference 2025 – 🚀

One day. Game-changing insights. Real solutions.

✅ Navigate new pay & workforce laws
✅ Boost quality without burnout
✅ Pass inspections with confidence
✅ Harness AI for safer care
✅ Keep your SME resilient in tough times
✅ Unite with peers for lasting change

📅 Don’t miss it – secure your spot today! https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.com
📞 01634 716615 | 🌐 nationalcareassociation.org.uk

25/08/2025

🎙️ Panel Spotlight: Providers Unite – What We’ll Do Together This Year & Decision Recap

Join us on 18th September at Venue 360, Riverside, Luton for a pivotal discussion shaping the future of adult social care.

🗣️ Panellists:
Stephen Trowbridge MBE – CEO, First City Nursing & Care
Katrina Hall – Provider Unite Lead, National Care Association
Victoria Buyer – Provider Unite Lead, National Care Association

🔍 What to Expect:
Strategic Insights: Reflecting on key decisions and their impact on the sector.
Collaborative Vision: Outlining collective goals and actions for the coming year.
Unified Advocacy: Strengthening the voice of care providers in policy discussions.

🌐 About Providers Unite:
Providers Unite is a grassroots coalition uniting community care and support providers across the UK to advocate for the sector's survival. Representing a network serving over 1.2 million individuals and employing 1.59 million professionals, the coalition is committed to safeguarding the future of adult care services and ensuring providers' voices are heard at every level of government. Learn more

🎟️ Seats are limited – secure your spot today! https://NationalConferenceNCA.eventbrite.com

Let's unite to shape a stronger, fairer future for social care. 💙

Get ready for the ultimate gathering of care professionals at the National Care Association - National Conference!