Our strength is your involvement

This newsletter works best as a webpage

Wednesday 19 August 2026

Hello...

Welcome to your weekly social care news curated by OACP

This week:

OACP
ICB CHC payment progress?
HR mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Local
SWAH framework - procurement withdrawal notice
UKHSA SE | Report an Outbreak webinar
Botley Road to re-open and traffic filter implementation
and more
Trusted Assessor Service
Are you making use of this FREE service?
Digital
Understanding patient data
Analogue to Digital
International Recruitment
Inexorable rise in revocations
National
Covid-19 Day of Reflection
Right To Work checks
IFS on Reform UK's plans for welfare
and more

OACP news

Pinned post

Thames Valley ICB | UPDATE for delayed CHC payments

The ICB has said that significant progress has been made in resolving delayed payments. We would like to know whether that is the reality for you?

Are you still owed significant amounts?
Are current debts AND historic debts being paid similtaneuously?
Are payments made in a timely manner with no follow up required by you?

Please remember that the only escalation route that Thames Valley ICB is using is via this Microsoft Form. We have requested for a confirmation email to go every supplier who submits a query by this route; currently you only get a screen confirmation message.

Please use this route if you have ongoing concerns about non-payment, or have critical business issues due to non-payment.

If this does not prompt payment, please tell us if your business is facing significant stress due to non-payment.

We will treat all responses discreetly, sharing only with the ICB in escalating a payment request.

Local News

Oxfordshire County Council | SWAH framework - procurement withdrawal notice

Oxfordshire County Council is subject to the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) processes as set out in the Government's English Devolution White Paper, published in December 2024. During the period in which this procurement opportunity has been live, the Government confirmed its preferred proposal for the future structure of local government within Oxfordshire, namely the creation of three new unitary authorities.

Having considered the implications of this announcement, the Council has concluded that the LGR decision has a direct impact on the proposed SWAH Framework model. Whilst the draft procurement documents contain provisions that would allow certain amendments to be made during the life of the Framework, the Council has determined that it is in the best interests of service users, providers and future commissioning authorities to review proposed arrangements before proceeding further.

Accordingly, the Council has taken the decision to abandon the current procurement process and will not be proceeding with the current SWAH tender opportunity.

The Council is working with Proactis to remove the advertisement for this opportunity. If this opportunity remains visible to your organisation, please do not commence or continue preparing and/or submitting documentation in relation to this procurement, as any submissions received will not be reviewed or evaluated.

The Council intends to undertake further review of the proposed Framework requirements, including (but not limited to):

The geographical zoning arrangements and potential expansion or redesign of zones
Eligibility and provider admission requirements

This review will ensure a more tailored service alignment with the announced local government structure, and will also support a smoother transition into the three new unitary authorities model. Further information regarding any future republication of this opportunity will be communicated to the market through the publication of the appropriate procurement notices.

UKHSA SE | Report an Outbreak

Wednesday 2 September
2 - 2.30 pm
Join here

To introduce the new UKHSA online service for reporting acute respiratory infection (ARI) outbreaks in adult social care settings, which will be going live across SE England from Monday 7 September 2026.

The service can be used to report a single confirmed case of flu or an outbreak of respiratory infection, including COVID-19, flu and RSV.

The webinar will explain:

An update on the use and replenishment of combination LFDs
When a respiratory outbreak should be reported.
The information you'll need before starting.
A step-by-step walkthrough of the reporting process.
What happens after a report is submitted.
Frequently asked questions.

This session is designed specifically for care home managers, deputy managers, clinical leads and senior care home staff responsible for outbreak management.

The new online service will help care providers report outbreaks quickly and receive better support from UKHSA health protection teams.

Report an outbreak and find out more | GOV.UK

LSIP | Everything you need to know about the Thames Valley LSIPs

Wednesday 9 September
3.30 pm
On Zoom

The recently published new Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for Berkshire and Oxfordshire set out a shared vision for developing the skills businesses need to thrive over the coming years.

These plans have been shaped by extensive engagement with employers across the Thames Valley and identify the practical actions needed to address workforce challenges, improve productivity and ensure our region continues to be one of the UK's most innovative and successful economies.

Employers consistently said they need better access to skilled workers, stronger digital and AI capability, improved leadership and management skills, more work ready recruits and a greater role in shaping training provision.

To introduce the plans and explain how you can play a part in delivering them, Berks and Oxfordshire LSIPs are hosting an online briefing webinar. These sessions will provide an overview of the priorities, explain what they mean for employers and showcase the opportunities to get involved.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire | End-of-life and palliative care

Tuesday 15 September
1 - 2 pm
Join here

Guest speakers

Gabbie Parham, Senior Matron for Community Nursing, Oxford Health

Antoinette Broad, Clinical Lead and Matron for Community Nursing, Oxford Health

Victoria Bradley, Clinical Lead and Consultant in Palliative Care Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals

Speakers will discuss support their services provide and highlight the importance of having early conversations about end-of-life wishes and advance care planning.

Botley Road | re-opening announced

With a date of 21 September set by Network Rail for the re-opening of Botley Road, Oxford's traffic filter trial will now be implemented from 28 September. All existing congestion permits should transition to traffic filter permits with the date reset to the new start date. We are aiming to ask the Council to provide an update to Oxford care providers prior to 28 September.

Trusted Assessor

The Oxfordshire Trusted Assessor Service provides support Monday - Friday at the John Radcliffe Hospital and The Horton and now at all Oxfordshire Community Hospitals which have impatient beds.

We take referrals on:

local authority funded care home placements
self-funders seeking a care home placement
self-funders seeking a home care package
complex local authority funded home care packages

To contact the Service:

email oacp.taoxon@nhs.net
Valerie Jarvis 07864 686 552
Rachel Adams 07860 371 099
Genna Manock 07594 781 730

Are you making use of this FREE service?

Thorough, unbiased assessments for individuals in hospitals needing ongoing care
A single point of contact for care providers in Oxfordshire, so you don't have to deal with multiple people for updates
Assistance with discharge planning to make sure a patient can go home safely and on time

Make an enquiry

Digital

Digital Care Hub | Understanding Patient Data

For anyone thinking about data, digital transformation, trust and care this is a hugely useful piece of work: detailed, nuanced and focused on how people actually feel.

The report looks at public confidence in the use of health data at a time when the system is changing quickly. Public support remains high - often exceeding 85% - but confidence is conditional and cannot be taken for granted.

Your support to overseas recruitment

Sponsorship licence revocation continues with three more Oxfordshire providers having their licence revoked or suspended in July making a total of eight in Oxfordshire in 2026 (affecting 297 workers) and 118 providers in the south east over the same period (3,300 workers). Please continue to use resources and advice available through SESCA.

Your national resources are here on the SESCA International Recruitment hub

Your local support directory is here on the OACP website

National news

GOV.UK | Take part in the COVID-19 Day of Reflection

The Day of Reflection this year took place on Sunday 8 March 2026.

Next year it will take place on Sunday 14 March 2027.

The COVID-19 Day of Reflection has been held each year since 2021. It’s an opportunity for communities to come together in commemoration for those who lost their lives and for everyone impacted by the pandemic.

You can hear more about why groups and individuals mark the Day of Reflection in the Behind the Hearts video series.

UK Home Office | Draft Employer's Guide to Right to Work Checks

The guidance published on 16 July explains how employers can carry out Right To Work checks correctly to prevent illegal working and establish a statutory excuse against civil penalties if an employee is later found not to have the right to work in the UK. It takes effect from 1 October 2026.

The guidance is relevant to employers who have a direct contractual relationship with workers and are responsible for conducting Right To Work checks before employment begins.

Three ways to conduct a Right to Work check

Manual document check: employers review original acceptable documents, verify that they appear genuine and belong to the individual, and retain copies as required.
Home Office online check: for many migrants, including those with digital immigration status, employers must use the Home Office online service. The worker generates a share code, which the employer uses to view and verify their right to work.
Digital Identity Verification (IDVT): British and Irish citizens with valid passports may have their identity verified through a certified Right to Work Digital Verification Service Provider (RtW DVSP).

The guidance also covers:

Key employer responsibilities
Avoiding discrimination
When to use the Employer Checking Service (ECS)
and includes special sections on
Asylum seekers and refugees
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
Individuals with pending immigration applications

IFS | Response to Reform UK's plan for welfare

IFS says Reform UK's welfare proposals would represent a major shift in the purpose and scale of the UK's benefits system, with planned savings of around £50 billion per year, largely from working-age benefits.

Large reductions in benefit spending
Restrictions on non-UK citizens
Major reforms to disability benefits
Slower benefit increases

OACP working for you

Care Association Alliance | our big family

We are part of the largest national care association, the Care Association Alliance, with over 6,000 members across England as members of over 50 local care associations.

This informs us of current concerns, we can source potential solutions on behalf of you and it helps inform our local communications.

Consistent, quality information

We mail out once a week on a Wednesday, so you know when to look out for it.

These updates provide summary advice on emerging issues and signpost providers to Government and other statutory agency advice as needed.

Reminder

We are always keen to hear from YOU. If you have anything you would like to share with provider colleagues, please send to the usual address.

OACP is partnered with the Institute of Health and Social Care Management to provide development and networking opportunities for managers.

If you would like to take advantage of your OACP Membership offer with IHSCM, please contact us for your password to access their services.

IHSCM have put together a quick promo video for you just giving a bit of an introduction to your FREE membership with IHSCM.

Membership Video: https://youtu.be/5EQwrSDvGv8

ALL managers who work for you will be able to access these opportunities for free.

If you're not sure if your organisation is eligible as an OACP Member, please contact us.

OACP Member offers | OACP works with the following suppliers to bring you market insight, quality products and expert advice.

Contact them today...quote 'OACP'

Available to ALL Oxfordshire care providers.

Spectrum is a well-established buying consortium for the Care Sector.

Sourcing discounts with major suppliers for members since 1992.

Find out more about Spectrum

Or contact enquiries@spectrumcareltd.co.uk

A specialist law firm with extensive experience in Corporation, Immigration and Compliance Law. Aston Brooke is well placed to support care providers navigating the complexities of UKVI immigration laws and sponsorship compliance.

They also offer an invaluable opportunity for clients to access expert legal guidance, ensuring their ongoing compliance and sustainability in an evolving regulatory landscape.

One platform

Complete care management

Confident compliance

If you’re reviewing your systems or thinking about how to make compliance more sustainable, this may be well worth exploring and we invite you to get in touch with CareLineLive.

Book a Demo

Whatever your goals, Citation will help your business to succeed with unrivalled HR and Health & Safety support and expertise for small and medium-sized business.

10% off your first contract as an OACP Member.

Find out more

Flourish provide part funded online care training to support care providers in Oxfordshire.

Part-funding is provided by Oxfordshire County Council.

Find out more

Staff using the training can take advantage of a significant range of discounts and offers with Flourish Rewards.

Gather provide cost-effective insight and engagement solutions.

Gain quick and easy feedback from your residents, NOK and employees, instantly analysed and accessible to help you confirm what you are doing well, and identify areas to strengthen your business.

Simple and effective engagement tools assist with new hire/apprenticeship evaluations, staff assessments, worker voice, and employee well-being. Giving you a stronger workforce, making recruitment easier, reducing absence and retaining staff.

Find out more or email team@wegather.info