In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of authorisations to drive, also known as permits to drive. Neil emphasizes the importance of employers maintaining control over their vehicles by ensuring that only licensed, competent, and authorised individuals are allowed to drive on company business. The episode provides detailed recommendations for employers, including assessing driver attitudes and fitness, conducting thorough licence checks, implementing drug and alcohol policies, and maintaining comprehensive records. Neil’s guidance aims to reduce the risk of accidents, ensure legal compliance, and protect both senior managers and their organisations.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, delves into the intricacies of working at height in the social care sector. From navigating the unique risks in varied work environments to ensuring proper training and equipment, Neil provides comprehensive guidance to safeguard both staff and service users. The episode underscores essential strategies to maintain safety, compliance, and well-being, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and adherence to legal requirements in these settings.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the challenges of remote and mobile working (RMW). From setting up a safe and comfortable home workspace to supporting mental well-being on the move, Neil shares practical advice to help both employers and employees. The episode highlights key strategies to promote safety, compliance and well-being in flexible work environments.

Episode Overview

‘Everyone should have access to the expertise they need, in the location they choose, and in a way that makes sense to them.’

In this funny, thoughtful and inspiring conversation, dementia campaigner, consultant and writer Beth Britton MBE joins host Barry Price to explore what the future of dementia care could look like and why timely, personalised support matters.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Beth’s personal journey from supporting her father with dementia to becoming a leading national voice
• Why she believes dementia needs its own standalone plan separate from the NHS ten-year plan
• The focus on rehabilitation and community-based support for people living with dementia
• How providers and families can work as true partners in care
• Training, resources and practical tips for people living with dementia, carers and professionals

Why This Matters

Beth’s story combines lived experience with decades of frontline work, policy influence and training. This episode offers both a human story and a blueprint for change, with useful tips and information for people living with dementia, carers and family members who are supporting someone with dementia.

Listen to Episode 20

🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

About Our Guest: Beth Britton MBE

Beth Britton is a writer, consultant and campaigner on dementia and social care. She has worked with government bodies, care providers and charities, and was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to dementia care. Her expertise derives from both her professional work and her personal experience caring for her father, who lived with vascular dementia for many years.

Join Our Community

Want to know how we support people living with dementia?

Take a look at our Dementia Centre

We also have a free Dementia Champions Group on LinkedIn. Search Dementia Champions and join. It's free.

Useful links from Beth

Beth’s G8 film: https://youtu.be/8QAKEgQMOcU?si=CmXptb6D18-HKlk-

TIDE: https://www.tide.uk.net/

Dementia Carers Count: https://dementiacarers.org.uk/

A good life with dementia: https://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Good-Life-Resource-Pack_Web.pdf

My life, my goals: http://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/2021/09/my-life-my-goals/

World Alzheimer Report 2025: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2025/

Wendy’s books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/author/wendy-mitchell/

Dementia Community webinars: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/events/webinars-2

Dementia Community news: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/category/news

Beth's website: http://www.bethbritton.com/

In this special solo episode of the Care Social Podcast, Barry, Price, our Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, shares his personal and life-threatening brush with sepsis, just before World Sepsis Day.

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, at any age. It’s our body’s extreme reaction to infection and, without urgent treatment, it can lead to organ failure, lasting damage, or death. The faster it’s recognised, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

Barry takes us through his own story, from ignoring the early signs, to the moment he was rushed into urgent care and told he had sepsis. He describes the terrifying reality of treatment, recovery, and the lasting impact of post-sepsis syndrome. His experience is a stark reminder that you can’t “sleep off” sepsis.

The episode also covers:

• What sepsis is and how it develops
• The key warning signs to look out for
• Why people in social care are at greater risk
• The actions providers must take to protect those they support

What Providers Must Do

Sepsis awareness is critical in social care, where age, frailty, and delayed recognition increase risks. Barry highlights key steps every provider should take:

• Ensure all staff have Sepsis awareness training
• Promote the use of early warning systems like NEWS2
• Build better integration and partnerships with health services
• Promote vaccination programmes
• Ensure your infection prevention measures are working

At QCS, our Mock Inspection Toolkits and Digital Audits can help providers audit, evidence, and improve their infection prevention and compliance processes.

Barry ends with a powerful message: early recognition and fast treatment save lives.

Listen now and share this episode with colleagues, friends or family because the more people who understand sepsis, the more lives can be saved.

Further information

World Sepsis Day

Guest: Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England

Host: Nikki Walker, President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans

In the the second episode of Nikki Meets, a spin off series of The Care Social where Nikki Walker, CEO of QCS, sits down with senior leaders shaping the future of social care.

This time, Nikki is joined by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, one of the sector’s most influential voices and advocates.

Together they explore some of the most pressing issues in social care today, including:

• Why social care struggles to get equal attention alongside the NHS
• The urgent need for a clear workforce strategy and genuine career pathways
• Practical steps providers can take to make their voices heard locally
• How digital transformation and AI can reshape care delivery
• The challenges facing the CQC and what needs to change in regulation
• Advice for the next generation of care leaders

Professor Green doesn’t hold back in this wide-ranging conversation. As he puts it: 'Social care isn’t just a cost to the taxpayer — it’s an economic force that drives local communities.'

Listen to hear why he remains optimistic about the sector’s future, and what social care providers can do now to influence change.

Enjoyed this podcast, take a listen to the first episode where Nikki talks to Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of Homecare Association

Listen now: https://www.qcs.co.uk/the-care-social-podcast-nikki-meets-dr-jane-townson-obe/

Learn more about QCS: https://www.qcs.co.uk/

Care England: https://www.careengland.org.uk/

New Podcast Episode: Nikki Meets… Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association.

In the first episode of Nikki Meets, Nikki Walker – President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans – talks with Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association.

They discuss:

• The future of home care in the UK
• The challenges providers face right now
• What needs to change so care in our communities gets the recognition it deserves

Jane has led home care, supported living and residential services, and has spent years influencing policy at a national level.

It’s an open, insightful conversation between two leaders dedicated to improving care for all.

🎧 Listen now for fresh thinking, lived experience, and a shared commitment to making a difference in social care.

How to Challenge a CQC Inspection – With Laura Shelton, HCR Law

Guest: Laura Shelton, Partner, HCR Law
Host: Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager, QCS

In this helpful and timely episode of The Care Social, Barry talks to Laura Shelton, Partner at HCR Law, about what to do if you’re not happy with your CQC inspection, report or rating.

Laura has supported social care providers for over a decade. She shares practical advice on how to raise concerns, respond to inspection reports, and what options are available, from correcting factual errors to taking formal legal steps.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• When and how to challenge a CQC inspection or outcome
• The factual accuracy process – and why it matters
• What a rating review really involves (and how often they succeed)
• Legal routes like judicial review – when they’re worth considering
• Common mistakes providers make when challenging outcomes
• How to prepare your staff and service for inspections

You’ll also hear tips on dealing with inspectors, managing staff confidence, and how small actions can make a big difference when it comes to inspection outcomes.

Find out more about Laura: https://www.hcrlaw.com/people/laura-shelton/

Learn more about QCS: https://www.qcs.co.uk/

Got a topic suggestion or want to share your thoughts? Email us at qcs@qcs.co.uk