It’s been a busy few months for myself as Director of ARC NI, with lots of activity driven to address a number of challenges facing the sector.
ARC NI met with the Office of Care & Protection (OCP) to take forward members concerns regarding service users’ money and training was provided on ‘Safeguarding Service Users Finance’, our thanks to RQIA and OCP for facilitating this.
In response to the current National Minimum Wage case law, Judy Blair facilitated an informative workshop specifically for ARC NI members and thanks to Business Services Organisation our members were brought up to speed with Social Care Procurement. If you feel however specific training would be helpful to build your organisations capacity to engage in the tender process, ARC is facilitating this for both members and non-members.
The Health & Social Care Board invited ARC NI to comment on their current Self-Directed Support consultation and we facilitated this across ARC’s membership. ARC NI also submitted a response to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister’s Consultation on indicators for “A strategy to improve the lives of people with a disability 2012 – 2015”.
ARC NI were invited to be part of a discussion with RQIA regarding future inspection methodology and in support of providers feeling prepared to engage in this we are facilitating four roadshow events on the 12th March in Omagh and 13th March in Antrim. These events are for members and non-members so if you haven’t already booked a place and are interested please complete a booking form.
I’m involved in many discussions regarding the future needs of workforce in the social care sector, particularly given the changing landscape due to ‘Transforming Your Care’ agenda. ARC NI completed a recent Training Needs Analysis survey across its membership which has resulted in a training calendar for 2015-16 based on what the sector told us they required. We hope it supports your workforce in meeting the demands placed on them within their diverse roles.
With the end of the financial year hurdling towards us it is time for membership renewal so expect your invitation to renew over the next few weeks and if you’re not a member but interested please do contact me. My frequent reference is ARC NI is only as strong as our members’ voice.
Finally we have revamped our website and hope you like it as much as we do. We look forward to adding a section specifically for people with a learning disability in due course.