The Sector’s Friend October 2025

Workforce Regulation, Tech Trends & A Legal Ruling Every Manager Needs to Know

Welcome back to The Sector’s Friend, your essential read for navigating change, risk, and opportunity in the care sector. This month’s edition focuses on three practical issues leaders need to prepare for now.

Mandatory Workforce Registration – Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

The Department of Health and Social Care is moving closer to introducing mandatory registration for all care workers in England, similar to models already in place in Scotland and Wales. The proposed framework includes a “licence to practise” based on verified training, DBS checks, and ongoing CPD.

Why it matters:

• Providers may be responsible for validating and monitoring worker compliance
• Non-registered staff may not be eligible to work once the system is live
• Staff retention will be influenced by how well you support registration transitions

Action steps this month:

• Audit your training records and DBS status for all frontline staff
• Identify who may need additional support to meet future criteria
• Appoint a “Workforce Registration Lead” internally to stay ahead

CQC & Technology – The Tools They’re Praising (and the Ones They’re Not)

CQC inspectors are becoming more confident in challenging ineffective or inconsistent technology use in care settings, especially with electronic care planning, eMAR systems, and digital risk assessments.

Tech types getting positive mentions:

✔ Cloud-based DSCR platforms with live dashboards

✔ eMAR systems with alerts and audit trails

✔ Digital incident logging linked to staff learning

What’s getting flagged:

❌ Systems with poor connectivity or paper-based backups

❌ Staff unfamiliar with using the tech at point of care

❌ Overcomplicated user interfaces causing missed records

Top tip:

Ensure all staff can demonstrate competency with digital tools, it’s not just about having the tech, but using it well.

Legal Spotlight: Medication Error Liability on the Rise

A recent court ruling involving a domiciliary care provider found that management accountability extended beyond the individual delivering care, due to weak internal documentation and inconsistent training protocols.

What this means for you:

• You could be held liable if your systems don’t support safe medication practices
• CQC is likely to place increased focus on medicines management in assessments
• Your insurance cover should be reviewed to ensure medication-related errors are included in your policy

Action now:

• Review your medication policies, are they current, trained and evidenced?
• Ensure your insurance includes Errors & Omissions or Professional Indemnity cover
• Consider an external mock audit before your next CQC visit

The Sector’s Friend Tip of the Month:

Technology doesn’t replace leadership, it enhances it.

The most successful providers aren’t just “going digital.” They’re using data to lead smarter, safer and more sustainably.

Coming Next Month:

• New immigration rules: What they mean for international recruitment
• The top 5 reasons care home insurance claims are denied (and how to avoid them)
• What Ofsted's expansion into supported living could mean for hybrid providers.