Latest news, insights and updates
The Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026: a day that felt like a movement
On Thursday 18 June, more than 200 people came together online for our first Learning Disability Leaders Conference. It was completely free and from the very first session it became clear this was about more than a day of training. It felt like the start of something....
Speaker Spotlight: Elaine Warner on Oliver McGowan Training Updates
We are pleased to introduce our final speaker for the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026. Elaine Warner, Managing Director of Care Business Associate Training (CBAT), will be presenting on: Oliver McGowan Training Updates. Thirty years in social care...
Speaker Spotlight: Katherine Williams on How to Survive and Thrive in the World of CQC in 2026
We are delighted to welcome Katherine Williams from Fulcrum as our penultimate speaker at the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026. Katherine will be presenting on: How to Survive and Thrive in the World of CQC in 2026 A career at the heart of health and...
Speaker Spotlight: Steven Lee on Reducing Restrictive Practices Through a PBS Framework
We are pleased to welcome Steven Lee from Bright Futures as our next speaker at the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026. Steven will be presenting on: Reducing Restrictive Practices: A Positive Behaviour Support Framework About Steven Lee Steven has worked in...
Speaker Spotlight: Big Ian Donaghy — MAGNIFICENTLY DIFFERENT!
Some speakers inform. Some inspire. Big Ian Donaghy does both, and usually has the room in tears and laughter before the time is up. We are delighted to welcome Big Ian to the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026, where he will be presenting:...
Lin Spencer and Furqan Zaman on Dementia in the Learning Disability Population
We are delighted to welcome two speakers from Walsingham Support to the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026. Lin Spencer and Furqan Zaman will be presenting together on: Dementia in the Learning Disability Population Why this topic matters Dementia in...
Speaker Spotlight: Nick Witan on PBS, Quality of Life and Our Moral Obligations
We are thrilled to welcome Nick Witan as a speaker at the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026, where he will discuss PBS and the impact on quality of life. Nick Witan will be presenting on: Quality of Life and Effective Implementation of PBS: Our moral...
Speaker Spotlight: Tim Dallinger on Person-led, Outcome-focused Care Planning
We are delighted to introduce our first speaker for the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026. Meet Tim Dallinger, Social Care Consultants Ltd Tim Dallinger is a specialist in social care consultancy, with deep expertise in Learning Disability services....
Introducing the Learning Disability Leaders Conference 2026
On Thursday 18 June 2026, Care Surveys is bringing together 8 expert speakers for a free, full-day online conference built exclusively for those leading, managing and shaping Learning Disability services. Something has been coming up time and again in our...
We’re Now Care Surveys: Same Expert Support, Clearer Name, Bigger Purpose
Care Research has rebranded to Care Surveys - and if you're a care provider navigating inspections, here's why that matters for you. If you've worked with us before, you'll know us as Care Research. From today, we're trading as Care Surveys - a name that better...
CQC’s New Framework: What the Rating Characteristics Really Mean for Your Service
If you missed it, CQC have quietly published part of their draft framework - the 24 Key Lines of Enquiry and, crucially, the Rating Characteristics that sit alongside them. No big announcement, no fanfare. But this is significant, and I think it deserves a proper...
Get CQC Ready – Framework Changes Unwrapped
Join us for a one-day training course designed to give you the confidence, clarity & strategy needed to excel at your next CQC inspection. CQC inspections can feel overwhelming - but with the right preparation, your service can face them with clarity and...
Essex Cares (ECL) Boosts CQC Confidence
“Do it, you won’t regret it” Mark, Topps, Regional Business Manager at ECL recommends "Get CQC Ready" - CQC Training for care providers. When Essex Cares (ECL) wanted to strengthen their team’s understanding of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) framework, they turned...
Updated Accessible Information Standard
What does it mean for care providers? NHS England has recently refreshed the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) - an important framework that ensures people using health and social care services can get information in a format they understand and communicate in a...
How to Use Survey Results to Drive Quality, Compliance & Connection
At Care Research, our surveys are designed with one clear purpose: to give care providers valuable, actionable feedback that aligns directly with the CQC’s single assessment framework. Whether you're collecting responses from residents, family members, staff or...
Exploring the National Care Service Proposal
In this special edition of our Wednesday Webinar series, Care Research founder Louie Werth, led a thought-provoking session exploring the future of adult social care under a potential National Care Service. 🗓️ Aired: Wednesday 9th July 🎥 Watch Again:...
CQC Single Assessment Framework Review: Key Changes Announced
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has released a crucial update on the ongoing review of its Single Assessment Framework - marking a clear commitment to improving how care services are assessed and rated. Over the last two months, CQC has engaged with staff,...
How Avante Care & Support Strengthened CQC Readiness
At Care Research, we’re proud to work alongside providers who are committed to delivering outstanding care and constantly striving for improvement. One such organisation is Avante Care & Support, a leading care provider delivering residential, nursing, and...
What Will CQC Do Next? Free Webinar for Care Leaders
We’re halfway through 2025, and the CQC landscape is still evolving. With changes still being rolled out and uncertainty lingering around what’s next, it’s more important than ever for care providers to stay informed and inspection-ready. That’s why we’re...
How to get the most out of Paper Surveys
Paper Surveys circulated to Residents, Staff and Professional Partners form a critical part of the survey process; be sure they reflect your service. At Care Surveys, paper surveys are used alongside the online platform and ensures you are offering a range of...
Preventable Tragedy: Why Listening Must Be at the Heart of Care
How surveys and accessible feedback can help avoid the worst outcomes in care services. In April, ITV News released a deeply troubling report exposing allegations of neglect and abuse at a care company supporting people with learning disabilities: 🔗 ‘It’s a life or...