Blog Articles

Blogs from and by Delphi's very own experts.

Image

January 15, 2026

The Importance of Training and Development for Care Staff

In the social care sector, the single most important asset is not the building, the equipment, or the technology; it is the people. The quality of care a person receives

Learn more...

Culture improvement in care

January 7, 2026

How to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement in Care Homes

Achieving a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a significant milestone for any care home. However, the most successful providers know that this is not

Learn more...

Image

December 22, 2025

How to Conduct Effective Safeguarding Audits in Domiciliary Care

In domiciliary care, safeguarding is the most profound responsibility a provider holds. Protecting vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and neglect is not just a regulatory duty; it is the moral

Learn more...

sexual harassment law UK

December 16, 2025

Making sense of the Employment Rights Bill: How providers can prepare for changes to sexual harassment laws

The upcoming Employment Rights Bill significantly strengthens sexual harassment law in the UK, and social care providers must be prepared for this.   In a recent webinar series that we hosted with Nectar HR, a national HR consultancy supporting SMEs, Sonia Rai and Josie

Learn more...

Image

December 14, 2025

The Role of Interim Managers in Care Home Turnarounds

Receiving a poor Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating or facing a sudden leadership vacuum can be a deeply unsettling experience for any care home owner. When a service is in

Learn more...

Image

December 5, 2025

Understanding the Care Standards Act: A Guide for Providers

For any social care provider in England, navigating the complex web of legislation is a fundamental part of the job. Among the most significant pieces of legislation is the Care

Learn more...

Image

November 27, 2025

How to Prepare for a CQC Inspection: A Step-by-Step Guide

The thought of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection can be a source of significant anxiety for any care provider. However, an inspection does not have to be a stressful

Learn more...

CQC Registered Manager

November 20, 2025

What is a CQC Registered Manager? Complete Guide to Requirements & Qualifications

Are you considering becoming a registered manager, or need to understand the CQC registered manager requirements for your care service? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about

Learn more...

Image

November 18, 2025

The Importance of CQC Compliance in Residential Care

For any residential care home in England, achieving and maintaining Care Quality Commission (CQC) compliance is not just a legal obligation; it is the bedrock of providing safe, high-quality care.

Learn more...

Mergers and Acquisitions

November 10, 2025

Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions in the Social Care Sector

The social care sector is undergoing significant transformation. Economic pressures, changing regulatory demands, and evolving market dynamics are driving a wave of consolidation. For many care providers, a merger or

Learn more...

Image

November 3, 2025

Top Recruitment Strategies for Domiciliary Care Agencies

In the domiciliary care sector, the quality of your service is a direct reflection of the quality of your team. Attracting and retaining compassionate, skilled care workers is the most

Learn more...

Image

September 4, 2025

Key Questions Explained: Responsive

‘Responsive’ is one of the CQC’s 5 core questions. This asks whether the service meets people’s needs quickly and appropriately every time. If the provider is able to answer “yes”

Learn more...

Image

September 4, 2025

Key Questions Explained: Well-Led

Strong and transparent leadership is necessary or every other key question in the CQC framework. The ‘Well-Led’ key question will aim to examine the leadership of an organisation and the

Learn more...

Image

September 4, 2025

CQC Warning Notice, Notice of Decision (NOD) & Special Measures Support 

Facing a CQC Warning Notice, Notice of Decision (NOD), or entry into CQC Special Measures? Don’t go it alone. Delphi’s former CQC inspectors and operational leaders deliver rapid, evidence-based turnaround

Learn more...

CQC PIR Provider Information Return

July 17, 2025

CQC PIR Explained: How to Complete Your Provider Information Return with Confidence

Completing a CQC PIR, or Provider Information Return, can feel like a daunting task. Especially when you’re juggling day-to-day operations, staffing pressures, and regulatory changes. At Delphi Care Solutions, we

Learn more...

learning disabilities

June 9, 2025

Why “One Size Fits All” Fails in Adult Social Care for People with Learning Disabilities 

Insights from Kay Barrett, Taskforce Executive at Delphi Care Solutions Delivering high-quality, person-centred care for individuals with learning disabilities remains one of the most significant and persistent challenges in adult

Learn more...

Thinking of moving into Ofsted-regulated children's services

May 28, 2025

Meeting the Need: Why Moving into Ofsted-Regulated Children’s Services Matters More Than Ever

As the demand for Ofsted-regulated children’s services and supported living for children continues to grow, the gap between the number of vulnerable children and the services available to support them

Learn more...

How to Open a Children’s Home

May 27, 2025

How to Open a Children’s Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspirational Care Providers

Figuring out how to open a children’s home is one of the most impactful decisions you can make as a care provider. With a rising number of vulnerable young people

Learn more...

Image

May 22, 2025

Key Questions Explained: Caring

The ‘Caring’ question from the CQC will focus on how well care providers treat patients. They need to be able to demonstrate compassion, dignity and respect whilst recognising each individual’s

Learn more...

Image

May 7, 2025

Key Questions Explained: Effective

The CQC inspectors study five different areas to ensure that any care provider is meeting the appropriate standards. Here we take a look at the ‘Effective’ section of the CQC

Learn more...

Image

April 22, 2025

Key Questions Explained: Safe

Of the five main CQC standards, ‘Safe’ is one of the most crucial. This considers whether service users, staff and visitors are protected from abuse and avoidable harm at all

Learn more...

Image

April 14, 2025

What are the CQC’s 5 Key Questions?

In 2024, the CQC rolled out the Single Assessment Framework (SAF) introducing a new way of assessing care services. As part of the changes with the new assessment framework came

Learn more...

Image

February 18, 2025

Understanding the Waterlow Score: A Vital Tool in Preventing Pressure Ulcers

The Waterlow score is a widely used risk assessment tool in healthcare settings across the UK. Its primary purpose is to identify individuals at risk of developing pressure ulcers, enabling

Learn more...

Image

February 12, 2025

How Good Communication Improves CQC Outcomes & Person-Centred Care

Good communication is the cornerstone of achieving excellence in care provision and ensuring compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements. With the introduction of the Single Assessment Framework (SAF)

Learn more...

Image

February 4, 2025

Do I Need to Register with the CQC? A Guide to Regulated Activities & Health Optimisation Treatments

If you are operating or planning to operate a health or social care service in England, you may be wondering: Do I need to register with the Care Quality Commission

Learn more...

Image

January 31, 2025

CQC Overview: Who Are They, What They Do, and Their Powers

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. Their role is critical in ensuring that people receive safe, effective, compassionate, and

Learn more...

Image

January 16, 2025

Improve your care home with these 5 tips

Providing high-quality care in a care home setting requires continuous reflection and improvement to ensure the best possible experience for service users. Even small changes can make a big difference

Learn more...

Image

January 9, 2025

The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework Explained

During 2024, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rolled out their Single Assessment Framework (SAF). It is extremely important that you, as a care provider, understand this new way of assessing

Learn more...

Image

December 3, 2024

How an Interim Manager Can Improve Your Care Service

If you run a care service that is going through a difficult time or looking to grow and improve, then the solution might lie in the support of a highly

Learn more...

Image

July 17, 2024

What You Need to Know About the CQC Framework Updates

If you are a care manager, then you will be aware of how important your CQC rating can be. As an indicator of how safe, effective, responsive and caring your

Learn more...

Image

February 13, 2024

How Does CQC Registration Work & Who Needs to Do It?

If you provide a care service in England, then you need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures that the highest standards of care are maintained,

Learn more...

Image

November 25, 2023

Competency Assessment for Social Care Workers

Ensuring Quality and Compassionate Care Delivering high-quality care services is a cornerstone of any thriving society, with a particular emphasis on social care. It is imperative to prioritise the competence

Learn more...

Image

November 7, 2023

Starting a Domiciliary Care Business: Q&A with Chris Williams from Tiggo Care

In this blog post, we ask Chris Williams, the founder of Tiggo Care, a series of questions that we think you should consider if you want to start a domiciliary

Learn more...

Image

June 17, 2023

Does your care environment need to register with the CQC?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) plays a crucial role in regulating care environments to ensure safety and quality of care. It is mandatory for certain types of service providers to

Learn more...

Image

May 26, 2023

How Often Does the CQC Inspect Care Services?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) are an independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It is their job to make sure that care provision within the country

Learn more...

Image

January 30, 2023

What to understand if you’re a new caregiver

Becoming a caregiver is both hugely demanding and hugely rewarding. As such, it’s vital to balance your needs and wants with the needs and wants of the person you’re caring

Learn more...

Image

December 21, 2022

Caring for your care home and residents in Winter

Winter can be a difficult time for many, but this is particularly the case for the elderly and vulnerable, who face a greater level of risks during these months. It

Learn more...

Image

September 9, 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Learn more...

Image

August 4, 2022

My “Walking Stick” Moment

This is my first blog for Delphi so instead of delving straight into the meaty subject matter and expanding world of social care, I thought I might take a minute

Learn more...