CMM OFF THE PAGE | HOW HOMECARE PROVIDERS CAN WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Episode 5: How homecare providers can work effectively with local authorities

In this episode, Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association updates on council fee rates, explaining how they differ across the country and delves into the challenges around length of homecare visits. Dr Simon Osborne, Director of Quality, ‘In Home’ and Clinical Care at Right at Home UK shares how the franchise model is supporting providers across the UK and tells listeners why case studies have a critical role to play when it comes to sharing evidence with local authorities. Elizabeth Clark, Chief Executive of Avanti Homecare, was nominated to Chair the Provider Forum in Derbyshire, Elizabeth tells us how other providers can get involved in forums and how the homecare provider navigates difficult conversations and decisions when commissioning homecare. This episode highlights the importance of collaboration amongst homecare providers and offers some suggestions and advice for supporting the homecare workforce.

Episode Speakers:

Dr Jane Townson OBE

Chief Executive, The Homecare Association 

Jane has extensive experience in the social care, health, housing, and technology sectors. She is Chair of the Board of Kraydel; formerly CEO Somerset Care Group; Chairman YourLife (JV with McCarthy & Stone); and Vice Chair UKHCA.

Jane’s first career was in international leadership roles in research and development in ICI, AstraZeneca, and Syngenta, where she was Global Head of Bioscience Research. She then established her own business providing consultancy and training on the link between lifestyle factors and public health, working with private individuals and public sector organisations.

 Elizabeth Clark

Chief Executive, Avanti Homecare

Elizabeth Clark is the Chief Executive of Avanti Homecare, which she set up with her husband and sister-in-law in 2018. She is also the Chair of the Derbyshire Homecare Association. Avanti operates across Derbyshire and has offices in Ilkeston, Ripley and Long Eaton.

Elisabeth’s background is in financing infrastructure projects, working in Barclays and managing a debt fund at UBS. Following many years working in the city, she decided to make a complete career change and work in a sector that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

 Simon Osborne

Director of Quality, ‘In-Home’ and Clinical Care at Right at Home UK

Simon has worked in care and support settings on a voluntary and professional basis since 1987. He was a volunteer for The Samaritans and then started work with adults with a learning disability who were leaving long-stay institutions in Berkshire and West London. He qualified as an Occupational Therapist, working with adults with a learning disability and older people in their own homes. Simon has post-graduate qualifications in the applied psychology of learning disability, leadership and voluntary sector management.

Between 2005-2012, Simon held senior leadership positions in learning disability charities. He then became an Inspector with the Care Quality Commission and latterly was an Inspection Manager in the adult social care directorate. Simon has maintained his OT registration and is also a qualified hypnotherapist.

Simon is keen to contribute to the further development of the excellent work which Right at Home already undertakes with its owners, CareGivers and clients around quality and compliance m

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To watch the video version of the recording, visit CMM's YouTube page: Care Management Matters (CMM) - YouTube