What's New Bulletin 298- 14 May 2026
This is edition 298 of the provider bulletin, containing information on guidance, procedures and new initiatives. Very urgent or high priority communications may still be issued on an ad hoc basis, but we will try to keep these to a minimum
1. Birmingham City Council – Good Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating for Birmingham City Council (Information for all Providers)
2. Birmingham City Council, Rationalising shared inboxes within Birmingham City Council Commissioning – Regulated Care 23 May 2026 (Information for all Providers)
3. Birmingham City Council, Home support citizen feedback adjustment to providers quality scores (information for all contracted home support providers)
4. Birmingham City Council, P3 D2A Pathway Pilot – Care Home Packages (Information for all Contracted Providers)
5. The Birmingham Autism and ADHD Partnership, Requesting applications for the Chair position DEADLINE 1 June 2026 (Information for all Birmingham Providers)
6. REMINDER Birmingham City Council - Dementia Action Week 2026 Campaign (Information for all Providers)
7. Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) - Capacity Tracker Updates - (Information for all Providers)
8. Skills for Care - Resources and Case Studies to Raise Awareness of Mental Health Reforms 2025 (Information for all Providers)
9. REMINDER Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull – Ensuring Citizen’s Voices are Heard (Information for all Birmingham and Solihull Providers)
10. REMINDER CONSULTATION UK Health Security Agency Update Shared by Infection Prevention and Control DEADLINE 20 May 2026 (Information for Birmingham and Solihull Care Homes)
11. REMINDER Birmingham and Solihull Training Hub – Training dates in May 2026 (Information for Birmingham and Solihull Care Homes)
12. REMINDER Birmingham City Council - Learning Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health Provider Forum – Thursday, 21 May 2026, (ONLINE via Microsoft Teams) (Information for all Birmingham and Solihull Providers)
13. REMINDER Birmingham City Council, Residential and Nursing Providers Online Forum 22 May 2026 (Information for Residential and Nursing Providers)
1. Birmingham City Council – Good Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating for Birmingham City Council (Information for all Providers)
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Birmingham City Council as Good in its latest inspection in how well they are meeting their responsibilities to ensure people have access to adult social care and support under the Care Act (2014)
CQC has a new duty under the Act to assess how local authorities work with their communities and partners to meet their responsibilities. The CQC looked at nine areas spread across four themes to assess how well the authority is meeting their responsibilities in order to create their Good rating. Please use the link below for further information.
Birmingham maintains ‘good’ rating for adult social care
2. Birmingham City Council, Rationalising shared inboxes within Birmingham City Council Commissioning – Regulated Care 23 May 2026 (Information for all Providers)
As of the Friday 23 May 2026 the following emails will no longer be monitored:
From that date, if you email the above inboxes you will receive a message asking you to redirect your email as per below, unless you have already copied the recipients into your original email, in which case no further action is needed.
The following inboxes will remain and should be used in the following circumstances:
- marketintelligence@birmingham.gov.uk for provider enquiries about how to apply to join our open contracts, any issues with using the CareMatch Portal
- Area commissioners for enquiries from contracted providers (except those relating to the use of CareMatch Portal). You can find contact details for your area commissioners here.
- Area Commissioning Teams – Contact and Care Provider Forum information | Who to contact in the commissioning team | Birmingham City Council
- Brokerage – via the CareMatch Portal for referrals open for offers and the individual broker managing the referral or service agreement thereafter.
- ComplexPlacements@birmingham.gov.uk for providers supporting individuals with complex needs to respond to requests from commissioning for information, including responses to pen pictures
Payment queries should be directed as follows:
- Care Homes SCHAdultsPayments@birmingham.gov.uk
Home Support/Supported Living/Extra Care Sheltered Housing Home.Support.Payments.Team@birmingham.gov.uk if a service agreement is in place but no payment has been received or a service agreement is in place but has the wrong start or end date
- Home.Support.Invoice.Queries@birmingham.gov.uk if you have been informed your invoice is in query
- Allocated social worker, or responsible social work team via CSAdultSocialCare@birmingham.gov.uk if a service has started without a service agreement
- agem.customerscanning@nhs.net if payment is not being received from the NHS for their element of funding.
3. Birmingham City Council, Home Support Citizen Feedback Adjustment to Providers Quality Scores (information for all contracted home support providers)
From this month the citizen feedback adjustment to providers quality scores will also include feedback collected during the reassessment process. The review form questions have been added to the reassessment forms to increase the opportunity to collect citizen feedback.
We now have a few months of data and will be adding this into the citizen feedback adjustment for the May update to provider quality scores scheduled to be uploaded to the CareMatch Portal on Wednesday 20 May.
A full explanation of how providers’ quality scores are calculated can be found here;
Quality inspections and guidance on quality ratings and scores
Including a recording of the presentation delivered to providers before the reimplementation of the quality score:
Home Support Provider Information Event
4. Birmingham City Council, P3 D2A Pathway Pilot – Care Home Packages (Information for all Contracted Providers)
The Council and Birmingham and Solihull ICB has recently launched a pilot project to support the discharge of citizens from acute hospitals who are likely to require a long-term care home package – subject to a social work assessment of their long-term needs being carried out in a community setting. This is being referred to as the P3 D2A pathway pilot.
Care home packages under this pilot will be tendered via CareMatch Portal to contracted residential and nursing homes (as appropriate).
The care packages are tendered on the following basis:
- They are temporary placements in the first instance for 21 days to allow time for a Care Act social work assessment and to determine if a long-term care home package is required.
- Offers against referrals are required within 24 hours.
- By making an offer against a referral the care home agrees to assess the citizen and confirm the offer of an admission with 48 hours of being requested to do so.
- Following the confirmed offer, 72 hours is then afforded to citizens and their representatives to confirm their choice of home (where multiple offers are received).
- P3 D2A pathway placements will be funded at the Council’s standard older adult rate (residential or nursing as applicable). In the case of nursing home placements, the fee will include an element equivalent to the Funded Nursing Care payment (N.B. it is not necessary to apply for separate FNC funding).
- Funding of the placement is made on a ‘without prejudice’ basis until the citizen’s long term care needs are assessed.
- Following admission to the care home, a social work assessment will be arranged. If long term need for a care home is confirmed at the assessment, then we shall put in place a long-term service agreement either:
- At the care home offering the P3 D2A pathway pilot bed should the citizen choose to remain there.
- At an alternative care home if the citizen does not wish to remain.
- Long term placement agreements will be funded at the Council’s standard older adult rates. In the case of nursing placements, the home will have to apply separately to the ICB for the Funded Nursing Care element.
We hope this offers another source of referrals and encourage care homes to bid for these care packages where they have vacancies and can meet the criteria set out above.
5. The Birmingham Autism and ADHD Partnership, Requesting Applications for the Chair Position DEADLINE 1 June 2026 (Information for all Birmingham Providers)
The Birmingham Autism and ADHD Partnership have opened applications for the Chair position. They are specifically looking for citizens with lived experience of autism and/or ADHD for this position. The position is a voluntary role, so is unpaid.
To be eligible for the Chair position, you must:
- Have lived experience of autism and/or ADHD (including dual diagnosis)
- Be a resident of Birmingham
- Have a good understanding of local health, social care and/or education services
Please pass this onto any citizens or next of kin who you feel maybe interested in applying.
Please please email marketintelligence@birmingham.gov.ukfor a copy of the Job Description attached, which contains more information about the position and what someone would be expected to do as the Board Chair.
The deadline to submit your application is 9:00 am on Monday, 1 June 2026 (applications received after 9am on this date will not be considered).
How to apply:
Please email an expression of interest to AutismADHD@birmingham.gov.uk and include why you would like to chair the board, what skills you bring to the post, and how we can support you.
If you need help to do this, please reach out to the team at AutismADHD@birmingham.gov.uk and someone will support you as needed.
6. REMINDER Birmingham City Council - Dementia Action Week 2026 Campaign (Information for all Providers)
- Dementia Action Week 2026 (18–24 May)
Dementia Action Week 2026 (18–24 May) is a national awareness campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society each year in the UK. It brings people together to raise awareness and support those affected by dementia. With 1 in 3 people currently undiagnosed, this year’s theme highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, which can make a real difference to people and their families.
If you’re concerned about someone you care for is showing symptoms, encourage them to speak to their GP. Click below to find and why diagnosis is important.
Click below to download the Alzheimer’s Society checklist for dementia symptoms.
- Birmingham Dementia Hub
Visit the BCC Dementia Hub for clear, trusted information on what dementia is, its stages, accessing care and support, and planning for the future. The site is easy to use and signposts local services across Birmingham.
Visit the Birmingham Dementia campaign click below to find out how you can join in the free activities on offer in Birmingham.
- Call to action - Become a Dementia Friend Today!
Dementia changes lives, but understanding can change everything. Become a Dementia friend today and stand with people living with dementia and those who care for them. Click the link below to find out how you can become a Dementia Friend.
Together, we can make Birmingham more dementia‑friendly.
7. Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) - Capacity Tracker Updates - (Information for all Providers)
This monthly bulletin brings together key updates and useful information about Capacity Tracker and the care sector that may be of interest to you. Please use this link for further information.
20260513 - monthly bulletin - may.pdf
For support with the Capacity Tracker, please see details below:
- For system support and guidance - please contact NECS Capacity Tracker Support Centre - 0191 691 3729 or necsu.capacitytracker@nhs.net (Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, excluding public holidays)
- Changing registration, closing, change of ownership – please contact the CQC - T: 03000 616161, E: enquiries@cqc.org.uk, CQC Provider Portal (Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, excluding public holidays)
If you receive an enforcement notice – please contact the NHS Business Services Authority Enforcement Team (NHSBSA) – T: 0300 330 2088, E: enforcement@nhsbsa.nhs.uk (Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm
8. Skills for Care - Resources and Case Studies to Raise Awareness of Mental Health Reforms 2025 (Information for all Providers)
The 2025 reforms to the Mental Health Act mark a significant shift toward greater autonomy, reduced detention, and stronger community-based support. For adult social care providers, these changes bring new responsibilities, opportunities, and expectations. The Mental Health Act (MHA) is the legal framework in England and Wales that governs the detention, assessment and treatment of individuals with severe mental health disorders. Since its introduction, the Act has evolved to better reflect modern approaches to care, rights, and recovery.
The 2025 reforms represent the most substantial update in decades, placing a stronger emphasis on individual rights, therapeutic benefit, and reducing unnecessary detention. While implementation will be phased over time, adult social care providers should begin preparing now. Skills for Care have collated a number of resources to support providers, available here.
9. REMINDER Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull – Ensuring Citizen’s Voices are Heard (Information for all Birmingham and Solihull Providers)
Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull is here to make sure patients’ voices are heard by the services they use. By supporting citizens to share their feedback, using Healthwatch’s online feedback centre or by requesting a copy of the poster by emailing marketintelligence@birmingham.gov.uk, you can help Healthwatch ensure services listen, respond, and improve care for everyone.
Please print and display the poster which is available by emailing marketintelligence@birmingham.gov.uk and encourage citizens to tell Healthwatch about their experiences, so together we can make a difference.
The online feedback centre is available here:
Share Your Views - Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull
10. REMINDER CONSULTATION UK Health Security Agency Update Shared by Infection Prevention and Control DEADLINE 20 May 2026 (Information for Birmingham and Solihull Care Homes)
A consultation on the updated Adult Social Care (ASC) Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) resource is now open until 20 May 2026.
The DHSC commissioned UKHSA to consolidate and update previous Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Resource for Adult Social Care (ASC) guidance to better support the sector in preventing and managing infections. It has been developed through review of existing materials, expert input, evidence review and alignment with policy.
This consultation seeks feedback from key stakeholders on the draft Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Resource for Adult Social Care (ASC). The aim is to ensure the content is accurate, accessible and practical for use across the adult social care sector. Your input will help refine and strengthen the final version before publication
Feedback on the IPC resources is encouraged to ensure the final version of this document meets the needs of ASC Providers particularly in relation to the highlighted areas below:
- whether the guidance is clear, accessible, and easy to navigate.
- how practical and workable it is in real‑world ASC settings.
- whether it reflects current practice and sector needs; and
- any gaps, areas for clarification, or additional support materials that would be helpful.
Please use this link below for the consultation documents and feedback form, NB: you will need to click ‘Download all’ to access the documentation.
DHSC ASC IPC Consultation Documents - Fast.io
All feedback, questions or correspondence relating to the consultation should be sent to:
ascipcresource@dhsc.gov.uk. Please send your responses to this email address to support effective management and collation of feedback by close of play Wednesday 20 May.
11. REMINDER Birmingham and Solihull Training Hub – Training dates in May 2026 (Information for Birmingham and Solihull Care Homes)
Have you visited the Birmingham and Solihull training hub website yet? You can view information as someone working in a primary or social care role in the Solihull / Birmingham area, as a student looking for support with career development or as a visitor wanting to find out more.
Social Care – BSol Training hub
All training events are listed in the calendar section. You can also contact the training hub by email bsol.traininghub@nhs.net
The next sessions are:
19 May 2026 Catheterisation Training 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
20 May 2026 Birmingham and Solihull Registered Managers Network Meeting 9:30 am - 11:30 am
20 May 2026 Syringe Driver Management 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
20 May Lunch & Learn: County Lines 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
20 May 2026 Symptom Management 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
21 May 2026 Social Care Institute for Excellence Mental Capacity Act Training 12:30 pm - 22 May 5:00 pm
21 May 2026 Dysphagia Safety 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
12. REMINDER Birmingham City Council - Learning Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health Provider Forum – Thursday, 21 May 2026, (ONLINE via Microsoft Teams) (Information for all Birmingham and Solihull Providers)
Thank you to those who have already booked a place at the upcoming Provider Forum on Thursday, 21 May 2026, 10am – 12pm.
If you have not yet booked a place and would like to attend, please use the following link to sign up
Updates/agenda items for the session will include:
- Lucy McDonald from Skills for Care – key updates and information
- Hospital Passports and reasonable adjustments
- Feedback from professionals re housing questionnaire for citizens with LDA and MH needs
13. REMINDER Birmingham City Council, Residential and Nursing Providers Online Forum 22 May 2026 (Information for Residential and Nursing Providers)
You are invited to join our next online forum for Residential and Nursing providers. This session will be an opportunity to share updates, raise any issues, and continue working together to strengthen support for people across the city.
When:Friday, 22 May 2026
Time:11:00am – 12:30pm
Where:Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting: Residential and Nursing Providers Online Forum 22 May 2026
Meeting ID: 356 307 074 697 195
Passcode: fZ276vP3
Agenda:
- Service and commissioning updates
- “Skills For Care” – update (Jamie Bloomfield – Locality Manager Skills for Care)
- How commissioners evaluate risk and assess quality
- Space for providers to raise questions and suggest items for the next forum
Your insight and participation are very much valued, and we hope you can join us.