Record Numbers of Care Services Achieve DSPT Compliance in 2026
Record numbers of care services now have the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) in place, as using the toolkit becomes standard practice, supporting data and cyber security across adult social care.
By the 30 June 2026 deadline, almost 76.5% of CQC-registered adult social care services across England had an up-to-date DSPT in place.
In total, 22,429 services are now DSPT-compliant, including 12,887 care homes and 9,562 home care services.
That is an increase of 600 services since June 2025 – and a massive jump from just 15% back in 2021.
Almost 14,500 of those published have used the DSPT for at least three years in a row.
Commenting on the figures, Better Security, Better Care Programme Director, Michelle Corrigan, said:
“It is brilliant to see record numbers of care services with the DSPT in place – and we are particularly pleased to see that almost 14,500 services have published their DSPT for at least three years in a row.
“This tells us that the toolkit is now embedded in many providers’ regular processes for checking their data protection and cyber security arrangements.
“The consistency is just as important as the overall numbers. When providers republish year after year, it shows that they are reviewing what they do, keeping their arrangements up to date and building trust with the people they support, their families, staff and partners.”
Care services that started their DSPT but did not manage to complete it by 30 June are encouraged to keep going. Digital Care Hub is holding a webinar specifically for services who have almost completed their DSPT. Book for 7 July webinar.
From DSPT compliance to implementation
Publishing the DSPT is an important milestone. The next priority is making sure the commitments made through the toolkit are reflected in day-to-day working, from staff training and policies to safer information sharing with health and care partners.
Michelle Corrigan, said:
“The next step is helping services turn their DSPT commitments into everyday practice. We are supporting that too. Following a successful pilot, we are rolling out free Digital Health Checks through our Local Support Organisations to help providers understand what is working well, where there may be gaps, and what practical steps they can take next.”
CQC support for the DSPT
The Care Quality Commission, strongly recommends that providers have the DSPT in place. Chris Badger, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care told Digital Care Hub:
“CQC supports the move towards greater digitisation and integration in health and social care. Sharing and storing information safely remains a top priority and good data governance underpins safe, effective, and person-centred care.
“We strongly recommend that all care providers use the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) to improve how they manage personal data. It offers clear evidence of good practice. Providers should also use the free expert support from the Digital Care Hub to help embed strong data protection into daily care.”
Links
Find out more and request a Digital Health Check
From heartbreak to innovation: the story behind icesupp
Icesupp was born out of personal loss. My sister Amy and I watched our Dad, Ray, battle cancer, and it was malnutrition, not the cancer itself, that became one of our biggest fears.
Dad was diagnosed in 2016. I'll always remember that phone call: one minute everything was fine, the next our world had turned upside down. He was treated at a hospital in Basingstoke by a wonderful team who stressed from day one how critical good nutrition would be to his recovery. We were told that a significant proportion of cancer patients die from malnutrition rather than the disease itself, a statistic that shook us.
As treatment progressed, Dad developed mucositis. He lost his appetite and found swallowing painful. The two supplements the hospital offered made him nauseous. He disliked the taste and texture, and struggled to get them down. The longer we spent on the ward, the more we got to know other patients' families going through the same thing, and it became clear we weren't alone in this frustration; those supplements were unpopular across the board, and we saw the same story played out around us. We watched Dad's weight continue to drop, caught between a poor appetite and food he couldn't stomach.
The one thing Dad did enjoy was ice lollies from the hospital freezer. Dietitians were quick to point out that while these helped with hydration and comfort, they offered little nutritional value. So we were left in an impossible position: an appetite that had all but disappeared, and no palatable way to fill the gap.
Dad lost his battle with cancer in 2017. He's missed every day.
An unlikely founder
Life moved on, as it does. Amy, then a ballroom dance teacher, announced one evening that she was going to create a food supplement for people struggling with their nutrition, just as Dad had. I'll admit, I thought she was a little mad. She had no background in nutrition and no experience launching a food product.
But Amy is determined. She sold her existing business and approached the University of Reading with a detailed brief: a product made entirely from natural ingredients, free from emulsifiers and allergens, with meaningful levels of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. It needed to be stored at ambient temperature yet be frozen for consumption, work as both a frozen treat and a coulis for fortifying sweet or savoury dishes, and, above all, taste genuinely good.
While food technologists worked through that challenge, Amy and her husband Rob assembled a team of specialists, many giving their time voluntarily: oncology, paediatric and elderly care dietitians, alongside business advisors. Nearly all had their own experience of malnutrition, whether through a cancer diagnosis, a child in hospital or an elderly relative in care.
From concept to clinical interest
Three years and a great deal of work later, icesupp launched. Great Ormond Street Hospital invited us to run an acceptability and palatability study, initially planned for a week but extended to five once the results came in.
From there, we began supplying hospitals and care homes. Our first care home trial was with Care UK, evaluating whether icesupp could help stabilise the weight of a high-risk resident who had stopped eating and was refusing fluids. Over a two-week trial, the resident gained weight and showed improved hydration and
skin integrity after trying icesupp.
Barchester followed, trialling icesupp across five homes as part of a broader initiative to explore resident-centred nutritional solutions. Chefs rated it highly across every category for ease of use and versatility. One case from those trials illustrates the impact:
"Mavis is a 99-year-old resident with a small frame. Despite a fair appetite, she had struggled to gain weight for several years, remaining under dietitian input without success. In December, she weighed 46kg with a BMI of 19 and a MUST score of 1, placing her at moderate risk of malnutrition. Her skin was thin and fragile, prone to tears and bruising, and she had short alert periods, mostly dozing.
"We offered icesupp twice daily, trialling it frozen, on its own and mixed with porridge, ice cream or yoghurt. Mavis preferred it unfrozen, mixed into food, and would open her mouth for more. We monitored her weight weekly: 47.3kg, then 49kg, then 51.9kg by early January, a gain of 5.9kg over the trial. She became noticeably more alert and engaged, and while her skin remained fragile, it appeared to heal faster. We'd recommend icesupp be considered for other residents facing similar nutritional challenges."
Seeing Barchester's chefs build icesupp into their own recipe book, weaving it into sweet and savoury dishes, has been genuinely rewarding. We've since taken part in IDDSI chef training workshops with Hallmark Care Homes and attend NACC events regularly. As a small start-up, our growth so far has come almost entirely through word of mouth.
Where we are now
Our mission remains what it always was: helping people achieve good nutrition. We now supply hundreds of care homes, hospitals and pharmacies. Accreditation from Informed Sport has also opened the door to supplying Premier League football clubs, including Liverpool, and one international team took icesupp to this year's World Cup in the US.
It's been quite a journey for a company only a few years old, and it speaks to a genuine gap in the market that needed filling. Icesupp is shipped and stored at ambient temperature, and is available through distributors including Bidfood, Castell Howell, NH Case, Elior and Foodbuy, as well as through community pharmacies and online via Holland & Barrett and Pharmacy2U.
Creed Foodservice launches Care Chef of the Year 2026 competition
One of the UK’s leading wholesalers - Creed Foodservice - has officially opened entries for its annual Care Chef of the Year competition, inviting chefs from across the UK care sector to showcase the talent, innovation and compassion that define professional care catering.
Now in its fourth year and firmly established as a highlight of the care catering calendar, the competition reflects Creed's long-standing commitment to the sector, where it has supported care providers for many years with specialist expertise, menu development and tailored foodservice solutions.
With more than 370,000 people living in care homes in England[1], mealtimes play a vital role in residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life. Beyond providing nutritious meals, care chefs create dining experiences that bring comfort, evoke memories and encourage social interaction. Creed’s Care Chef of the Year competition recognises the professionals whose skill and creativity make that possible every day.
This year's challenge invites chefs to create a two-course dining experience centred around the theme of ‘Movie Classics: Bringing iconic films to life through dining’. From elegant Hollywood glamour to seaside musicals, wartime favourites to world cinema, chefs are encouraged to create menus that spark conversation, evoke treasured memories and deliver unforgettable experiences for residents.
As well as flavour, presentation and technical skill, judges will be looking for creativity, resident engagement and an understanding of the unique nutritional and accessibility requirements of care catering.
Joseph Oliver, Business Development Chef at Creed Foodservice and one of the judges of the competition, said: “Every day, care chefs help enrich the lives of hundreds of thousands of care home residents across the UK. They combine nutritional expertise with creativity, compassion and a deep understanding of individual needs to deliver meals that are so much more than food. Through Creed’s Care Chef of the Year, we want to celebrate those professionals, recognise the exceptional standards being achieved across the sector and inspire even more innovation in care catering. Whether you've entered before or are considering it for the first time, we'd encourage every care chef to get involved and showcase the fantastic work they do.”
The competition is free to enter and open to all chefs working in UK care settings. Entrants are asked to submit their two-course menu (main and dessert), recipes, a description of their chosen theme and supporting photography. Six finalists will then be selected to compete in the live grand final, taking place on 21st October, where they will recreate their dishes and bring their themed dining experience to life. Joining Joseph Oliver on the judging panel are Johnny Hazell, co-Founder at CheckMate, a digital food safety app for the care sector, alongside Preston Walker and James Ball, co-Founders and Directors of OHK, specialist provider of IDDSI and dysphagia training and consultancy for the health and social care sector.
The winner will be crowned Creed Care Chef of the Year 2026, joining a growing community of chefs recognised for raising standards and championing excellence within care catering.
All finalists will be gifted personalised embroidered chef whites and a prize for achieving a place at the finale. The winner will receive the coveted Creed Care Chef of the Year Trophy and a chef knife forging experience.
Entries are now open and close on 31st August. For the full competition details, entry requirements and deadlines please visit: https://about.creedfoodservice.co.uk/care-chef-of-the-year-competition/
Pairly partners with The Access Group giving UK care providers free access to real-time care enquiry technology
Partnership gives Access Care Rostering customers access to real-time availability matching, helping families find available home care faster and helping providers convert more enquiries into care packages.
Pairly, the UK’s first real-time care marketplace, has announced a partnership with Access Care, part of The Access Group, to give all Access Care Rostering (ACR) customers free access to Pairly Pro through Access Care Connect.
Pairly is the first real-time availability matching and lead capture tool built specifically for the social care sector. The integration connects Pairly Pro with Access Care Rostering, meaning care enquiries captured through a provider’s website flow automatically into their care management workflow. For the first time, live availability will be fed directly from providers and bed management systems, putting real-time capacity directly at the fingertips of care seekers. The Pairly platform acts like a 24/7 digital care coordinator, giving teams instant visibility of availability and helping care seekers access support faster.
The partnership addresses a growing problem across care. The sector has limited data to support providers to quickly respond to enquiries from self-funded care seekers, and many providers still rely on static webchat tools and contact forms. Research from MIT, which examined 100,000 customer enquiry engagements across multiple sectors, found prospects were 21 times less likely to qualify if response times extended from five to thirty minutes. Pairly Pro is designed to close this gap, with the average enquiry taking less than a minute to complete and reach a provider’s Pairly app.
Rather than routing potential clients through a generic interface, Pairly Pro matches care seekers against a provider’s care capacity in real time and delivers a qualified lead directly to the local care team. Care seekers who do not complete the process are still captured and surfaced for follow-up.
Anisa Appleby-Byrne, General Manager at Access Care, said: “This partnership brings together the UK’s most widely used care rostering solution on the Evo AI platform with Pairly’s approach to real-time availability matching. Together, we’re giving Access Care customers a connected front door that turns website visitors into rostered clients faster than anything else on the market.”
Will Flint, Co-founder of Pairly, said: “Partnering with The Access Group is a significant moment for Pairly. ACR is trusted by thousands of care providers across the UK, and integrating Pairly Pro into that ecosystem means we can put real-time availability matching technology into the hands of teams who have never had access to it before. This is how we start to fix the information gap between care seekers and providers at scale.”
Providers already using Pairly Pro are reporting results.
A spokesperson for Nurse Plus said: “Pairly Pro has helped to increase our conversion rate online, with the ability to provide the user with another method of enquiry. It has helped provide more comprehensive enquiry information to our teams, ensuring we can efficiently respond and put the package of care in place best suited to their needs.”
A Bluebird Care franchise in the South East added: “It has helped centralise enquiry management and create more consistency in how we handle incoming requests.”
Across over 1,000 providers, Pairly has managed more than 5,000 care enquiries in the last year, valued at over £300 million. The platform also manages recruitment enquiries, handling over 2,100 care worker applications in the same period.
Pairly Pro will be available to all domiciliary ACR customers from late Summer 2026 once the integration is live. The solution will be rolled out for residential customers in stage two of the integration.
Beating the Heat: Why Staff Uniform Comfort Matters in Care Homes
In this article, Alsico explores how rising temperatures bring staff comfort into sharper focus, from uniform design to menopause considerations, and why small changes can make a meaningful difference to wellbeing and performance.
As temperatures rise across the UK, care providers are once again preparing for the challenges that warmer weather can bring. While much of the focus is understandably on supporting residents, summer can also highlight the conditions experienced by the people delivering that care every day.
Care homes are unique working environments. Maintained at warmer temperatures to support residents, they can become challenging workplaces during hotter periods. For care workers carrying out physically demanding roles involving long shifts, constant movement and hands-on care, these conditions can place additional strain on comfort and wellbeing.
Our research into the experiences of UK care workers highlighted several factors influencing day-to-day working life, including comfort, workplace support and uniform suitability. One of the clearest findings was the link between comfort and performance, with 58% of respondents saying the fit of their uniform affects how well they can carry out their role.
While uniforms may seem like a relatively small part of the working environment, the findings suggest they can have a meaningful impact on everyday experiences. During warmer weather, when staff may already be working in challenging conditions, issues relating to comfort and freedom of movement can become more noticeable.
For care workers, discomfort is rarely limited to a single issue. Long shifts spent moving between residents, assisting with mobility and carrying out physical tasks can become more demanding when clothing feels restrictive or contributes to overheating. What feels manageable during cooler months can become a greater challenge as temperatures rise.
Warmer conditions can also present challenges for employees experiencing menopause symptoms. Given that the care sector employs a predominantly female workforce, this is an important consideration for many providers. Our research found that 68% of respondents who had experienced menopause symptoms at work said their uniform did not help them cool down following a hot flush, while 63% said it did not prevent them from becoming sweaty or uncomfortable.
Comfort is not simply about clothing. It is also about understanding the realities of the role and supporting staff to perform at their best. Whether through regular feedback, reviewing workplace processes or evaluating the suitability of equipment and uniforms, small adjustments can make a significant difference to everyday working life.
As care providers continue to focus on workforce wellbeing and retention, warmer weather offers an opportunity to revisit these conversations. Frontline staff can provide insight into where improvements may be needed and the practical challenges employees face.
Care workers spend every shift supporting the wellbeing of others. Ensuring they feel comfortable and supported remains an important part of creating positive working environments.
For more insights into workforce wellbeing, uniform innovation and supporting care teams, visit: www.alsico.co.uk
A Game of 64 Squares
Chess is gaining traction in care homes as a powerful tool for cognitive stimulation and social connection. In this feature, Mark Rivlin shares his perspective on the game’s growing role in later life, speaking on behalf of Chess in Schools and Communities and its “Older and Bolder” initiative.
Chess might not be the first activity that comes to mind in a busy care home environment, but that is beginning to change. Once seen as a quiet pastime for enthusiasts, the game is experiencing a resurgence across the UK and is increasingly finding a natural home in care settings.
For providers navigating the ongoing challenge of delivering meaningful, low-cost, and inclusive activities, chess offers a compelling proposition. It is easy to introduce, adaptable to different cognitive and physical abilities, and uniquely positioned to support both wellbeing and social engagement.
A growing movement
The renewed popularity of chess has been driven by a combination of cultural and digital influences. Online platforms have made the game more accessible than ever, while mainstream media has helped reposition it as both aspirational and inclusive. Crucially, this momentum is no longer limited to younger audiences.
Organisations such as Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) are now actively extending their reach into older populations. With over two decades of experience delivering chess programmes in schools and community settings, the charity has launched its “Older and Bolder” initiative, specifically designed to bring chess into care homes.
The programme builds on successful pilots across the country, from structured courses in partnership with Age UK in Brighton, to community-based sessions in Westminster and Bracknell. These initiatives have demonstrated that, with the right support, chess can engage both complete beginners and experienced players later in life.
More than just a game
At its core, chess is a cognitively stimulating activity. It requires concentration, memory, planning, and decision-making: all skills that are highly relevant to maintaining mental agility in older age.
Emerging research supports this; studies on cognitively stimulating leisure activities suggest they may help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as dementia. While chess is not a preventative solution in isolation, it forms part of a broader toolkit of activities that can contribute to brain health.
Importantly for care settings, chess also appears to remain accessible even as cognitive decline progresses. There is evidence to suggest that individuals living with advanced dementia can retain the ability to engage with the game, offering a rare opportunity for continuity and familiarity.
Beyond cognition, the social dimension of chess is equally valuable. Whether played one-to-one or in a small group, it creates natural opportunities for interaction, conversation, and shared experience. In environments where loneliness and isolation remain ongoing concerns, this should not be underestimated.
A personal perspective
For many, chess is not just an activity but a lifelong companion. Mark Rivlin describes a personal connection that spans decades: “I was introduced to the game of chess at the age of five. My father was a strong player and taught me the moves. Now at the age of seventy, I have notched up six decades of playing the game… Win, lose or draw, I enjoy the challenge of playing against people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.”
This intergenerational appeal is part of what makes chess particularly suited to care environments. It can bridge gaps between residents, staff, and even visiting family members, creating a shared language that transcends age and background.
Rivlin also highlights the game’s accessibility: “Chess is easy to learn, enjoy and succeed, and most importantly, it is great fun to play.”
That simplicity is key. Unlike some activities that require extensive setup, specialised equipment, or significant staffing resources, chess can be introduced at minimal cost and with minimal space.
Practical implementation in care homes
For activity coordinators, the question is not whether chess has value, but how easily it can be embedded into an already busy programme.
The answer, in most cases, is straightforward.
A basic setup requires only a small number of boards and pieces, all of which can be easily stored. Sessions can be run informally, allowing residents to drop in and play at their own pace, or in more structured formats for those who prefer guided learning.
CSC’s “Older and Bolder” programme offers additional support, including trained tutors, teaching materials, and staff training. This can be particularly beneficial in homes where there is limited prior experience of delivering chess-based activities.
There is also scope to build variety into the programme. Mini tournaments, themed activity days, or even friendly matches with local schools or community groups can help sustain engagement over time. For residents with digital access, online platforms offer further opportunities to play and improve skills.
Inclusive by design
One of chess’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. It can be simplified for beginners, paced according to individual ability, and even adapted for those with visual or physical impairments through specialist boards and pieces.
This makes it an inclusive option within diverse resident populations. Whether someone is encountering the game for the first time or returning to it after many years, there is a clear entry point.
A strategic addition
As care providers continue to rethink activity provision in response to changing expectations, chess represents a low-risk, high-impact addition.
It aligns with key priorities across the sector: supporting cognitive health, encouraging social interaction, and delivering meaningful engagement without placing undue strain on resources.
Perhaps most importantly, it brings an element of challenge and purpose. On a board of 64 squares, every move matters, and for residents, that sense of agency and involvement can be powerful.
Rivlin describes chess as “a magical chessboard” with “thousands of options for attack, defense, and even making mistakes”. This mix of challenge, enjoyment, and human connection is what makes chess a meaningful activity in care home environments.
Sustainability in Care Homes: From Design to Long-Term Value
Sustainability is now a vital strategic factor in care, not just an optional extra. Featuring insights from Peter Mortimer from LNT Care Developments, speaking on behalf of Crystal Care Collection, and Samantha Dale from Miele Professional, this article examines how cutting waste, improving operations, and partnering with responsible suppliers can help care homes become more resilient, increase occupancy, and achieve long-term value.
Sustainability in the care sector has transitioned from being a mere aspiration to an essential expectation. For operators contending with rising costs, workforce challenges, and increased scrutiny, it now offers a practical pathway to resilience.
Effective sustainability efforts enhance environmental performance while also bolstering financial stability, operational efficiency, and brand reputation. Instead of treating sustainability as an isolated project, leading providers integrate it into design, operations, and supply chains, developing care environments better prepared for the future.
Designing sustainability from the ground up
For new-build developments, the greatest opportunity lies at the very beginning. Embedding sustainability at the design stage allows providers to integrate systems and technologies that would be significantly harder and more expensive to introduce later.
Peter Mortimer explains that sustainability has been central to planning from the outset. By designing homes around low-carbon technologies, organisations can create environments that are both efficient and resilient.
This includes integrating ground-source heat pump systems to meet the full heating demand, alongside underfloor heating, hot water provision, and comfort cooling. Photovoltaic panels, supported by battery storage, help maximise on-site use of renewable energy, while EV charging infrastructure and smart building management systems support efficient day-to-day operations.
The advantage of this approach is not just environmental. As Mortimer notes, building sustainability into the fabric of a home helps create long-term financial resilience. Energy demand in care settings is both high and constant, so investing in efficient systems from day one reduces exposure to rising costs while ensuring consistent performance.
Operationally, designing these elements to work together allows homes to maintain comfortable, stable environments for residents while giving operators greater visibility and control over building performance.
Reducing waste, improving efficiency
While new builds offer a blank canvas, existing homes can still make meaningful progress, particularly through waste reduction and process optimisation.
Laundry operations provide a clear example: because they run continuously to meet strict hygiene requirements, they are inherently resource-intensive. However, as Samantha Dent highlights, even small efficiencies can deliver significant impact over time.
“One of the most practical ways to manage this is by removing as much moisture as possible during the wash,” she explains. “When linen leaves the washing machine drier, it spends less time in the tumble dryer, which reduces energy demand and helps maintain a steady supply of clean textiles.”
Advances in technology are also improving precision. Systems that measure residual moisture allow drying cycles to end at exactly the right point, avoiding unnecessary energy use while protecting fabric quality. Some machines can also reuse heat generated during earlier cycles, further reducing overall consumption.
These efficiencies extend beyond energy. By improving processes and extending the lifespan of linen, homes can reduce replacement rates, lowering both costs and environmental impact. At the same time, better visibility of machine usage allows operators to refine workflows and ensure resources are being used effectively across the operation.
The principle is simple: tighter control over resources leads to stronger operational performance.
Sustainability as a driver of occupancy
Sustainability is also becoming an increasingly important part of how care homes present themselves to the market.
While quality of care remains the primary decision factor, families are paying closer attention to values, environment and long-term responsibility. Homes that can clearly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability are better positioned to build trust and stand out in a competitive landscape.
This does not require grand gestures. Practical, visible actions, such as reducing waste, investing in energy efficiency or working with responsible suppliers, often resonate more strongly than broad statements of intent.
Communicating these efforts effectively is key. Digital platforms, including websites and social media, allow providers to showcase their approach and bring their environment to life. Sustainability, when embedded into the overall narrative, reinforces a sense of quality, professionalism and forward thinking.
There is also a clear internal benefit. Teams are increasingly motivated by purpose-led organisations, and sustainability initiatives can contribute to stronger engagement and retention: an important consideration in a sector facing ongoing workforce challenges.
Strengthening supply chains and standards
Sustainable practice extends beyond the building itself. Procurement decisions play a critical role in shaping both environmental impact and operational quality.
Working with suppliers who prioritise responsible sourcing, reduced packaging and efficient production methods helps raise standards across the board. It also improves transparency, which is becoming increasingly important from both regulatory and reputational perspectives.
Mortimer emphasises that this approach has been a key consideration during the construction of Crystal Care Collection homes. Alongside low-carbon technologies, the organisation has prioritised durable, responsibly sourced materials and partnered with suppliers who understand the specific demands of care environments.
This balance is essential. In a care setting, sustainability must align with safety, quality and longevity. Materials and systems must not only reduce environmental impact but also withstand intensive, long-term use.
Local sourcing can further enhance this approach by reducing transport emissions, supporting regional economies, and often improving product quality, particularly in areas such as catering.
Building for the long term
Sustainability extends beyond just making a home operational. Continuous monitoring and ongoing improvement are essential to sustain performance over time.
Smart building management systems, such as those used in Crystal Care Collection homes, provide real-time data on energy consumption and system performance. This helps operators pinpoint inefficiencies, adjust processes, and respond to evolving needs.
Ultimately, sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns; it provides a framework for creating stronger, more resilient care businesses. For providers who adopt a strategic perspective, the advantages include lower costs, better operational control, enhanced market position, and environments that support residents, staff, and families more effectively. In a complex and changing landscape, these benefits are not optional; they are vital.
Maintaining Food Safety Standards in Care Home Kitchens
Food safety is non-negotiable in care environments. Hoshizaki UK shares practical guidance on maintaining high hygiene standards, with expert insight from Roz Scourfield on how the right equipment and processes can support safer, more efficient kitchen operations.
“As care home caterers know all too well, a hygienic kitchen is a healthy one,” says Scourfield. “Staff take great pride in the measures and practices they’ve implemented to protect residents from food-borne illnesses such as Salmonella, Hepatitis and Norovirus.”
Yet while the fundamentals of food safety, training, compliance and robust procedures are well understood, maintaining consistently high standards in a busy care home kitchen is more complex. Time pressures, high volumes and operational demands can all create risk points.
The gap between policy and practice
“On the surface, preventing these threats seems relatively simple, but the reality of managing a busy kitchen can sometimes affect standards,” Scourfield explains. “Investing in equipment that is specifically designed to support hygiene can make a significant difference.”
This is where purpose-built solutions can play a vital role, supporting staff to uphold best practice even during peak service times.
Designed for safer kitchens
Hoshizaki’s ADVANCE refrigeration range is a case in point. Designed with safety and ease of maintenance in mind, the units include anti-tilting shelves to prevent spills, removable gaskets for thorough cleaning, and stainless-steel exteriors that wipe down quickly. A monoblock system mounted externally allows for easier access during maintenance, helping to ensure consistent performance and hygiene compliance.
Temperature control
Temperature management remains one of the most critical aspects of food safety. Best practice guidance recommends storing fresh meat between -2°C and +2°C, fresh fish between -1°C and +1°C, dairy at +2°C to +5°C, and frozen foods at -18°C or below. Maintaining these ranges limits bacterial growth, preserves food quality and supports efficient equipment operation.
Safer ice and hydration support
Ice is also a growing consideration in care settings, particularly as providers look for ways to support hydration. The IM-ULTRA CUBE ice machine incorporates UV sanitisation technology to treat both air and water, reducing the risk of contamination. “Ice is being used more frequently to support hydration,” says Scourfield. “A simple but effective tip is to keep the scoop inside the bin so it is sanitised along with the ice, this is often where the most bacteria can accumulate.”
Building consistency
For food preparation, blast chilling and freezing offer both safety and efficiency benefits. Hoshizaki’s Advance Blast Chiller/Freezers automate the process, rapidly reducing food temperatures in line with HACCP requirements before switching to storage mode. This not only protects food safety but also gives kitchen teams greater confidence and consistency in meal preparation.
Protecting vulnerable residents
Ultimately, care homes serve some of society's most vulnerable individuals, where even small lapses in food hygiene can lead to serious issues. The key to upholding the highest standards and prioritising resident safety in every kitchen is a combination of skilled staff, clear procedures, and purpose-built equipment.
Essential 5: Sustainability
Energy costs remain one of the biggest operational pressures facing care homes today. Andrew Ladbrook from Green Shield Group outlines five practical steps to help providers take control of their energy use, reduce costs, and build a more sustainable future for their homes and the people who live in them.
Review your energy use and costs
Before making any changes, you need a clear picture of where energy is being consumed. A professional audit identifies your biggest cost drivers, highlights inefficiencies, and provides a baseline against which all future improvements can be measured. At the same time, review your energy contract and seek independent procurement advice to unlock meaningful savings with no capital outlay and shift to more renewable tariffs.
Reduce Electricity Consumption at Source
Most care homes receive electricity at a higher voltage than their equipment actually requires. Voltage optimisation technology reduces the incoming supply to the optimal level, cutting consumption and extending the lifespan of motors, lighting, and appliances. Installation is straightforward, and the technology works quietly in the background. Payback periods are typically short, making it one of the most cost-effective interventions available.
Generate Your Own Clean Energy with Solar
Solar photovoltaic systems are a proven technology, well-suited to care home energy usage patterns. Generating your own electricity reduces grid dependency and helps to manage rising energy costs. Modern systems require minimal maintenance and deliver strong long-term returns. Beyond the financial case, on-site generation demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainability, increasingly important to residents, families, and regulators alike.
Store Energy and Improve Resilience
Care homes operate around the clock, making battery storage a natural complement to solar. Energy generated during the day can be stored and drawn upon through the night, maximising the value of your renewable investment. Storage also provides resilience against grid disruption, a particularly important consideration in care environments where a reliable power supply is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Find the right heating solution for you
Heat pumps receive the most attention when it comes to moving to sustainable heating options, but they are not right for every home, as they can require significant retrofitting of the building. Thankfully, there are solutions such as thermal batteries, electric boilers, and more efficient gas boilers and improved insulation. One size does not fit all, so take you time and align it with other measures such as solar and new tariffs.
Dedicated Luxury Care Apartments Launched to Halt ‘Forced Separation’ of Couples in Care
Family care provider Ardale has announced the launch of The Ashridge Apartments at Welwyn Grange, a collection of purpose-designed care suites created to support couples who wish to continue living together while receiving personalised care.
Comprising 13 penthouse-style care suites, the apartments provide couples with the opportunity to maintain shared routines and enjoy greater privacy and independence, while benefiting from access to tailored care and nursing support as their individual needs evolve.
The launch reflects the challenges many couples face when one partner's care needs become more complex. Differences in health needs, such as when one partner develops dementia while the other requires minimal support, can make finding suitable accommodation difficult. The Ashridge Apartments have been designed to provide an option for couples who want to remain together while each receiving the level of support they need.
A Home Designed for Couples
Located on the top floor of Welwyn Grange, The Ashridge Apartments combine independent living with access to 24/7 nurse-led care. Residents have their own private accommodation while remaining connected to the wider care community and professional support whenever required.
Key Features of The Ashridge Apartments
- Private apartment layouts: Each penthouse-style suite includes a separate bedroom, private lounge, kitchenette, and most feature a private balcony.
- 24/7 clinical support: Residents have access to an on-site nursing and care team, with support tailored to each person's individual needs.
- Shared amenities: Couples can enjoy Welwyn Grange's facilities, including a cinema room, hair and beauty salon, bar/café, interactive digital touch table and landscaped courtyard garden.
- All-inclusive fees: A single monthly fee covers care, meals, laundry, utilities and security.
"For many couples, moving into care can bring understandable concerns about whether they will be able to continue living together as their needs change.
"The Ashridge Apartments have been designed to offer couples a home where they can continue sharing everyday life while receiving flexible care that can adapt to each person's individual requirements.
"By bringing together private living space with access to round-the-clock support, we hope to provide reassurance for couples and their families as care needs evolve."
Robert Myers, Head of Care Pathways at Welwyn Grange
Jayne Connery, Founder of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, welcomed the initiative, saying:
"I have visited Ardale care homes many times over the years through my work with Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, and I have always been impressed by their commitment to transparency, safety, dignity and truly person-centred care.
"The new Ashridge Apartments at Welwyn Grange are a wonderful example of thinking differently about later life. Too many older couples face the heartbreaking prospect of being separated when one partner's care needs become more complex, particularly following a dementia diagnosis or the need for nursing care.
"It is encouraging to see the Ashridge Apartments offering couples the opportunity to remain together while receiving the care and support they each need, with privacy, independence and 24-hour nursing available whenever required.
"At Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, we believe safety, dignity and quality care must always go hand in hand with compassion. Love, familiarity, routine and the comfort of remaining together are just as important to wellbeing."
The Ashridge Apartments are now open for viewings and immediate occupancy. Couples, families and healthcare professionals interested in learning more can explore the apartment layouts and arrange a viewing via Welwyn Grange.