The West Midlands Care Association has been the voice of the care industry within the region for over twenty years. The Association offers the crucial support care providers require to deliver sustainable excellence within community, nursing, special needs and residential home settings.


Quick Links


Membership of the West Midlands Care Association offers a raft of advantages to all types of care providers. We offer a comprehensive suite of support services that allow you to concentrate on providing top quality care. Find out more about what we do, or join our membership by clicking the buttons below

WMCA Registered Managers. Deputies and Seniors CPD Conference:


Is Your Service Responsive?


19 June 2023

9.30am - 3.00pm


Bescot Stadium

Walsall


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FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK

Our popular Registered Managers Conference is back in June!


Following on from the previous themes of are you Well Lead, Safe, Caring and Effective, we will conclude this series of exploring CQC themes with 'Is your service Responsive?'


Once again we will be offering separate Care Home and Home Care streams for some of the sessions to address the differences in the provision of care for different types of services


These meetings are an opportunity for leadership teams to learn from other colleagues and to share good practice


They are open to all Registered Managers, Deputy Managers and Senior Carers across the Midlands


Lunch is provided and tickets are free of charge 

WMCA Spring Seasonal Decorations Competition

Calling all Activity Co-ordinators!


To celebrate Spring this year, we want to recognise some of the fantastic Spring activities that take place across our members different care settings...


This is a great opportunity for our members to get creative with their service users and use this competition to come up with the best Spring decorations they can!


This encourages teamwork and the use of cognitive skills, while creating a feeling of community within care settings, when coming up with ideas for the competition.



Enter Now

West Midlands Care Association DBS Service



Fast online criminal records checks


West Midlands Care Association DBS System

The WMCA DBS System allows employers to submit electronic applications and quickly receive the results.

WMCA offer Care Providers, a self administered system which can be accessed 24 hours a day. Users have their own secure control panel from where they can add new candidates, monitor the progress of their applications a more importantly see the results as they come in.


Most importantly our staff understand the Care Industry so can answer your DBS questions in a way generic services cannot


WMCA members receive a substantial discount on each search compared to our standard prices

For more information click the buttons on the right

Members Area



Our exclusive members only area of the website includes lots of resources only available to our members including how to access the FREE member HR and Legal Helplines and other supplier discounts (password required)



WMCA Members WhatsApp Group

We have set up a members Whatsapp group, which will enable us to update you with:


  • Our latest events
  • Our latest updates, including added membership benefits and new partnerships that you can benefit from
  • Latest sector news
  • Announcement of the 2025 Excellence in Care Awards nomination window opening
  • An opportunity to network with other members and get support

 

If you would like to be added to this Whatsapp group, click on the button below, read the Terms of Reference and fill in the details on the form (Requires Members Password)

Latest News and Useful Information



WMCA News

Latest news from the DHSC

3 April 2025
DHSC Spring Vaccination Programme Please see the links below outlining the Government guidelines for the Spring Vaccination Programme. National flu immunisation programme 2025 to 2026 letter Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine COVID-19 vaccine: spring 2025 programme: Communications toolkit
3 April 2025
On behalf of the Care Association Alliance , we are sharing a link to a project being undertaken by the University of Birmingham and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) looking at ‘ Achieving closure’ – improving outcomes when care homes close. Care homes for older people are a crucial service, supporting some 400,000 people 24 hours a day/365 days a year. In an era of austerity, care markets are increasingly fragile, and the very logic of a ‘market’ implies that the risk of failure has to be real for there to be sufficient incentives for providers to deliver appropriate care at the right price. However, when care homes close – whether through financial problems, care failings or other factors – the received wisdom is that subsequent relocation can be detrimental to the well-being of older residents. Despite this, there is little formal evidence to guide services when undertaking such sensitive work, with local areas ‘reinventing the wheel’ each time a closure takes place/failing to share learning externally. Building on a previous pilot in Birmingham (believed to be the largest closure programme in the UK), this study explores what happens to older people and care staff when homes close, how best to manage closures in a way that minimises negative outcomes for older people and families, and key lessons for Councils as they manage future closures. You can find details about this project here.
2 April 2025
Are you fully prepared for VE Day on 8th May? With the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe fast approaching, communities across the UK are coming together to mark this historic occasion. Street parties, community events, and local fetes are being planned up and down the country, as people prepare to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom. RBLI is proud to be part of these celebrations, and their VE Day 80 collection is designed to help you create a fitting tribute. From bunting and flags to Tommy statues and lamp post signs, their range ensures that homes, streets, and public spaces can be adorned in patriotic displays, just as they were 80 years ago. Their dedicated team of veterans, volunteers, and beneficiaries are working tirelessly to ship out orders daily, making sure you have everything you need in time for 8th May. At RBLI, they believe in the importance of remembrance and unity, and what better way to celebrate than by joining your neighbors, friends, and family in a nationwide tribute? Whether it’s a traditional street party, a local parade, or a special gathering in your community, let’s make this milestone one to remember. Order your VE Day 80 decorations today and be part of this unforgettable national celebration! Every item purchased directly provides vital employment and income to vulnerable veterans. The RBLI social enterprise - Britains Bravest Manufacturing Co either manufactures or picks, packs and despatches all products sold on their website. To place an order, simply visit their website . There are options to pay by card, cheque or bank transfer upon checkout of your order. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team at the RBLI shop@rbli.co.uk or call 08081 969505 .
More News

Social Media



Our Social Media feeds are updated daily with the latest news from the association and from around the care industry

To get the latest uptodate news and notifications of our events, follow us on Facebook, Threads, Linkedin and Instagram by clicking the links below. If you are a WMCA member you can also join the members WhatsApp group by clicking the WhatsApp logo.



Newsletters



WMCA publishes a weekly members newsletter with government updates and whats new in the industry and the Care Association. 


You can access the archive by clicking on the button below (requires members password)


WMCA Newsletter Archive

Advice to Care Providers

At WMCA we try to keep our members up to date of new developments in the industry on a regulatory level or just general advice on business matters



Advice to New Providers

Setting up a new care service can be daunting. Once you've completed your CQC registration, what do you do next?

Click on the button below to access some advice for new adult social care providers, which we hope is useful.


NEW PROVIDERS

Advice on Business Issues

Whether you are setting up a new business or running an established one, the care sector presents a unique set of challenges


We have produced information pages which are designed to help you with numerous business challenges, such as marketing, cost control and business continuity

BUSINESS ADVICE

Advice on Recruiting

Recruitment and Retention are perennial issues for the care sector


The Care Association has been advising its members for many years on various elements of recruitment and we also work with trusted partners who can help you.


We have produced  information pages which are designed to help you with numerous recruitment challenges.


RECRUITING

Advice on Regulation

Adult Social Care is one of the most heavily regulated sectors of industry and the legislation can be a minefield.


We operate Free helpines for members on HR and Legal Matters.


We have produced information pages which are designed to help you with numerous challenges.


REGULATION

International Recruitment Support

www.wmca.international

The West Midlands Care Association is working in partnership with other care associations,  West Midlands ADASS, West Midlands Employers, Local Authorities and the independent provider sector, to provide international recruitment support across the region

Stop Press - Important changes to international recruitment rules


From 9th April 2025, care providers will no longer be able to directly recruit from overseas without first proving they have assessed candidates who are part of the displaced workers pool within their region.    This will likely mean that care providers will need to register with the regional iternational program.  We will share details when we know more


INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT ADVICE MAIN PAGE

Regional Recruitment Hub

This Hub has been developed to provide information, advice and guidance on international recruitment to the adult social care sector. It has been developed for both providers of adult social care and councils operating in the West Midlands and offers Free advice including legal and HR

WM HUB

Webinars

This Hub is delivering a program of International recruitment webinars which are free to attend for West Midlands based care providers. Details are available on our events pages or by clicking below


WEBINARS

Looking to recruit?

Are you a care provider with a valid sponsorship license who is looking to recruit from overseas? There may be people already here looking for alternative employment


We are working with displaced individuals who are looking for work. If you are interested in potentially employing any of these individuals then please register your details with us


REGISTER

Additional Advice

We have pulled together additional international recruitment advice for our members. details of which can be accessed below (requires members password)







OTHER ADVICE

Digital Care Support and Security

www.wmca.digital

Care is becoming more digital and it can be confusing when you are a provider what each system does and how it can benefit you.


We've pulled together information on some of the more popular digital solutions, what they mean and if there's any support to help you adopt them.  Click the button below for more details



DIGITAL SUPPORT


The more digital your business becomes, the more important it is to ensure your data protection processes and procedures are robust. You can do this by completing the Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT) annually. Through the national Better Security Better Care program - of which we are the Local Support Organisation - we can help you with this. This program is fully funded and available to all CQC registered care providers. Click the Better Security Better Care  Button for more details



Better Security Better Care:

Need help with the DSPT?


Better Security, Better Care is a national and local support programme to help adult social care providers to store and share information safely. It covers paper and digital records and focuses on helping care providers to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) – the annual, online self-assessment.


You do not have to be a data or digital expert to get support. The programme can support you – wherever you are on your data security journey.


West Midlands Care Association is your local support organisation, and offers a raft of online resources, workshops and one to one support, all of which is FREE  to CQC registered providers. 


Find out more by clicking the button below.


Better Security Better Care

Local Information



If you are looking for information on the Local Authorities and ICBs that we cover click on the links below

Events and Training

Events and Training
www.wmca.events


We've reorganised our events listings into:



These are listed below (to see a complete list of all events and training sessions click
here and for Registered Managers Networks click here)


New and Notable:

WMCA Members Conference:
Your Essential Guide to Recruiting and Retaining Staff in Your Service



21 May 2025

9:30am - 3:00pm


Venue:


Online


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Join us for a Members only Recruitment and Retention Event online on

the 21st May 2025.


Recruitment and Retention is a perennial issue for the care sector and

this event is tailored for employers seeking effective strategies to attract

and retain top talent.


Learn from industry leaders about innovative recruitment techniques,

employee engagement initiatives, and best practices that foster a

positive workplace culture.


Don’t miss the chance to enhance your recruitment strategy and

strengthen your team.



These meetings are an opportunity for leadership teams to learn from

other colleagues and to share good practice


More Details and Book

Upcoming Conferences and Workshops - www.wmca.events


West Midlands Care Association runs events and training for our members and the wider care industry throughout the year

You can see a list of our upcoming events and training on the right hand side of this page. Or see the listings for training sessions and digitisation support further down the page.


Conferences

WMCA run several large scale conferences each year, aimed at Care Homes and Domicilicary Care providers. They are a great opportunity to network with other providers and meet representatives from local authorities, health and suppliers from across the West Midlands.


Workshops

We organise workshops in partnership with trusted suppliers to cascade information and training about new or upcoming legislation


Proud to Care Recruitment Roadshows


We organise regular careers roadshows aimed at those looking for a career or employment in care. WMCA members can exhibit at these roadshows free of charge. Allowing them to connect with prospective new employees



Previous Events


For materials and presentations from pervious events, please click the button below

Previous Events

Exhibiting


We are normally able to offer sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities at most of our events. You can find more information by clicking the button below.

Exhibiting
1 September 2024
10 April 2025 10:00am - 11:00am
30 July 2024
1 May 2025 9:30am - 1:30pm
29 July 2024
7 May 2025 9:30am - 4:30pm
25 July 2024
8 May 2025 10:00am - 11:00am
20 July 2024
14 May 2025 2.00pm - 3.00pm
10 July 2024
15 May 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm
9 July 2024
21 May 2025 9:30am - 2:00pm
More Conferences and Workshops

Upcoming Training Sessions - www.wmca.training



West Midlands Care Association has partnered up with various training providers to cover all of your training needs


As well as the workshops highlighted on this page, we are always open to suggestions from our members and if there is sufficient demand, we will organise workshops for you


If you have specific training requirements please get in touch as we can signpost you to one of our preferred training providers (or use the links below)


We run weekly webinars if you need help with completing the Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT), details of which are below. Alternatively, check out our DSPT Help pages



Training Portal
1 September 2024
10 April 2025 10:00am - 11:00am
30 July 2024
1 May 2025 9:30am - 1:30pm
29 July 2024
7 May 2025 9:30am - 4:30pm
25 July 2024
8 May 2025 10:00am - 11:00am
More Training Sessions

Upcoming Digital Support Sessions - www.wmca.digital




Digital Care support


The West Midlands Care Association is the Local Support Organisation for Better Security Better Care - a national program of support to help you with your digital compliance by completing the Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT). Just look for the DSPT logo in the event listings for helpful webinars and workshops. For further information on the DSPT support we offer click here


by Keiron Broadbent 2 September 2024
8 April 2025 10.00am - 11.00am
by Keiron Broadbent 31 August 2024
10 April 2025 2.00pm - 3.00pm
by Keiron Broadbent 15 August 2024
15 April 2025 10.00am - 11.00am
by Keiron Broadbent 7 August 2024
17 April 2025 2.00pm - 3.00pm
More Digital Support Sessions

Advice on Finding Care and Legal Planning



Finding care for yourself or a family member can be daunting prospect.


Help Me Find Care has advice on finding care along with a  directory of our member care providers and advice on the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your family legally, including power of attorney and making a will.


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