As anticipated, the Future of Care conference located at The Kings Fund in London returned with a great success. The day delivered a programme packed full of inspirational speakers, pioneering exhibitors and important networking.
For the second time, we were fortunate to have journalist, broadcaster and television presenter Fiona Phillips, chair the conference and lead us through the busy day. The exhibitors showcased a range of products, from specialist bathing by Astor Bannerman to multi-sensory projections from OM Interactive and innovative furniture and therapeutic surface solutions by wissner-bosserhoff.
With the conference continuing to grow each year, we look to the support from our fantastic sponsors. This year, we had the help from our Platinum Sponsor everyLife Technologies and our two Gold Sponsors, Blueleaf and Quality Compliance Systems. It was a pleasure to work alongside these excellent companies, who offer the care sector support and development. Taffy Gatawa, Chief Information and Compliance Officer from everyLIFE Technologies said, “What a pleasure to have been able to contribute to the many exciting and insightful conversations at Future of Care. The line-up of speakers was diverse and provided a holistic view on the issues facing social care today and their future impact. It was a brilliant day of networking, and learning exchange with some important messages for actions to take away and implement to help ensure a sustainable future for our social care.”
Throughout the day, a host of high-profile speakers took to the stage to deliver informative and thought-provoking talks. Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector at Care Quality Commission, spoke frankly about sexual safety and oral health in the care sector and reminded everyone that open conversations are vital in providing people a full life. Chief Executive of Care England, Professor Martin Green, delivered a passionate talk about the way forward for social care, including caring more for the workforce, creating a larger public awareness to social care issues and dismantling ageism.
Brendan Martin, founder of Public World and MD of Buurtzorg, shared a positive outlook on reforming the way social care is managed, by focusing on building relationships rather than ticking boxes and removing hierarchies to implement local, self-managed teams with a smart back office.
Not only did the day offer a number of fascinating talks, the conference was also combined with exciting features such as a panel debate and fireside chats. Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Independent Age, contributed a powerful view on Government funding for social care, stating that there needs to be significant investment to stabilise the system. In front of a backdrop of a roaring fire, Mike Parish and Robert D. Kilgour joined the fireside chat and spoke about the changes they’ve witnessed in social care across their combined 50 years of experience. The chat touched on the implications of Brexit on care professionals and what’s needed to support them through this tough time.
The event was definitely one-to-remember, with delegates considering the day “valuable and thought provoking” and “a wonderful and engaging conference from start to finish”.
If you missed the chance to attend the conference or want to opportunity to hear from another set of fantastic speakers, then register your interest now for Future of Care North in Harrogate on the 3rd November 2020 by emailing [email protected], or calling 01425 838393.
