With the Care Standards Act 2000 came the opportunity to look at the staffing structure and skill mix of the 'single care home', particularly in relation to better deployment of skilled staff and the recognition of extended training for care workers. This reflects the work being carried out in the NHS under Agenda for Change.

We are working closely with other providers in developing more flexible and effective staffing models for care homes. Bedford Court, our newest care home has provided a test bed for a more flexible and responsive staffing structure focusing on the link between individual needs and the skill mix deployed. Using a multidisciplinary approach and the MDS [Minimum Data Set] care assessment instrument the model is being developed with researchers from the University of Northumbria. In addition to the Bedford Court model three other approaches are being piloted. It is intended to commission an overall evaluation of the four projects and the Commission for Social Care Inspection is taking a keen interest in the outcomes. It is hoped that the results will inform the evidence base for policy makers in regard to the regulation of care homes and the challenges in addressing the current workforce issues.

For more information on Flexible Skill Mix contact:

Director of Care Services
The Oaks
Hartrigg Oaks
Haxby Road
New Earswick
York YO32 4DS

Tel: 01904 752210
Email: marketing@jrf.org.uk