The QCS Podcast

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of fire strategy. Neil emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive fire strategy for buildings, noting that its absence can significantly worsen the effects of a fire. He explains that a fire strategy includes the building’s designed fire evacuation provision, supporting fire safety measures, and the evacuation plan. Detailed recommendations are provided for both simple and complex premises, such as maintaining as-built plans, fire safety equipment specifications, and evacuation procedures for disabled persons. Neil stresses that the fire strategy should remain a living document, updated with significant changes, to ensure compliance and enhance safety within the organisation.

In this episode,  Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores a significant issue of exposure to Second-hand smoke.

In this episode,  Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of fire doors. He explains the importance of fire doors in maintaining structural stability during a fire, their role in compartmentation, and the legislative requirements for their regular inspection and maintenance by competent persons. Hughes-Hutchings also provides a detailed checklist for inspecting fire doors to ensure they are in good condition and functioning correctly to enhance fire safety in buildings.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the significant topic of "grey fleet" vehicles. Neil defines grey fleet vehicles as those owned and driven by employees for business purposes, including those under cash allowance schemes. He emphasizes the importance of employers understanding their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, discusses the critical topic of authorisations to drive, also known as permits to drive. Neil emphasizes the importance of employers maintaining control over their vehicles by ensuring that only licensed, competent, and authorised individuals are allowed to drive on company business. The episode provides detailed recommendations for employers, including assessing driver attitudes and fitness, conducting thorough licence checks, implementing drug and alcohol policies, and maintaining comprehensive records. Neil’s guidance aims to reduce the risk of accidents, ensure legal compliance, and protect both senior managers and their organisations.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, delves into the intricacies of working at height in the social care sector. From navigating the unique risks in varied work environments to ensuring proper training and equipment, Neil provides comprehensive guidance to safeguard both staff and service users. The episode underscores essential strategies to maintain safety, compliance, and well-being, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and adherence to legal requirements in these settings.

In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the challenges of remote and mobile working (RMW). From setting up a safe and comfortable home workspace to supporting mental well-being on the move, Neil shares practical advice to help both employers and employees. The episode highlights key strategies to promote safety, compliance and well-being in flexible work environments.

Episode Overview

‘Everyone should have access to the expertise they need, in the location they choose, and in a way that makes sense to them.’

In this funny, thoughtful and inspiring conversation, dementia campaigner, consultant and writer Beth Britton MBE joins host Barry Price to explore what the future of dementia care could look like and why timely, personalised support matters.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Beth’s personal journey from supporting her father with dementia to becoming a leading national voice
• Why she believes dementia needs its own standalone plan separate from the NHS ten-year plan
• The focus on rehabilitation and community-based support for people living with dementia
• How providers and families can work as true partners in care
• Training, resources and practical tips for people living with dementia, carers and professionals

Why This Matters

Beth’s story combines lived experience with decades of frontline work, policy influence and training. This episode offers both a human story and a blueprint for change, with useful tips and information for people living with dementia, carers and family members who are supporting someone with dementia.

Listen to Episode 20

🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

About Our Guest: Beth Britton MBE

Beth Britton is a writer, consultant and campaigner on dementia and social care. She has worked with government bodies, care providers and charities, and was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to dementia care. Her expertise derives from both her professional work and her personal experience caring for her father, who lived with vascular dementia for many years.

Join Our Community

Want to know how we support people living with dementia?

Take a look at our Dementia Centre

We also have a free Dementia Champions Group on LinkedIn. Search Dementia Champions and join. It's free.

Useful links from Beth 

Beth’s G8 film: https://youtu.be/8QAKEgQMOcU?si=CmXptb6D18-HKlk- 

TIDE: https://www.tide.uk.net/

Dementia Carers Count: https://dementiacarers.org.uk/

A good life with dementia: https://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Good-Life-Resource-Pack_Web.pdf

My life, my goals: http://www.innovationsindementia.org.uk/2021/09/my-life-my-goals/ 

World Alzheimer Report 2025: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2025/ 

Wendy’s books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/author/wendy-mitchell/

Dementia Community webinars: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/events/webinars-2 

Dementia Community news: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/category/news

Beth's website:  http://www.bethbritton.com/

In this special solo episode of the Care Social Podcast, Barry, Price,  our Content Operations and Delivery Manager at QCS, shares his personal and life-threatening brush with sepsis, just before World Sepsis Day.

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, at any age. It’s our body’s extreme reaction to infection and, without urgent treatment, it can lead to organ failure, lasting damage, or death. The faster it’s recognised, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

Barry takes us through his own story, from ignoring the early signs, to the moment he was rushed into urgent care and told he had sepsis. He describes the terrifying reality of treatment, recovery, and the lasting impact of post-sepsis syndrome. His experience is a stark reminder that you can’t “sleep off” sepsis.

The episode also covers:

• What sepsis is and how it develops
• The key warning signs to look out for
• Why people in social care are at greater risk
• The actions providers must take to protect those they support

What Providers Must Do

Sepsis awareness is critical in social care, where age, frailty, and delayed recognition increase risks. Barry highlights key steps every provider should take:

• Ensure all staff have Sepsis awareness training
• Promote the use of early warning systems like NEWS2
• Build better integration and partnerships with health services
• Promote vaccination programmes
• Ensure your infection prevention measures are working

At QCS, our Mock Inspection Toolkits and Digital Audits can help providers audit, evidence, and improve their infection prevention and compliance processes.

Barry ends with a powerful message: early recognition and fast treatment save lives.

Listen now and share this episode with colleagues, friends or family because the more people who understand sepsis, the more lives can be saved.

Further information 

World Sepsis Day

Guest: Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England 

Host: Nikki Walker, President of Social Care at RLDatix and CEO of QCS and Carebeans

In the the second episode of Nikki Meets, a spin off series of The Care Social where Nikki Walker, CEO of QCS, sits down with senior leaders shaping the future of social care.

This time, Nikki is joined by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, one of the sector’s most influential voices and advocates.

Together they explore some of the most pressing issues in social care today, including:

• Why social care struggles to get equal attention alongside the NHS
• The urgent need for a clear workforce strategy and genuine career pathways
• Practical steps providers can take to make their voices heard locally
• How digital transformation and AI can reshape care delivery
• The challenges facing the CQC and what needs to change in regulation
• Advice for the next generation of care leaders

Professor Green doesn’t hold back in this wide-ranging conversation. As he puts it: 'Social care isn’t just a cost to the taxpayer — it’s an economic force that drives local communities.'

Listen to hear why he remains optimistic about the sector’s future, and what social care providers can do now to influence change. 

Enjoyed this podcast, take a listen to the first episode where Nikki talks to Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of Homecare Association

Listen now: https://www.qcs.co.uk/the-care-social-podcast-nikki-meets-dr-jane-townson-obe/

Learn more about QCS: https://www.qcs.co.uk/

Care England: https://www.careengland.org.uk/