This March episode is being published earlier than normal because of some significant employment law changes. We encourage you, if you've not done so already, to talk to your HR provider to ensure that policies, procedures and practical management is in place. Managing people well is so important so that employment costs don't spiral.

In this episode, Cecily is joined by specialist employment solicitor and mediator Marc Jones to discuss the major employment law changes coming into force in 2026 and 2027 under the Employment Rights Act.

Marc explains how these reforms will affect employers, particularly in the care sector, and outlines key updates including day-one rights to statutory sick pay, changes to paternity and parental leave eligibility, also new protections around sexual harassment and whistleblowing, and the creation of the Fair Work Agency to strengthen workplace enforcement. The conversation also covers expanded flexible working rights, new bereavement leave provisions, and the reduction of the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from two years to six months. Marc highlights the importance of preparing early by reviewing employment contracts, updating workplace policies, and ensuring managers understand the upcoming changes.

Where Marc refers to 'business' this includes employers who employ care staff in their own homes. Click on this link below to listen to Marc's previous chat with Cecily where he talked about the employment contract.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dFRQgS1sRhSCsU2EUdnCL?si=F4b1naaDTVWOo48sqXn6Xw

This is also available on Apple Podcasts and other major platforms.

To Contact Marc,

Find him on Marjon Law Website https://www.marjonlaw.co.uk/ or

Email [email protected] or Contact 0333 5333 0606

Contact Cecily, buy her book "Employing Care Staff in Your Home", subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast

at cecilylalloo.com

Contact Cecily direct for a copy of her book.

Sarah Clayton founded Simple Stuff Works to provide practical equipment and training that supports postural care and prevents avoidable complications for people with limited mobility.

In this episode, she shares how her background in education and research led her to build a role that didn't previously exist. We explore how gravity affects body shape, comfort, and pressure risk — and why positioning must always be personalised.

Sarah discusses the importance of collaboration between families, therapists, and care teams, using objective measures to guide decisions. She highlights the need for early intervention, regular reviews, and clear communication to manage both postural and pressure care effectively.

The key message: simple, well-informed positioning strategies — delivered early and collaboratively — can significantly improve comfort, safety, and quality of life.

In the chat with Cecily, Sarah mentioned a referral tool which she says "is also a fantastic resource for documenting a person's postural care provision - there are often multiple agencies involved which can quickly become overwhelming." Here are the links:

Tool: https://changingourlives.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Postural-Care-Overview-

MASTER.pdf

Website: https://changingourlives.org/our-work/health-inequalities/

To Contact Sarah,

Find her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-clayton-simplestuffworks/?

originalSubdomain=uk

Or her website https://www.simplestuffworks.com/

Contact Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast

at cecilylalloo.com.

In this episode, Cecily is joined by Dani, a specialist moving and handling practitioner, for

an in-depth conversation on what moving and handling really involves — far beyond basic

transfers.

They explore the importance of comprehensive moving and handling assessments, why

this work must be fully integrated into multidisciplinary team (MDT) care, and how

collaboration between OTs, physios, carers, and specialists is essential for safety and

dignity.

The discussion dives into real-world challenges such as planning holidays for people with

complex needs, including air travel, specialist equipment, and emergency evacuation

plans. Dani shares practical insights into staff training, competency assessments, and why

consistent education across all shifts is critical.

A key part of the conversation focuses on adult intimacy and sex support in care settings

— why avoiding the topic creates risk, how clear intimacy support plans protect both

clients and carers, and the need for open, professional communication around boundaries,

consent, and cultural sensitivities.

The episode highlights the value of proper qualifications, honest scope-of-practice

conversations, and tailored training plans to ensure safe, respectful, and holistic care.

To Contact Dani :

Visit her email [email protected] or find her on LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/in/daniele-paige

Contact Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast

at cecilylalloo.com.

In this episode S2 E9 Cecily ends 2025 and looks forward to 2026. She gives a brief recap of the episodes over the past 18 months, invites you to catch up on any you've missed, and offers you a copy of her book, Employing Care Staff in Your Home.

Cecily wishes you the best health and wellbeing in 2026, joy and sunshine in your life - these things that money can't buy.

Keep in touch with Cecily at cecilylalloo.com.

In this episode, Cecily speaks with Debbie Holder, an occupational health expert with over 30 years of experience. They break down what occupational health is, how it differs from occupational therapy, and why it's essential for anyone employing care staff at home. Debbie explains how Occupational Health supports both employers and employees, especially when health issues, sickness absence, or performance changes arise.

In this episode of YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE learn about

• How occupational health supports situations like long-term sickness, repeated absence, stress, safety concerns, and changes in performance
• How Occupational Health assesses the progression of health conditions and recommends realistic adjustments to keep someone working
• How Occupational Health works alongside GPs and can highlight when treatment may need review
• How Occupational Health distinguishes between medical fitness issues and capability issues
• What information makes a strong referral — including employer observations, existing adjustments, sickness records, fit notes, and the physical/mental demands of the role

Occupational health offers reassurance, practical guidance, and fair assessment to ensure safe, appropriate support for both employer and employee.

Listen in for: practical guidance, real -life examples, and clear explanations that help employers confidently navigate occupational health decisions.

To Contact Debbie :

Visit her website www.ohsltd.co.uk or reach her at 07742 245450

Contact Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com.

In this episode, host Cecily Lalloo sits down with Janet Shreeve, Director of Shreeve Care Services, to explore the realities, challenges, and rewards of live-in care — a personalised alternative to care homes that helps people remain in the comfort of their own homes.

In this episode of YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE learn about

• What live-in care means and how it differs from traditional care models.
• The benefits of staying at home for both clients and families.
• Overcoming common misconceptions and resistance around having a carer live in.
• How clients are matched with carers — and why compatibility and companionship matter.
• The process from initial consultation to setting up care with trusted partners.
• Managing breaks, shifts, and maintaining healthy work-life balance for carers.
• Why awareness and advocacy are key to making live-in care a recognised, accessible option.

Live-in care is not just about support — it's about choice, comfort, and connection. Janet emphasises that the heart of good care lies in trust, respect, and understanding each person's individuality.

Listen in for practical insights, warm storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at how live-in care truly transforms lives.

You can Contact Janet at :

Visit her website shreevecareservices.co.uk

Or reach her at [email protected] / 07827 324 590

Contact Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com.

I met Kim, through my gym. We were partnered to do what's called an Engine Race - I hadn't heard the term till then! What stayed with me after our first meeting was the fact that Kim Farmer was caring for her older brother, and had been since she was a child. I knew that Kim would have experiences that I couldn't imagine and also knew she would have stories to share with other siblings, with parents, and with care staff and other professionals.

So, here we are in YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE. delving into those experiences. A 'take home' tip from Kim for those working in this space is - listen to the siblings, they know more than you think they do and give siblings the time and space to be who they are - a child, a teenager. Kim also talks about the impact on the next generation - her children.

Kim, throughout, acknowledges that these are her experiences, her views, her family dynamics and that each person and family will be different. Environment and time impact everyone differently.

I thank Kim for her heartfelt and passionate talk with me and for sharing as she has.

I'd love you to leave a comment, ask a question or tell me your thoughts on this topic or any other.

CONTACT Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com.

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In this episode, Cecily speaks with David Robson of Mark Bates Ltd, specialists in disability insurance. David shares his journey into the insurance industry and explains why home employment insurance is essential for families and individuals who employ carers or personal assistants in their homes.

We discuss:

• Why employers' liability is a legal requirement and what it really covers
• How home employment insurance goes beyond the basics — including redundancy, personal possessions, legal support, PA or carer replacement, shopper cover and even holiday cancellation cover
• Common risks employers face when hiring carers at home
• The importance of choosing the right level of cover for peace of mind

David also highlights the additional specialist insurance products available for people with disabilities, from mobility equipment to travel cover, and why having the right support matters when making a claim.

📩 Contact David: [email protected]| markbatesltd.com

☎️ 07821 680361

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com

In this episode, host Cecily Lalloo is joined by Kate Marston, former Detective

Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police and now Founder & CEO of MAST People

Support, an HR and investigations consultancy.

Kate shares her unique journey from policing to corporate HR and unpacks the

complex challenges faced by families who employ care staff in their homes.

Together, they explore:

●

What the legal duty to prevent harassment means for home employers

●

How to handle complaints sensitively while fulfilling legal obligations

●

The difference between bullying and harassment

●

Why intention doesn't outweigh impact

●

The importance of clear reporting pathways, boundaries, and

respectful communication

●

How to manage tricky situations involving family, friends, and carers

Whether you're a new or long-time employer of care staff, this conversation

offers practical tools, real-life insight, and thoughtful guidance to help you

navigate your responsibilities confidently and with compassion.

You can contact

Kate Marston, Founder & CEO of MAST People Support at:

https://www.mastpeoplesupport.co.uk/

http://linkedin.com/in/kate-marston-104104

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at

cecilylalloo.com

S2 Ep 3 with guest Elizabeth Nightingale on Music as Therapy

Elizabeth Nightingale is a Qualified Music Therapist & Registered Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow specialising in brain injury, working as a practitioner in Level 1 rehabilitation and in the community with case managed individuals.

For over ten years she has worked with children and adults in NHS, private and community settings, using carefully selected music-based techniques to leverage neuroplasticity and support goals ranging from improved speech to enhanced motor function.

In her sessions, Elizabeth provides most of the specialised instruments herself, then develops home programs using video and audio recordings or suggests affordable instruments and apps for families to use between her visits. She trains siblings and care staff in simple, motivating activities - such as taking turns with a switch or rhythmic movement exercise - building their confidence through joint practice and feedback from her, so the family and carers can continue the work independently.

Typically seeing her case managed clients once a week, Elizabeth tailors at-home practice to each family's schedule, the client's energy levels, and resources. She emphasises that beyond functional gains, music therapy brings emotional and social rewards - laughter, connection, and shared joy - reminding us that "if you want to give someone the best opportunity to respond and engage, try using music."

Listen to Elizabeth chat with me, discuss some case studies and how best she supports her clients.

Elizabeth will be pleased to hear from you if you contact her at her email address [email protected] or through her website Nightingalenmt.co.uk .

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com