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Our networks are a place for managers to come together with other managers in their local area. They offer a safe space to connect with peers, an opportunity to be open with each other and to support each other’s challenges, as well as building and sustaining a positive collective identity.

We support over 140 local networks across England. In 2021/22, over 500 network meetings took place across all our networks.

At each network, managers share knowledge and can access peer support. They hear from a range of guest speakers including local CQC inspection teams, commissioners, Integrated Care System (ICS) representatives and local wellbeing hubs. Certificates of attendance are also offered and are a great way for managers to evidence CPD to the CQC.

Our networks are chaired and led by registered managers and new attendees are always welcome. 

 

The power of networks

In a recent survey highlighting the value of networks to both registered managers and deputy managers we found:

  • 97% of managers would recommend joining their registered manager or deputy manager network.
  • 82% felt more valued and supported in their current role as a result of attending their network.

Find out more in our power of networks infographic. 

 

A safe place to network with other managers who share compassion and determination to get through the most challenging of times, an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings whilst supporting each other with constantly changing guidance.

Trish Jones
Grace Care Group, Stoke Registered Manager Network

 

Find your local network

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Our networks cover every local authority area in England - find your local network and contact details with the network directory.

Contact your Skills for Care locality manager to find out what's happening in your area and how to join your local network. 

 

Information for network chairs  

We have a range of resources to support you in this role. Find out more

 

Hear from our networks 

What I appreciate about the RMN: it is so much more interesting and practical when we are all working within the same field as everything is relevant to us or the people we support. It’s nice to have a focus on learning disability and autism services, especially supported living. Even though they are CQC-registered, this type of support doesn’t always fit the care home model that usually dominates conversations in social care.

 

I have found the WhatsApp group extremely helpful and supportive. At a really difficult time it helps to have the knowledge, advice and support from others who understand our unique situation.

Being a registered manager can be quite a lonely place – in the workplace most people turn to you with an expectation that you will have the knowledge or the answers […] In our own workplaces we must always appear strong, come up with solutions. The Network allows us an opportunity to be human and fallible. More importantly if you offload, other managers would share their similar experiences (allowing you to take comfort that how it was impacting on you/your service was the same across the board) and offer solutions and explain how they were overcoming potential barriers. Such reassurance is very important.

 

My network is open to registered (and any other) managers providing domiciliary care services or services in a client’s home or community. All topics are relevant to managers of any type of domiciliary care service. The network aims to be 50% networking and 50% learning & development but is 100% sharing ideas and experiences and learning from each other.