Welcome to this month’s ‘Meet the Speaker’ where we’ll be interviewing a new member of our speaker line-up for Care Show Birmingham 2025. It’s a chance to get to know the experts behind all the real insights, experience, and guidance presented at the show. 

In this month’s editions, we’ll be learning more from Paula Cashmore, Independent Care Quality Consultant…

 

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in the care sector?

I have been a registered nurse since 1986 and really enjoyed my geriatric placement. This was a forerunner to the private nursing homes that started to spring up in the 80s. I then entered the elderly care sector and the rest- they say – is history

What’s the focus of your presentation at this year’s conference, and why is this topic important right now?

Julie and I will be speaking about the Single Assessment Framework and where we are now. It is important because the original plan and roll out has been disastrous. CQC has been found not fit for purpose and there has been a total change of management in senior roles. Many providers and managers are confused at the rumours, announcements and bulletins and what it means for them practically. Three years of uncertainty needs to be put to rest, and providers supported in knowing what’s right.

What’s one thing you hope attendees will take away from your session? (feel free to include more than 1!)

The main things is, that despite the chaos at CQC and uncertainty around the quality statements, the regulations have not changed. As long as providers are evidencing good care, they will be fine. The quality statements are CQC’s way of organising regulatory evidence, providers just have to stick to adhering to the regulatory requirements.

Have there been any recent developments or research in the care sector that you find particularly exciting?

There is so much going on with tech and ai, it’s hard not to get excited at how it can improve care. I particularly find the single-handed care technology interesting. The benefit of a self-tilting repositioning bed to both client and staff is enormous. Hospitality robots could really support hydration and nutrition if used well and incorporated in the right setting. The video drop in devices have enormous potential to reduce loneliness and increase safety.

What’s one misconception about care that you often encounter — and how do you address it?

The low value of carers! This really infuriates me. How some people talk to carers is awful, other professionals can be patronising or dismissive and relatives often take out their frustrations on the carers. It’s not acceptable and I will always ‘have a carer’s back’ It is important to recognise carers are the foundation of the health service, the whole health and care system would collapse if carers weren’t there.

It's important to manage staff well and show them they are valued. I believe by valuing and offering development we can improve the quality and status of social care.

How do you continue learning and evolving in your practice? Are there any books, courses, or mentors that have influenced you recently?

I am a member of the Institute of Health and Social Care Management who offer online CPD accredited courses. I read many articles (LinkedIn is a great place to find up to date information) to understand what’s happening in my field.

What do you enjoy most about working in this field?

Knowing that people are taken care of that would not otherwise be able to care for themselves is the reward. With great social care people with disabilities, whether they are due to natural aging, accidents or natural disability, are empowered to be as independent as they can be while good staff promote and encourage independence and dignity.

To see young people enter the profession with entry level qualifications and progress to senior management positions is amazing.

Outside of work, how do you like to unwind or recharge?

I totally relax when with church friends and family. I have 4 daughters, 3 sons-in-law, and 8 grandchildren who keep me busy and cared for. There’s always some family celebration happening and one of my daughters owns a holiday home in Wales, so I try to escape to the seaside a few times each year.

 

Don’t miss Paula’s sessions at Care Show Birmingham, 8-9 October 2025 at NEC, Birmingham. Register now to secure your free pass.