Ahead of the conference programme launch next month, we’re giving you an early look at some of the key themes set to shape Care Show Birmingham this year. From workforce sustainability and funding pressures to technology, compliance and the future of care itself, this year’s content will reflect the crucial conversations currently happening across the sector. Developed through extensive sector research and conversations with providers, leaders and experts from across care, the programme will tackle the real challenges facing services today, while also spotlighting the ideas, innovations and approaches helping to shape what comes next. 

 

Future of care 

Explore what the future of care really looks like, from new service models and evolving resident expectations to the innovations reshaping how care is delivered. As providers adapt to increasingly complex needs, changing demographics and a greater focus on independence and community-based support, this theme will examine the ideas, environments and approaches set to define the next generation of care. From specialist services to future-focused design, and personalised experiences, discover how the sector is preparing for the future. 

Session sneak peek: 

Future fit: what should care look like in 2040 and are we ready for it?  

Keynote Theatre – Thursday 8 October – 11:45 – 12:15 

• Chair - Steve Gardner-Collins, Regional Marketing Manager, The Order of St John's Care Trust 

• Nadra Ahmed CBE, Executive Chairman, National Care Association 

• Karolina Gerlich, CEO, Care Workers' Charity 

• Vic Rayner, CEO, National Care Forum  

• Martin Jones MBE, Former CEO, Home Instead UK 

 

Workforce sustainability 

Discover practical solutions to recruitment, retention, and leadership burnout, and how providers are building stronger, more sustainable workforces. With ongoing staffing pressures, rising expectations and increasing operational complexity, supporting and developing people has never been more important. Explore new approaches to leadership, wellbeing, culture and career development, alongside conversations around international recruitment, supporting a younger workforce, succession planning and creating environments where teams can thrive long-term. 

Session sneak peek:  

Immigration reform: what’s next for the workforce?  

People & Workforce Theatre – Thursday 8 October – 13:50 – 14:20  

Sajida Hussain, Legal Director – Employment, Addleshaw Goddard LLP 

 

 

Funding pressures 

With rising costs and tighter margins, hear how providers are adapting their business models to stay financially sustainable without compromising quality. From workforce costs and commissioning challenges to occupancy pressures and changing funding structures, providers are facing difficult decisions across every area of the business. This year’s programme will explore how organisations are responding through diversification, operational efficiency, smarter investment and new approaches to growth, while continuing to deliver high-quality care in an increasingly demanding landscape. 

Session sneak peek:  

Staying stable: managing rising costs without compromising care 

Owners’ & Directors’ Forum – Wednesday 7 October – 11:15 – 12:00 

Jay Dodhia, CEO & Founder, Serene Care 

Palvi Dodhia, CEO & Founder, Serene Care 

 

Compliance & regulation 

Stay ahead of regulatory change with expert insight into inspections, governance and what good compliance looks like in today’s evolving landscape. As providers navigate shifting frameworks, increasing scrutiny and growing operational pressures, understanding what is expected (and how to evidence it effectively) has become more challenging than ever. Hear from sector experts and providers on everything from safeguarding and delegated healthcare tasks to inspection readiness, quality assurance and creating cultures of continuous improvement. 

Session sneak peek:  

Supporting safety: a closer look at delegated healthcare tasks 

Homecare Theatre – Wednesday 7 October – 10:15 – 10:45  

Dr Cat Forward, Research Associate, Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit, The Policy Institute, Kings College London  

 

Technology & digital innovation  

From digital care records to AI and data-driven insights, learn how technology is transforming care delivery and how to continue to implement it safely and effectively. As digital adoption accelerates across the sector, providers are balancing innovation with practical realities around training, governance, cybersecurity and resident experience. Explore how technology is supporting more efficient operations, improving outcomes and helping teams deliver more personalised care, while also addressing the challenges that come with rapid digital change. 

Session sneak peek:  

Digital system operational challenges and how to solve them 

Technology & Innovation Theatre – Wednesday 7 October - 13:50 – 14:20  

Leela Krishna, Digital Care Lead, Nightingale Hammerson