Emily Miles appointed new Chief Executive of CQC 
The CQC has announced Emily Miles as its new Chief Executive. Miles, who previously led the Food Standards Agency, will take over as the regulator continues its programme of reform and works to rebuild confidence following recent reviews. Her appointment marks a significant leadership change for the organisation at a pivotal time for health and social care regulation. 
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CQC outlines approach during local government reorganisation 
As local government reorganisation progresses across parts of England, the CQC has published guidance explaining how it will continue regulating local authorities throughout the transition. The regulator says its assessment programme will continue while recognising the complexities involved in structural change. 
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Andy Burnham sets out ambitions for social care reform 
Following his appointment as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham's early priorities for health and social care have been closely watched across the sector. The National Care Forum has welcomed his long-standing interest in social care while emphasising the need for meaningful reform, sustainable funding and stronger integration between health and care services. 
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ADASS survey highlights growing pressures on adult social care 
The latest ADASS Spring Survey paints a challenging picture for councils across England, with rising demand, increasing complexity of need and continued financial pressures affecting local authority adult social care services. The report warns that despite ongoing efforts to improve services, councils are increasingly having to make difficult decisions to balance budgets. 
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Improving workforce figures fail to tell the full story 
Care England has welcomed improvements in workforce statistics but warned they mask deeper structural issues facing the sector. The organisation argues that without a long-term workforce plan addressing recruitment, retention and career development, progress risks being short-lived. 
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Care Workforce Pathway expands with Part 3 launch 
The Department of Health and Social Care has launched Part 3 of the Care Workforce Pathway, introducing further guidance to support career progression within adult social care. The latest stage aims to strengthen professional development and provide clearer routes for progression across a wider range of care roles. 
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Two major milestones announced for care workers 
The government has marked two significant workforce developments with the publication of the Care Workforce Pathway and the launch of the Fair Pay Agreement process. Together, the initiatives represent a major step towards recognising adult social care as a skilled profession and improving long-term recruitment and retention. 
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CQC publishes findings from first national local authority assessments 
The CQC has published its first national report analysing findings from local authority assessments under its new responsibilities. The report identifies examples of good practice alongside common challenges, providing a national picture of how councils are meeting their Care Act duties and where improvement is needed. 
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Care England responds to Fair Pay Agreement announcement 
Following the government's announcement on the Fair Pay Agreement, Care England welcomed the ambition to improve pay and conditions but stressed that reform must be backed by sustainable funding. The organisation warned that providers cannot be expected to absorb additional costs without long-term financial support. 
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Digital Care Hub calls for stronger social care data 
Digital Care Hub has argued that achieving Andy Burnham's vision for neighbourhood health and integrated care will require better social care data. The organisation says improving data quality, interoperability and digital maturity will be essential to ensuring social care plays a full role in future health reforms. 
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