The aim of the programme is to develop a geographically spread network of homes that:

• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to person-centred care and ways of working, which will be experienced by all who live, die, visit and work in the home
• Are centres for learning, practice development and research, actively engaging with staff, students, residents and the community
• Have strong working relationships with academic and education providers and are a resource for other care homes

This aim was developed in recognition of the issues of recruitment and retention of both registered nurses and carers, attempting to raise the profile of long-term social care as an exciting, rewarding and forward thinking career choice.

This new programme has been inspired by the teams from the five homes that FoNS are working with now (2018/19). First their hopes for the programme were discussed, which led to the identification of three priority areas for activity: inspiring others, intergenerational engagement, and cross-sector working. Click the links to see some examples of the work that is currently under way.

If you want to kow more please email debbiewarren@fons.org. The programme is currently available in England only and is open to homes in any care setting.

Kate Sanders, FoNS Practice Development Facilitator