Care home improvement programme

Last updated: 11 September 2026

We are currently delivering the third cohort of the care home improvement programme between July and November 2026. Our aim is to support care home staff to apply quality improvement, to improve outcomes for people experiencing care.

This cohort focused on the Highland and Moray areas to allow care homes to build connections and peer support within their local area. Participation in the programme is voluntary. All adult and older people care homes in the areas were invited to apply to take part.

Programme structure

The programme includes two in-person events in Inverness and four online events:

Wednesday 15 July 2026, 10:00-16:30, Inverness: Self-evaluation and leadership
Wednesday 29 July 2026, 10:00-12:00, online: Developing aim statements
Wednesday 12 August 2026, 10:00-12:00, online: Measurement and Plan Do Study Act
Thursday 24 September 2026, 10:00-12:00, online: Implementation
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 10:00-12:00, online: Spread
Wednesday 4 November 2026, 10:00-16:00, Inverness: Celebration

Between the above main events, participants attend weekly online reflect and review sessions. Participating care homes nominated two staff members to attend the programme. Participants were allocated an improvement adviser who is providing support throughout the duration of the programme.

As part of the programme, participants are undertaking improvement projects. These projects are intended to address requirements or areas for improvement identified in their most recent inspection reports. The projects cover topics such as meaningful engagement, personal plans, falls, wound care, record keeping, and staff support.

Evaluation & Feedback

We gather views and feedback from participants throughout the programme.

Day one evaluation results:

100% of respondents believe the learning will improve care in their service.
98% reported a good/very good understanding of self-evaluation and involving people, families, and staff.
91% reported a good/very good understanding of participation approaches.
93% reported a good/very good understanding of developing aim statements.

What participants are saying:

"Very informative. I learned a lot about how to develop and improve our service using guidance and useful acronyms such as STAN and PANEL... I now have a clearer idea of what we are doing."

"The group conversation and getting together with other services, maybe those who are out with our organisation, worked really well."

"It was very interactive for being an online session and engaging. I enjoyed the small breakout rooms and the opportunity to hear other people's improvement plans."