National Skills Academy Steering Group

On 20 January I went to the latest meeting of the National Skills Academy Steering Group. The National Skills Academy will formally come into being in April this year ( i think) and I am keeping a very close eye on developments because I think that there will be some early projects that will bring real benefits to small and medium sized care providers.

On 21 January I went to a hotel in Gatwick to a meeting arranged by David Waters of Care Homes Insurance Services. There was a wide ranging group of people there including a banker, a training provider, 2 or 3 medium sized care providers and the Chief Executive of a local Association. David was keen to hear everyone's views of likely developments during 2009.

I think all of us were of a similar view point. Trading is not going to be easy this year because of the world wide financial situation and there will be pressure on fees both in Local Government contracting and also for people who are unable to sell their homes. Having said that everyone who was there was optimistic about the future.

On 22 January I went to Swindon to meet with Richard Harris one of our Board member and to visit two hotels for potential use for Conference 2009. An announcement will be made shortly!