EdgeWorks Labs

EdgeWorks Labs

EdgeWorks Labs is where innovation meets expertise, tackling the toughest challenges in education, health, and social care. Our team deciphers dense policies, legislation, and trends to deliver ”AI-powered, human-reviewed” briefing notes and podcasts. We transform complex data into actionable insights, uncovering hidden connections to empower our clients. From funding changes to compliance shifts, we provide expert analysis to help navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence and clarity.

Episodes

July 22, 2025 14 mins

In this episode, we break down the ADASS Spring Survey 2025 and its stark warning for adult social care in England. From record overspends and rising care complexity to the hidden crisis facing unpaid carers, the findings reveal a system under immense pressure. We explore why NHS pressures are spilling into social care, what this means for councils and families, and where opportunities for reform still exist. Tune in for a clear, c...

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What will it take to build a health and social care system truly fit for the future? In this episode, we explore the deepening skills crisis facing the sector, drawing on key findings from the latest Skills England reports. From digital transformation and rising demand to apprenticeship reform and cross-sector competition for talent, we unpack how workforce challenges in care are tightly connected to national economic trends - and ...

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We summarise the critical trends and findings regarding apprenticeships in the adult social care sector, drawing from the Skills for Care analysis of Department for Education data. This information is essential for informing your strategic decisions in workforce planning, recruitment, and training.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/key-insights-on-adult-social-care-apprenticeships/

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We look at the plans to establish a Fair Pay Agreements process in Adult Social Care, the impact on the sector and why this report matters for learning and development in UK social care.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/social-care-fair-pay-agreement-workforce-impact/

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February 5, 2025 17 mins

We break down the key aspects of the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2025-2026 and highlight the changes, priorities, and actions required.

By understanding these components, social care employers can align with this important policy.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/navigating-the-better-care-fund/

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January 13, 2025 15 mins

We look at the AI Opportunities Action Plan led by Matt Clifford CBE, tech entrepreneur and Chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). We dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on the UK’s industries and economy.

Join us as we explore the latest AI opportunities, breakthroughs, and challenges that businesses and innovators are tackling today. From ground-breaking appli...

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December 5, 2024 23 mins

Following the November 2024 budget, social care providers have been vocal in their disappointment at the potential impact of the rise in NICS and NLW. Everyone working in social care needs a good understanding of how the funding is currently distributed to understand what options exist to support any future changes.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/how-social-care-is-funded-in-england/

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We look at how the new Procurement Act 2023 aligns and interacts with the new Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy and the Delegated Healthcare Activities Guiding Principles.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/procurement-act-impact-uk-social-care/

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Skills for Care has recently launched its ‘Guiding Principles for Delegated Healthcare’ and employers need to be aware of proposed principles to ensure they provide safe and appropriate care listen to find out why.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/awareness-of-proposed-delegated-healthcare-activities-is-crucial/

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October 29, 2024 16 mins

Key findings based on the Edge Foundation report: ‘Skills Shortages in the UK Economy’ bulletin.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/uk-economy-skills-shortages/

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The main costs associated with rolling out the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (OMMT) as outlined in the Department of Health and Social Care impact assessment.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/costs-of-oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-rollout/

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Training and qualifications in adult social care, incorporating information about the new workforce strategy taken from the Skills for Care “The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England 2024”.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/adult-social-care-training-qualifications-workforce-strategy/

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Key skills challenges and opportunities within the English social care sector, as identified in the “Skills England: Driving Growth and Widening Opportunities” report. It is intended to inform learning and development professionals working within this crucial sector.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/key-skills-challenges-and-opportunities-in-englands-social-care-sector/

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A comprehensive workforce strategy for the adult social care sector in England, acknowledging significant challenges and proposing actionable recommendations to build a sustainable and thriving workforce.

You can also read our briefing notes at www.edgeworks.co.uk/adult-social-care-workforce-strategy-in-england/

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Popular Podcasts

    Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

    iHeartOlympics: The Latest

    Listen to the latest news from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

    Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

    The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the XXV Winter Olympics We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Milan Cortina Winter Olympics so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Betrayal Season 5

    Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

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