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Published April 2026 — eleven days from polling The 7 May 2026 Holyrood election arrives with social care in its most fragile state in a generation. Vacancy rates remain stubbornly above pre-pandemic levels, the National Care Service Bill has been buried in all but name, providers are squeezed between local authority commissioning rates and rising employer National Insurance contributions, and unpaid carers are doing more than ever. So what do the parties asking for your vote

Care home investment carries significant financial, regulatory, and reputational risk. Mac Research and Consultancy Limited presents two anonymised due diligence reports illustrating what credible investment decisions look like in practice. Care home investment is not straightforward. Unlike many commercial asset classes, care services sit at the intersection of property, workforce, regulation, clinical governance, and public reputation. A building can be beautiful and a bala

Mac Research and Consultancy | Insight for the Social Care Sector A practical guide for care home operators in England and Scotland If you run more than one service, you already know the picture: an unexpected sickness wave in the residential home next door, a sudden rise in dependency on the nursing unit upstairs, a registered nurse vacancy you can't fill quickly, or a peak holiday period where staffing falls below your safer-staffing trigger. The temptation — and often the

A reflection for social care professionals There is a particular kind of quiet that social care workers learn to recognise. It is not the quiet of contentment, or concentration, or peace. It is the quiet of someone who has stopped expecting to be heard. Every social care professional has met this silence. The older woman in a care home who no longer asks for anything, because nothing she asked for last time arrived. The young person in a residential unit who has learned that

Self-evaluation is a critical practice in care settings that directly impacts the quality of care provided to individuals. Without regular self-assessment, care providers risk missing opportunities to improve services, address challenges, and ensure safety and well-being. This post explores why self-evaluation must be a routine part of care environments, offering practical insights and examples to help care professionals understand its value and implement it effectively. Care

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP When following the rules stops you seeing the person — and when breaking them might be the most person-centred thing you ever do. By Arlene Bunton | Mac Research and Consultancy Limited | April 2026 There is a care home somewhere in Scotland right now where a resident is sitting in a chair they did not choose, eating a meal they did not pick, at a time that suits the kitchen rather than their stomach, wearing clothes that were selected by whoever

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Whether you run a care home or a care at home service, support adults or children — the person you put in that chair will determine everything. By Arlene Bunton | Mac Research and Consultancy Limited | April 2026 I have seen a single hire save a care service from closure. And I have seen a single hire destroy one. The registered manager is not a role. It is the role. It is the person whose name goes on the Care Inspectorate registration. The perso

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Why the people who live in your home should have the final say on how it runs — and why that’s the best business decision you’ll ever make. By Arlene Bunton | Mac Research and Consultancy Limited | April 2026 Here is a question that will tell you everything about the culture of a care home: who decided what’s for lunch today? If the answer is the chef, the manager, or a catering contract signed eighteen months ago — you have a problem. Not because

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP How can care home operators respect human rights and sexual rights whilst navigating the capacity to consent dilemma? By Arlene Bunton • Mac Research and Consultancy Limited • April 2026 Here is a truth that most of the care sector would rather not say out loud: the moment a person moves into a care home and receives a diagnosis of dementia, we begin — slowly, systematically, and almost always without conscious intent — to erase them as a sexual being. We r

When it comes to providing care, quality is not just a goal - it’s a necessity. Whether you operate a care home, offer care at home services, or provide housing support, understanding and improving the quality of care you deliver is essential. This is where UK care quality tools come into play. These tools help measure, monitor, and improve care services, ensuring that individuals receive the best possible support. Using care quality assessment tools is more than ticking boxe

Moving into a care home is a major life change for anyone, but for a person living with dementia, it can be especially challenging. The experience involves a mix of emotions, from confusion and fear to relief and hope. Understanding what someone with dementia feels during this transition helps families, carers, and communities provide better support. This reflection explores the emotional and practical aspects of moving into group living, focusing on the perspectives relevant

When it comes to running a care home, maintaining high standards is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral commitment. Audits play a crucial role in ensuring that care homes provide safe, effective, and compassionate care. However, audits can sometimes feel like a daunting task, both for management and staff. Over the years, I have seen how thoughtful improvements in audit processes can transform them from a routine obligation into a powerful tool for continuous improv

Supervision in social care is essential for supporting staff, improving practice, and ensuring quality care. When many team members come from countries affected by war, supervision takes on additional layers of complexity. Supervisors must balance professional guidance with sensitivity to personal experiences that may involve trauma, loss, or ongoing distress. This blog explores how to conduct effective supervisions in this context, focusing on respectful communication, trust

Partners in Care: There Are No "Problem Families" Good care is good care. It doesn't matter who you're providing it to — the principles remain the same. At its heart, care is about connection, relationships, and partnership working. When we get those right, everything else follows. I recently worked with a provider who described certain families as "problem families." They were exasperated, worn down, and struggling with what they saw as constant complaints, unreasonable expe

Building Resilience in Social Care Teams: Navigating Fluid Staffing, Legislative Demands, and the Emotional Weight of Complex Care By Arlene Bunton, Director, Mac Research and Consultancy Limited Social care in Scotland — and across the United Kingdom — is operating in an era of unprecedented pressure. Staffing levels fluctuate week to week, sometimes day to day. The people we support present with increasingly complex needs spanning physical health, mental health, cognitive d

What Social Identity Means for People Living with Dementia Social identity refers to how individuals see themselves and how they connect with groups, roles, and communities. It includes factors like family roles, cultural background, profession, hobbies, and personal values. For someone with dementia, these elements remain central to their sense of who they are, even as memory and cognition change. When care focuses only on medical symptoms, it risks ignoring the person behin

The Growing Challenge of Dementia Care in Scotland Scotland has one of the highest rates of dementia in the UK, with over 95,000 people living with the condition as of recent estimates. This number is expected to rise, increasing pressure on care homes and their staff. Dementia care requires specialized skills to manage symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. Without proper training, staff may struggle to provide effective care, leading to increased s

Refurbishing a Care Home: The Importance of Regulatory Expertise Refurbishing a care home is a complex project that involves more than just construction and design. It requires careful planning, coordination, and strict adherence to regulations that protect the safety and wellbeing of residents. When someone who understands the expectations of regulators manages your refurbishment, the process becomes smoother, safer, and more successful. This post explores the key benefits o

Leadership in social care often feels like walking a tightrope. You face constant demands, shifting priorities, and the pressure to deliver compassionate, effective support to vulnerable individuals. In this environment, sticking to traditional methods can leave you overwhelmed and stuck. The key to thriving lies in harnessing your unique leadership style and being willing to challenge the status quo. By embracing innovation and coaching, you can build resilience, inspire you

Moving from your own home into a care home can feel overwhelming. This transition is often filled with mixed emotions, personal reflections, and challenges that can affect not only the individuals making the move but also their families. However, it is essential to remember that this journey can also lead to new opportunities for connection, support, and happiness. Understanding the Emotional Challenges The emotional terrain of moving into a care home can be bumpy. Feelings o