Gill Kelly, WM-ADASS Associate International Recruitment Programme, attended the Staffordshire Local Authority Managers Quality Networking Forum on 21 April 2026, joining more than 200 care managers and a wide range of exhibitors from across the health and care sector.
The biannual event featured a packed agenda of presentations and networking opportunities, including updates on future unitary authority configurations, procurement developments, Skills for Care, and the CQC.
Reflecting on the day, Gill said:
“One of the most impactful sessions for me focused on the human impact of modern slavery and exploitation, delivered by Nick Walton from the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network. Sharing the message ‘if you look, you will find’, the presentation highlighted the increasing prevalence of modern slavery, with 23,411 National Referral Mechanism referrals recorded in 2025 — a 22% increase on the previous year.”
Attendees also heard a powerful real-life story about Sue and her family, as her husband reflected on their experiences navigating the health and care system during Sue’s care journey. The session encouraged services to work more closely together around individual needs and to learn lessons that could help prevent similar experiences for others in future. This highlights the importance of the co-production work WM-ADASS are leading on across the region, alongside initiatives like the lived experience coaching.
International recruitment was also strongly represented throughout the event, with several organisations connected to the regional IR Programme in attendance. These included:
- Lifted, who support the recruitment of international care workers across the region.
- Lester Aldridge, who deliver regular Legal and HR webinars alongside a dedicated legal helpline for international care workers, care providers and local authorities across the West Midlands.
- The West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network.
Gill also noted the wide variety of providers showcasing innovative, practical solutions to support the workforce and enable the cost-effective delivery of care, adding that it was a great opportunity for the international recruitment delivery team to speak directly with care providers from across the region.
The event highlighted the value of bringing together partners from across health and social care to share learning, strengthen connections and help shape the future of the sector.
Gill praised the significant work Staffordshire colleagues had put into organising such a well-attended and engaging forum, with the next event already planned for September.
