VODG Operations Directors' Professional Network Meeting | December 2025

The next meeting of the Operations Directors’ professional network is now open for booking.

Review of Adult Social Care Complaints

We are pleased to welcome the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman as our opening speaker. This session will provide an authoritative overview of the recent Review of Adult Social Care Complaints, highlighting key lessons learned and emerging trends from the data. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how complaints are being handled nationally, and practical guidance on when and how to escalate matters to the Ombudsman.

Designed for senior leaders, this presentation will not only deepen understanding of the current landscape but also support directors in ensuring that concerns are addressed effectively and at the right level.

VODG Policy Update

Following this, Sarah Woodhouse will deliver an update on the VODG policy and influencing agenda. She will outline current priorities, highlight emerging challenges, and share how VODG is shaping the national conversation to ensure the voice of providers is heard at the highest levels.

Driving Excellence in CQC Inspections

We are pleased to welcome Adrian Cavendish, Taskforce Executive at Delphi Care, who will provide a strategic perspective on achieving excellence in Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections. The session will explore:

  • What “good” looks like in practice
  • How to evidence “outstanding” performance with clarity and credibility
  • The essential operational foundations required to build towards and sustain outstanding ratings

This session will equip leaders with actionable insights to strengthen compliance and embed a culture of excellence across their services.

Speakers

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Sarah Woodhouse

Sarah Woodhouse

Director of Policy and Influencing, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group

Adrian Cavendish

Adrian Cavendish

Taskforce Executive, Delphi Care

Draft Programme

14.00

VODG Welcome and housekeeping

Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations at VODG

14.05

Introductions

VODG Co-chairs

14.10

Review of Adult Social Care Complaints

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

14.55

VODG Policy Update

Sarah Woodhouse, Director of Policy and Influencing at VODG

15.10

Driving Excellence in CQC Inspections

Adrian Cavendish, Taskforce Executive at Delphi Care

15.50

Future Topics

VODG Co-chairs

15.55

Final round-up

Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations at VODG

16.00

End

 

Accessibility  

Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Join the Operations Directors' Professional Network

The operations directors' network provides colleagues a secure space to discuss pertinent issues and topics via our online forum, to upload documents and to view the lastest network events. 

Meet the VODG Operations Director's Co-Chairs 

Join us at our quarterly operations directors' member meetings, chaired by leaders from across our membership.

Dan Gower-Smith

Dan Gower-Smith

Group Director Operations , Avenues

Diane Mee

Diane Mee

Director of Business Development and Partnerships, Fitzroy

Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown

Operations Director, Canterbury Oast Trust