This June, Care Innovation Summit will bring together the most influential voices in adult social care, delivering a high-impact programme designed to drive practical innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Taking place on 11 June at the Business Design Centre in London, this leading care conference is tailored for senior decision-makers across care homes, home care, complex care, dementia care and healthcare design and build. The event is a must-attend ca

The Care Innovation Summit will return to the Business Design Centre in London on 11 June 2026, bringing together more than 500 senior leaders from across the adult social care sector for a day focused on innovation, growth and practical ideas to help providers adapt and succeed in a changing landscape. The one-day conference and exhibition will feature 30+ leading suppliers alongside a multi-stream programme covering Future of Care, Dementia Care, and Healthcare Design & Bui

The conversation around inclusive design has never felt more urgent, particularly in the context of integrated retirement communities. At a recent panel chaired by Anne Marie Nicholson - amn architects, with contributions from Kael Gillian - Hoare Lea, Sonia Parol - Inspired Villages and Vicky Hill - Greenwood-Hill, the discussion quickly moved beyond the traditional language of accessibility and into something far richer. The session explored how design, operations and cultu

Women make up the majority of residents and staff in Integrated Retirement Communities, yet the spaces they live and work in have too often been shaped by design principles that overlook their everyday experiences. Our new report, The XX Factor , brings together 12 experts from planning, architecture, engineering and operations to explore why this needs to change, the benefits of inclusive design and what the sector can do about it. The discussion reveals how inclusive design

by Vicky Carne (assisted by ChatGPT & NotebookLM ) None of us grew up with AI, but we’re all going to grow older with it. The question isn’t whether it’s coming for your job, your inbox, or your resident handbook – it’s what kind of colleague you want it to be. Every few decades, a technology arrives that’s going to ‘change everything’. Predictions about how it will do that are rarely right. The desktop computer was supposed to make us paperless; instead, we got endless

Apologies are an essential part of human interaction, but in professional settings, ‘over-apologising’ can undermine your confidence and your credibility. This recent WiRL webinar explored why we often say “sorry” unnecessarily and how to break the habit without losing empathy or professionalism. Why do we over-apologise? Cultural and gender norms : In British culture, saying “sorry” is often a default politeness marker. Women, in particular, may feel social (societa

Angela Roberts Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in retirement property sales? Angela Roberts, Grove Place’s Sales and Marketing Manager explains what her role involves, how she got here, and why coffee is absolutely essential. Q: What’s your official title, and what does your role really involve day-to-day? Officially, I serve as the Sales and Marketing Manager at Grove Place, a distinguished retirement village in Southampton. Unofficially, I wear many ha

As our understanding of climate change continues to grow, particularly in relation to its effects on housing, health, and economic stability, it becomes increasingly clear that its consequences are not evenly distributed. This article explores how climate change disproportionately affects women, especially those in women-led households. It also presents practical ideas for reducing these impacts. Some proposals call for fundamental structural changes across government, busine

You’ve had a distinguished NHS career and now lead wellbeing strategy at Riverstone. What inspired your transition into the retirement...

You’ve had a rich career across global consumer brands and retirement living operators. What drew you to the retirement living sector...

WiRL was proud to be an event partner for the Seniors Housing Awards 2025, held on 23 September at Grosvenor House Hotel in London. It...

Netflix’s new adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club has landed like a sparkling tonic: witty, warm and just subversive...

Ali Powell When people ask what I do, I say I help later living communities grow. But really, I help create places where older people...

Dr Zoe Wyrko and Katherine Rose Women in Retirement Living (WiRL) is delighted to announce the appointment of two outstanding...

Spring networking with WiRL: Celebrating connection, collaboration and community Earlier this year had the pleasure of bringing our...

Philippa Kellar Step into the world of Philippa Kellar. With over seven years at the helm of Richmond Villages and a remarkable 25-year career in health and social care, Philippa shares the rhythm of her routine, the challenges she conquers, and the moments that fuel her passion for people. Starting the day Q: What time does your day typically start? "I’m not a morning person!" Philippa confesses with a laugh. "I wake up and have to be either out the door or at my desk in und

Our panel, Anne-Marie Nicholson, Katharine Rose, Philippa Kellar, Kerry Gibbs Evolving the senior living sector: Innovation, inclusion,...

Can your business afford to stay the same while others are moving forward? Across the care sector, leaders are rethinking service...

The UK care sector is set to welcome a new event in 2025: Care Innovation Summit, taking place on 19 June 2025 at the Business Design...

Thank you to everyone who joined us bright and early for the WiRL breakfast at UKREIIF 2025 – and a special thanks to AtkinsRéalis for...