Our carers

Who we hire and how we select them

It’s only natural to have a few concerns when it comes to inviting a stranger into a family home. Here, we answer many of the questions people usually have.

Usually, our providers turn 92% to 95% of carers away. That’s how high our standards are. Each provider will be looking for a slightly different person when it comes to hiring new people. But generally, selection includes:

Several rounds of interviews by specialist care recruiters to assess experience, skills, psychometric testing and aptitude days
A formal criminal records check: either a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check similar to the old CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) version, or PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) regulation scheme in Scotland
Overseas police checks, where they apply
Written references from up to three individuals, followed up verbally
ID verifications
Checks on any medical or clinical qualifications and training certificates
Work permit status – including checking NI numbers

Good carers love what they do. They tend to be people with that special blend of dedication, reliability and compassion. They’re also sociable people with a good sense of humour and plenty of common sense. And because it’s a demanding job, they need to be relatively fit and energetic. Carers come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some have past nursing or care experience. Others move into caring having looked after a family member. Most, of course, will have care experience and will set their own very high standards.

Depending on the provider and service, most carers receive a full induction, with ongoing training to keep skills and qualifications up to date. Carers will train in everything from ‘safeguarding’ and protecting vulnerable adults, to first aid, nutrition and studying in specific conditions. They’ll also be taught all-round skills such as IT, so they can stay on top of any technology relevant to their job and help clients handle their day-to-day admin.

Added to wellbeing training and National Diplomas in Health and Social Care, the people we recruit are always fully equipped for whatever the job brings.

Think you have what it takes to become a live-in carer?

It takes a certain kind of person to become a carer. And someone with something even more special inside to be a live-in carer – take a look at this video and see if that sounds like you.

Our carers

Who we hire and how we select them

It’s only natural to have a few concerns when it comes to inviting a stranger into a family home. Here, we answer many of the questions people usually have.

Think you have what it takes to become a live-in carer?

Do you need to arrange care for a loved one?