Introductory Agency Policy

1. Purpose

Live In Care Partners is an introductory agency that connects people looking for live-in care with suitable potential live-in carers.

Our role is to understand what the client is looking for, vet potential carers and make introductions.

We do not provide or manage the ongoing personal care.

2. Our Role

Live In Care Partners will:

• listen to the client's requirements and preferences
• discuss the type of live-in support they are looking for
• identify potential carers who may be suitable
• carry out appropriate checks and vetting on potential carers
• provide information about potential carers
• make introductions between clients and potential carers
• allow the client and carer to decide whether they wish to proceed
• where requested by the client, introduce another potential carer if an existing carer is unavailable

Our role is to vet, introduce and support the initial connection between the client and carer.

3. Client Choice

The client remains at the centre of the introduction process.

We will provide information about potential carers and allow the client and/or their representative to decide whether they wish to proceed.

An introduction does not mean that the client is required to engage a particular carer.

The client and carer are responsible for agreeing the ongoing working arrangement between themselves.

4. Our Role Does Not Include

Live In Care Partners does not:

• provide personal care
• direct how a carer provides personal care
• manage the carer's day-to-day work
• create or manage ongoing care plans
• arrange ongoing care rotas
• supervise the carer's ongoing work
• monitor the quality of ongoing care
• continuously review or change the client's care needs

Where a client asks us to introduce another potential carer, we may assist with making that introduction. The client remains responsible for deciding whether they wish to engage that person.

These boundaries are important because CQC distinguishes an introductory agency from a provider that has an ongoing role in directing or controlling personal care.

5. Carer Vetting

Before making an introduction, Live In Care Partners will carry out appropriate checks on potential carers. These may include:

• identity checks
• right to work checks
• DBS checks
• employment or character references
• qualifications and relevant experience
• information about previous care experience
• other checks considered appropriate to the role

CQC specifically identifies checking and vetting the suitability, qualifications, skills and experience of care workers as activity that can be undertaken by an introductory agency without creating an ongoing role in the provision of personal care.

6. Matching

We will consider the information provided by the client when identifying potential carers. This may include:

• care and support requirements
• experience required
• personality and interests
• lifestyle
• communication needs
• cultural or religious considerations
• language
• gender preferences
• pets and household arrangements
• other relevant preferences

We cannot guarantee that a particular preference or requirement can always be met.

7. Additional or Replacement Introductions

If a client asks for another carer because their existing carer is going on holiday, is unavailable or the arrangement is no longer suitable, Live In Care Partners may identify and introduce another potential carer.

The client will decide whether they wish to proceed with the proposed carer.

Live In Care Partners does not take responsibility for arranging or managing ongoing absence cover.

8. Safeguarding

Live In Care Partners takes safeguarding seriously.

Any concern about abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm will be treated appropriately and in accordance with our Safeguarding Adults Policy.

Where necessary, concerns may be referred to the appropriate local authority, police or other relevant organisation.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Information about clients, families and carers will be handled confidentially and in accordance with our Data Protection & Confidentiality Policy.

Information will only be shared where there is an appropriate and lawful reason to do so.

10. Complaints

Clients, families and carers can raise concerns or make a complaint about the service provided by Live In Care Partners.

Complaints will be dealt with in accordance with our Complaints Policy.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, guidance or the way Live In Care Partners operates.