I work with many clients who use private funds or direct payments, or a mixture of both, to directly employ care and support staff. Separate to this they might also have one or two carers assisting them who are set up as self-employed, and will invoice the client for the hours they do each month. Should an independent self-employed carer, who provides services to more than one client, be registered with CQC in their own right?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear N,

Thank you for your question.

As far as I am aware, there is no requirement now or any immediate intention in the future, for what I call Personal Employers who employ carers directly either with private funds or direct payments to undertake any form of checks or any method for those carers to be registered.

I believe that in some areas the Local Authority may undertake some form of vetting but it is certainly not a legal requirement.

My personal opinion is that this could place some Personal Employers at risk and at the very least, employers should be able to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

With best wishes.

Sheila