What does the council do before approving a Micro-Carer to be on the portal?

All Micro-carers supported by the Micro-Care Team will have the following in place prior to launching their business:

• A current DBS check
• Registered as self-employed with HMRC
• A Business Profile – explaining their business and services
• A One-page profile – explaining what is important to them
• A range of policies and procedures such as confidentiality
• References
• Training that is tailored to the service they are delivering.

While all Micro-Carers have to achieve the required levels set out before they are allowed to trade, Micro-Care providers are independent self-employed care providers and as such Flintshire County Council cannot be held responsible for their actions.

What do you need to know and do before taking on a Micro-Carer?

While the council provides a list of businesses that have met it’s criteria, it’s down to you to ensure that the services you are purchasing meet the levels of expectation. 

We would advise individuals and their families to do their own due diligence and ask for copies of insurances, DBS, and self-employment status before making a decision. You should also ask to see a business profile to get an outline of the services the business provides and query any specific training you think may be needed to support you best. 

If you are happy after this point the Micro-Carer should offer you an initial meeting to discuss whether the service is the right fit for you and if relevant undertake an initial assessment and put together a plan for your support. Prior to commencing any services a contract should be signed that specifies what/when support will be provided, what their charges and payment terms are, and things such as notices and retainers for when you may not be able to make use of the service (e.g. holidays, hospital visits). You should also discuss at this point what will happen if your Micro-Carer is sick or taking a planned absence – this is known as a contingency arrangement and you should agree this together. 

If your needs have been assessed by Social Services and you meet the Council’s eligibility criteria for care or support, you may use a direct payment to purchase these services. This is where you are given the money from Flintshire County Council to meet your assessed needs and you purchase your own care or support directly.  You can then either choose to become an employer and employ your own Personal Assistants, or use your money to purchase services from a Micro-Carer. For anyone using a direct payment it is important to cross reference the contract signed with the Micro-Carer with your direct payment agreement with the council. 

You can ask for some support and guidance on this by contacting the Micro-Care inbox micro-care@flintshire.gov.uk or contacting Flintshire’s Single Point of Access.