Hi Sheila, I would like to open a domestic services agency which provides help to elderly people with cleaning, shopping, household chores and taking them to the appointments. What are the legal requirements? Can you provide me some information?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Lucky,

Thank you for your question.

I can only respond to your question with regards to health and social care.

The Care Quality Commission regulates the following services as listed in Schedule 1 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

• Personal care.
• Accommodation for person who require nursing or personal care.
• Accommodation for persons who require treatment for substance misuse.
• Treatment of disease, disorder or injury.
• Assessment or medical treatment for persons detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Surgical procedures.
• Diagnostic and screening procedures.
• Management of supply of blood and blood-derived products.
• Transport services, triage and medical advice provided remotely.
• Maternity and midwifery services.
• Termination of pregnancies.
• Services in slimming clinics.
• Nursing care.
• Family planning services

The services that you wish to provide do not fall in to any of these categories and you should therefore seek further advice from the

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

You will find all the information and regulatory requirement that you require on their website beginning with their advice on setting up a business.

With best wishes.

Sheila