Is it necessary to register with the CQC as an agency that provides workers to health and social care service providers?

Answered by Abi Spence

Thank you for your question. That all depends on what sort of agency you are.

The CQC scope of registration document here under personal care says;

‘You should not register if you provide carers (in the role of an employment or introductory agency):

• To another organisation who will then be responsible for direct provision of the care, or
• To an individual who will then wholly take responsibility for the provision of their own care under a personal budget or private arrangement

However, registration for care at home (domiciliary) agencies may be needed if they are involved in the management of the regulated activity.

CQC say if an agency does any of the following they may need to register;

• Monitoring the service provided to clients by the care workers they have introduced. This includes gathering feedback about the service from care workers and using feedback to advise or direct changes to how personal care is carried out. For example, the frequency of visits, type of care provided, and the way in which the care worker gives personal care.
• Arranging rotas of care workers on behalf of clients.
• Being responsible for managing the replacement of a care worker. For example, by taking the initiative for providing absence cover in a way that goes beyond simply introducing another care worker, and in a way that does not need the client to make a decision.
• Continuing to charge for the service being provided by a care worker after paying a one-off introduction fee. This does not include one-off fees paid in instalments and fees for payroll services.
• Continuously reviewing and updating clients’ care needs when a client hasn’t asked for this.
• Making changes to active care plans, whether consulting with the client or not.
• Requiring care workers to:

1. attend professional supervision, coaching and mentoring that the agency provider supplies in relation to the personal care being provided to clients
2. wear a specific uniform, identity badge or logo
3. use specific paperwork, tools, equipment or services.