Advice to New Providers

Setting up a new care service can be daunting. Once you've completed your CQC registration, what do you do next?

Click on the button below to access some advice for new adult social care providers, which we hope is useful.

Business Continuity

A Business Continuity Plan is not just a sensible thing to have but also may be a contractual requirement.

Business Continuity should not just be about 'disasters', it should also look at how you would handle disruptions in your supply chain or how you would manage a key member of staff being absent.

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)

Business Planning

Creating a business plan is an essential step for any business looking to start or grow their business. A well-structured business plan not only helps clarify your business idea but also serves as an important tool for securing funding and guiding your operations. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write an effective business plan.

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)

Cost Control

In the competitive landscape of every business, effective cost control is crucial for long-term sustainability and profitability. By managing expenses proactively, business owners can improve their financial health and create a solid foundation for growth. This guide outlines key strategies and practices to help you take control of your costs.

The Care Association works with many suppliers and has negotiated discounts exclusively for our members.

As a WMCA member you can also join the Spectrum Purchasing Club which offers discounts across over 60 suppliers and cash back!

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)

Digitisation

Data Protection

Care has become increasing digital. Over 70% of care providers now use Digital Social Care Records (DSCR). Along with other technologies such as Proxy Acess and the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that your data protection procedures and policies are robust.  We have extensive advice on how you can achieve this which is free to CQC registered providers

Secure Email

The NHS is encouraging ALL Care Providers to use NHS Mail. NHS Mail allows you to share communications securely with the other NHS Mail users and local authority .gov.uk email addresses. You may also find it is a requirement of your local authority contract.

NHS Mail is also a requirement if you are using Proxy Access and to access the Digitising Social Care (DISC) fund



Using Digital Care Records

Digital Care Records (DSCR) can save your staff valuable time wasted on routine administrative tasks as it makes information readily available at the point of care. Having a DSCR in place can also support improvements in the safety and quality of care which is centred around the individual.

Having a DSCR will enable future connectivity to your local Shared Care Record (ShCR) resulting in joined up health and social care. It is also becoming more common to see  the use of DSCRs mandated in local authority contracts.

Funding

The Association occasionally comes across funding opportunities that our members can take of advantage of.

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)

Going Green

In today’s world, care businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards sustainability. By adopting eco-friendly practices, not only can you reduce your environmental impact, but you can also attract environmentally-conscious customers and enhance your brand reputation. Here’s our guide to implementing practical environmental solutions within your business and to meeting the new CQC Environmental Quality Statement

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)

Marketing your business

Is your brand important?  The likes of Apple and Coca Cola seem to think so, but is it that important to an SME Adult Social Care Business?

Marketing is a very broad topic and encompasses areas such as branding, advertising, web presence and social media.

It can help you attract new business.

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)

Tendering for Beginners

If you are looking to attract work from local authorities, at some point you will need to go through a tendering process.

On this page we've pulled together some advice on how to approach a local authority or NHS tender if you've never done one before.

For more advice click on the button below (requires members password)