Introduction

Somerset Council have been helping local people to set up small (micro) businesses that can provide local services for people who need some help and support.

We call these small services Micro-provider’s and they usually offer care and support in flexible ways, at times that suit you and with an emphasis on putting you first.

To be an registered Micro-provider in Somerset each micro-provider has signed up to and has shared a commitment to meeting Somerset’s ‘Doing it Right’ quality standards.

Any provider displaying conduct that is incompatible with these standards is subject to removal through our quality assurance process.

Whilst the programme offers this assurance, we are unable to guarantee the quality or satisfaction of using the services on the council registered lists or directories of micro-providers.

We strongly recommend that before you use the services of a Community Micro-provider you meet them first. You are purchasing services or support directly from them, so you need to be sure they will do what you want in the way that you want it.

When choosing the right Micro-provider for you, there are some key issues you need to think about. In this guide, we’ll take you through them.

Make sure you are comfortable

Whilst qualifications and experience are important, building a good relationship is the key to good support. You should assess how comfortable you are with any potential Micro-provider. You should do this by arranging a meeting before using their services.

This meeting or interview, will give you both the opportunity to see if you can build a rapport, have shared interests and will be a good fit for one another. It may be a good idea to bring a family member or friend with you to the interview.

Important things to look for are: were they on time, did they show an interest in you, your life, your goals and aspirations. Did they listen well and did they have availability to fulfil the support.

Don’t feel you have to make a decision at the meeting. Sleep on it or ask for more information. If you did not get a good feeling walk away.

Understand your responsibilities

Continuity, flexibility, and responsive services are at the heart of Microproviding. But they are not for everyone.

Most Micro-providers do not meet the criteria to be formally regulated by the social care regulator The Care Quality Commission (CQC).

This does not mean they are low quality or unsafe, but it does mean they can only provide personal care (such as help with bathing, dressing, using the toilet) if you (or your family) are able to assess their suitability, tell them what you need, when you need it and direct their work on an ongoing basis.

For some people, who have a clear idea of what support they need and are happy and willing to recruit and manage their support, Micro-providers work well.

For others, who may not know what they need or may not have family around to support, may not want this responsibility. For these people CQC regulated services may be preferable.

Useful guide to whether a Micro-provider is right for you:

Yes:

• You (or your immediate family) have a strong idea of the support or care you require
• You (or your immediate family) are willing and able to engage directly with a provider and communicate what is required
• You (or your immediate family) is able to vet and check the suitability of a provider and is willing to direct and coordinate care received

No:

• You (or your immediate family) are not aware of what you want or need in a service
• You (or your immediate family) are reliant on a professional to engage and co-ordinate the care with a Micro-provider
• You (or your immediate family) do not have the willingness, capacity or ability to control, direct or coordinate the care provided

Choose services that are ‘registered’ with Somerset Council and check their service portfolio

Whilst most Micro-providers are not regulated by The Care Quality Commission (CQC) they have all committed to the Somerset Micro-provider code of conduct that we call the ‘Doing It Right’ Quality Standards.

You can check if your provider shares this commitment by searching their name on the Connect Somerset Community Directory.

Micro-providers registered with Somerset Council should visit you with an a folder or portfolio showing their credentials, qualifications, and a clear commitment to high quality support.

Things to look for are:

• Is the provider going to be reliable and professional? Ask for references from other people they have supported
• Have they the right training and qualifications?
• Has the provider had an enhanced criminal records (DBS) check?
• Have they suitable public liability insurance?
• Do they have policies (and use them) on things like, confidentiality and safeguarding?
• What are everyone’s rights and responsibilities in the arrangement?
• Is there a contract or terms of service and support plans that you’ll both have to sign that will clearly set out who will do what, when, where, and how?
• How much will you have to pay and how will this happen in practice?
• Do they provide invoices with receipts?

Familiarise yourself with Somerset’s ‘Doing it Right’ quality standards

All Somerset Council approved Micro-providers have committed to an agreed code of practice known as the ‘Doing it Right’ Quality Standards.

Before engaging with a Micro-provider please read the ‘Doing it Right’ quality standard as this will show you the quality and practice commitments made by all approved Micro-providers in Somerset.

If you feel that any Micro-provider has provided a service that falls below this standard you can report this to us using Micro-provider Feedback Form.

Somersets Micro-providers deliver a flexible, individual service that’s person centred towards you and your care needs. They give you more choice and control over how your outcomes will be achieved.