• Search Carer's Profiles

    We have approved and vetted carers from every city in the UK

  • Collate and Interview

    Collate and interview the ones that meet your care requirements

  • Hire

    Hire only when you are satisfied with your choice. We are here to help every step of the way

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Client

Utmost Care for Businesses

  • Yes, we cooperate with a wide range of partners and charities. For more information, please contact us at accounts@utmostcare.co.uk
  • Yes, we are open to forming partnerships with Local Authorities, charities and businesses. Please contact us for more information by email at tonia@utmostcare.co.uk if you represent a charity or a Local Authority.
  • The B2B side of our business is still under development, however, we are currently open to charities and case management companies using the platform. For more information, please contact us at accounts@utmostcare.co.uk
  • For business, NHS and Local Authority clients please contact the accounts department on accounts@utmostcare.co.uk for details on how to set up a commercial account.

Personal Assistants

A personal assistant is a term used for someone who is not a carer in the traditional sense of the word. They often help adults, young adults and children who have disabilities with day-to-day tasks. Here are some of the tasks a PA can help with:
  • Cooking, cleaning and keeping a tidy home
  • Admin, budgeting and paperwork
  • Social skills, communication and maintaining relationships with family and friends
  • Companionship, interests and hobbies
  • Study skills, finding work and maintaining accommodation
  • Prompting someone to take their medication
  • Giving peace of mind to a client and their family
  • Specialist care and support with treatments     There are many self-employed personal assistants using the Utmost Care platform all over the UK. You can filter the results in your carer search to find the perfect personal assistant for you. This way, you can choose who you want your personal assistant to be. You can make sure that a person’s skills, experience and personality suit your needs and values.

Covid-19

Please continue to work safely. We advise all our carers to protect themselves and others by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and practising social distancing where possible. We send out a weekly email to every approved carer outlining the most recent coronavirus updates from the government to keep you well-informed.
  • If you or someone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus you must self-isolate immediately and book a test. You can do this by doing the following: If you need to speak to a doctor and it is not an emergency, call the NHS helpline on 111. In an emergency always call 999 and inform the call handler if you have symptoms of Covid-19. You must keep your clients updated and, if necessary, they may need to arrange alternative care.
We expect every self-employed carer using our platform to adhere to the latest government guidelines for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).   As Utmost carers are self-employed, it is their responsibility to source and wear the correct PPE.
  • The UK Government is offering all essential workers free testing for COVID-19. As a Utmost Care approved carer this includes you. Please contact us if you need a letter stating you are an approved carer on our platform. You can book a COVID-19 test here.
We are currently collaborating with Local Authorities across the UK to organise the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines to all approved Utmost carers who would like to receive it. Please email us at care@utmostcare.co.uk if you would like to be added to your Local Authority’s list.
  • Please email carer@utmostcare.co.uk and we will send you a letter of proof via email.

Micro teams

  • Your replacement carer will simply send you a service agreement and shift invoice via the Utmost platform whilst your regular carer is away. Your main carer will have to amend their invoice to ensure you do not pay twice. You then approve the service agreement and shift agreement as usual and pay through the platform.
All of the carers on our platform are encouraged to work in a micro-team with other carers. Each carer’s team is formed of other carers that they trust and believe will maintain the same high standards of care that they currently deliver to you. When you first start receiving care with a Utmost carer, your carer will inform you as to who is in their micro-team. You will be able check their profiles and select them as/when you need cover. If you do not believe your carer’s micro-team is suitable, you can of course select another carer from the platform instead.

Care Funding

  • Local Authority Funding is a way of receiving money from your local council to fund your care needs. Read our article to find out more about eligibility and what you could potentially receive.
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding is a care package that is fully organised and funded by the NHS. It is not means-tested. Read our article to find out more about eligibility and what you could potentially receive.
Here at Utmost Care, we have transparent minimal fee of 11.5% +VAT on all the care hours transacted on our platform. By using our platform, you are able to able to save 10%* of what one might normally spend when sourcing carers via a traditional agency (*Kings Fund Report 2019). You can decide to either save that extra 10%, use it to buy more care hours or use it to make your care budget go further. Another great way to stretch your care budget is to check your eligibility for government benefits, millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed every year – don't miss out!
  • There are three steps that you can follow to ensure that you receive all the money to which you are entitled to help pay for your care. 1. Check your eligibility for benefits with a benefits calculator (Age UK has a good one) 2. Check your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding 3. Apply for Local Authority Funding If, after following these steps you still have difficulty funding your own care, you may consider other options such as Equity Release
  • Yes, the three main government benefits designed to help people pay for care are the Attendance Allowance (for people over state pension age), the Personal Independence Payment (for adults with disabilities) and the Disability Living Allowance (for children with disabilities). However, there are many other benefits that you can potentially claim to help pay for your care. You can read more about carer and disability benefits on the government website here.
  • We categorically believe that you should. Although support providers charge less than agencies, they still charge around 20/25% of your personal budget. In comparison, we charge 11.5%+VAT and are completely transparent about what we do and what we charge. Utmost carers are fully insured and self-employed so there is no employer liability or additional costs (including no Employers’ National Insurance). You are not bound by any contract and you only pay for the care that you receive. Your personal budget expenditure is available at the touch of a button if required by your Local Authority and the 11.5%+VAT you save on fees can be spent on improving your levels of care or on paying your carers more. Read more on Local Authority funding in our blog.

Insurance

Utmost Care carers are insured with Mark Bates Limited. The cover includes (with no excess, nor hidden fees) : Public Liability Up to £1,000,000 covering claims against you if you have accidently damaged someone or their property. Legal Expenses If you ever need to go to court we can provide up to £25,000 to help with the cost. Personal Accident In the event you suffer an accident at work we can provide up to £10,000 to cover the cost. Personal Possessions If a personal possession is damaged or lost while at work we can provide £250 to cover the cost. Employers Possessions If an employer’s personal possession is damaged or lost while at work we can provide £250 to cover the cost. 24/7 Legal & Tax Helpline Provided by ILG Support our helpline is always here to help. No Excess We do not require any contribution to make a successful claim. Please contact one of our team at: accounts@utmostcare.co.uk for more information or for a copy of the complete terms.
  • We provide you with self-employed carer’s insurance once you start transacting with a client. The insurance is activated by a client’s approval of the service agreement and shift invoice you send them. Our insurance provider is Mark Bates Limited.

Expenses and Charges

  • Regular expenses, such as travel, can be incorporated into the service agreement with your carer. One-off expenses are best handled directly between you and your carer.

Payments and Costs

We use Mangopay to process carer payments. Here’s how to set up your Mangopay account:
  1. From the Utmost Carer App, please click the Menu button and click on your profile picture
  1. Scroll down slightly and click “Add details for payments”
  1. Ensure all the details are correct on the Personal Information page, click next
  1. You are then required to upload a copy of your photographic ID (passport or driving licence). Please click the grey upload document box and either take a photo or upload the file from your phone
  1. If your passport is from outside the UK, you will also need to upload proof of address in the UK. (Once uploaded click next)
  1. Please enter your bank account details (note - these are not visible to us)
  1. Click complete and save
  1. You will receive an email to advise whether your account has been set up correctly
  Note: The name on your photographic ID must match the name on your Utmost Care account. Also, please ensure your photo is clear and legible – it needs to be perfect or will not be accepted by Mangopay. If you encounter any issues, please contact us at accounts@utmostcare.co.uk
  • We do not allow off-platform payments between clients and carers that have made contact via the Utmost Care platform, this includes cash payments.

    If we find out that off-platform transactions have taken place, then both the client and the carer will be removed from the platform and you may be liable to a £2000 placement fee. Please see our terms and conditions for more information, specifically point 9.3.

  • When you have found a suitable carer, they will create a service agreement and shift invoice via the platform. This will be sent through to your account, and you will be advised by email. Please then log into your account, click the Agreement tab and review the service agreement.  If all is in order you can then approve it. ·     You will then be taken to the invoice. Once you have checked it, click on approve and pay. ·     You can either enter card details or bank details to make the payment. ·     Your payment is managed by the secure payment system at Mangopay. Utmost Care does not hold any credit card or bank details. ·     Your payment is held securely until the shift is completed and is then released to the carer 2 working days after the end of the shift minus our fee.   For information on how to pay via BACS or Local Authority Direct Payments, please contact us at accounts@utmostcare.co.uk

    If you receive NHS CHC funding, hiring a self-employed carer needs to be agreed by the CCG through the CHC team. Please contact the Direct Payment Coordinator in the CHS Direct Payment service.

    Off-platform and cash payments are not accepted. If you would like to employ a carer directly and take them offsite, you will be liable to pay a recruitment fee of £2000+VAT. Please see our terms and conditions for more information, specifically point 9.3.
No, since all the carers on our platform are self-employed, you are not liable to pay Employers’ National Insurance
  • Yes you can, however you will be liable to pay a recruitment fee of £2000+VAT per carer. The self-employed carers' insurance policy and secure payment system are only valid for transactions through the Utmost Care platform.
  • The carers set their own rates according to factors such as experience and qualifications. You, as a client, have the possibility to negotiate rates with carers individually if desired. The average rate on our platform is £15 per hour, with more experienced carers charging more and less qualified carers charging less. We have set the minimum rate on our platform to be in line with the London Living Wage. The minimum that carers can charge per hour is therefore equal to £13.80 (with our 11.5% fee and VAT taken into account) for 2020/21.
  • Carers set their own rates on our platform. These vary according to the carer’s location, experience and qualifications. The average rate charged on Utmost Care for hourly visits is currently £16 an hour and £880 for weekly live-in care. This is on average 10% less than what traditional care agencies charge.
  • The carer is paid the rate they have agreed with you minus our 11.5%+VAT fee which covers the platform, insurance and transaction costs. For example, if you pay the carer £15.00 an hour, the carer will receive £13.75 per hour. It is Utmost Care policy that no carer on the platform earns less than the London Living Wage, currently £10.85 per hour, with the addition of our commission and VAT this rounds up to a minimum rate on the platform of £13.80 per hour.

Invoices and Service Agreements

  • As a Utmost carer, you will create a service agreement to outline the care you and your client have agreed on. You should create a service agreement before commencing with a client. You must adhere to what you have agreed on in the service agreement.
  • You can create a service agreement on the Utmost Care app. The template is ready for you to use, you simply have to fill in the details and send it over to a client who will check that they agree with the terms.
  • Your initial invoice should be created immediately after you have created your service agreement. You can create an invoice on the Utmost Care app. The template is already made and you just have to enter your rates and details. You can then send this invoice over to the client via the app.

    We recommend that invoices are created on a weekly basis. Failure to do so will mean you are not insured.

Safety and Privacy

Yes, in fact we believe that Utmost Care is safer than the traditional agency model. You or your family get to choose and interview your own carer, you can check their qualifications and speak to the carers' referees for extra security. Our technology also allows you to be in constant communication with the carer via the Client App. See our reviews on Trustpilot for more reassurance.
  • Yes. We strongly recommend that all clients contact referees directly. All care workers on the platform will have provided two referees (of which one must be a UK resident). The carer will provide you with their referees' contact details upon request. Please contact us by email at client@utmostcare.co.uk if you have any issues with this.
  • A DBS, Disclosure and Barring Service check (previously known as CRB) is a certificate that ensures someone is suitable to be a carer and has not got a criminal record. A PVG, Protecting Vulnerable Groups check is the Scottish version of DBS. It is a certificate that proves someone has no criminal record. We make sure each Utmost carer has a recent DBS/PVG/Access NI before approving them onto our platform.
  • Similar to any standard agency, our Carer Support Team background check and interview all of our carers. This includes Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in England & Wales, Disclosure Scotland and NI Access in Northern Ireland. We also check identity documents, rights to work in the UK, tax and employment status and, if relevant, driving license and relevant qualifications. We also insist on two independent referees (at least one of them a UK resident) who are willing to vouch for the carer. Our carers will soon be individually reviewed by their previous clients on the platform.
  • We are currently developing a check-in/check-out feature for our Utmost client app. It will let you know when the carer arrives at the care recipient’s location and when they leave. This feature will be rolled out later this year. Temporarily, if you would like to check up on a carer’s whereabouts, we recommend that you message them via our app or give them a quick phone call.
The Utmost platform matches currently matches clients with self-employed carers, who then contract directly with each other - therefore our platform is not required to be registered with the Care Quality Commission, the Care Inspectorate or the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). However, we at Utmost aspire to, and expect the carers on our platform to equally aspire to, the CQC, the Care Inspectorate and the RQIA codes of conduct. If we hear that any of our carers or clients have acted in breach of these codes, we will investigate immediately. We take all reports of unacceptable behaviour by carers extremely seriously. If we receive a formal complaint against a carer from a client, we will inform their other clients at once and reserve the right to either prevent the care worker from acquiring new clients or in cases of a serious nature remove them from the platform immediately. *** Utmost care will manage carers in the nearest future. We are in the process of registering with CQC for this.
No. We anonymise the personal details of every client who posts on our jobs board. Carers will only see your personal information if you decide to provide it to them. When you message a carer through the Utmost platform, they are only able to see your first name and the first initial of your surname.

The Utmost Care App

Yes - you have to download the Utmost Carer app to be approved as a self-employed carer on our platform. When you download the Utmost Carer app and when your profile is live on the platform you will have full access to all of the features that Utmost Care has to offer. You can apply for jobs via the jobs board and clients are able to message you. Please make sure that you update the app regularly – we are planning some new, exciting features and will be adding them in the future.

How Utmost Care Works

  • It is up to you to discuss with your carer which tasks you would like them to do. They will then be written on the service agreement between you and your carer. However, if you would like some guidance on some of the tasks a carer might normally carry out, take a look at our care types homepage where you can read articles explaining more about the care type you require.
  • We cover all of the United Kingdom of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We currently have carers in every postcode in the UK and hundreds of carers and personal assistants are signing up to the platform every month. Please search for carers to find the availability of carers in your area.
If you decide that you need to change your care package, you should discuss this with your carer. They may be able to add or subtract hours from your shift invoice and afford you some flexibility. If you decide that you need another carer, you can hire them through the platform quickly and easily as per your needs.
  • Yes, you are obliged to pay for any care that has been received.
  • The selection of the best carer for you is a very personal decision. Like any relationship, sometimes the dynamic can change. If at any time you are not happy with your care assistant you can, if you wish, change them for another carer on the site. We recommend that you give at least 48 hours' notice. You can cancel your contract with a Utmost carer at any time and are only obliged to pay for the care that has already been delivered.
Enter the postcode where care is required in our search bar and select the type of care (hourly/live-in/overnight) as well as any filters (language/experience) that you may need. The platform will then match you with suitable carers and you can scroll down to see their profiles. You will need to be registered as a client to message a carer
Yes, you can either search and message multiple carers or create a job ad advertising for multiple carers. You can then interview the carers and approve their service agreements according to your needs.
  • We are approving carers from across the UK onto our platform on a daily basis – if you do not find any carers in your area please complete the 'Create a job ad'  and suitable carers will apply directly to you. After creating a job ad, it will be sent out not only to our database of approved carers, but also to our database of 20,000 carers who are in the process of getting approved. If they show interest in the job posted, unapproved carers can upload the relevant documents and book their interview to be approved and apply for the job.
  • Use the care-type filter in the search bar and select ‘live-in’. There are hundreds of live-in care workers on the platform. Live-in carers tend to travel to the job location for a defined contract period, so the distance shown can be disregarded when searching.
Every client will have different priorities and will need to ask different questions. Make sure you tailor interview questions to your individual situation. However, if you are struggling to come up with questions, here are some suggested questions you could ask a carer in an interview:  
  • How long have you been a carer?
  • Having looked at your profile, I have read your expertise, but can you please explain more in depth?
  • What skills do you feel you could bring to the job?
  • Are you able to do heavy lifting? If so, please describe a time when you have had to do so (if required)
  • What are your cooking skills like? (if required)
    • How do you get on with pets? (if this applies)
    • If a live-in carer is required – How happy are you about living away from home?
    • Do you have your own car? If not, how do you anticipate getting here and out and about?
    • If you or the care recipient have precise issues, ask if they have ever worked with someone similar before. For example: ‘how would you deal with forgetfulness?’, or ‘have you dealt with an aggressive client before?’
    • Do you have a buddy set up as an option for your client to choose as cover for your holidays or illness?
    • Do you have any questions for me? - Invite questions at the end, the carer must be happy to work for you as well as you be happy to hire them. It is also important to discuss:
      • The carer's preferred rota/hours
      • Their rates and any additional expenses such as travel and food
      • If they charge an additional cost for having to get up in the night (most live in carers are fine with a bit of disturbance, however some charge per call)
      • Time off (most live-in carers expect 2 hours off a day)
      • Mobile phone use (many clients restrict to emergencies and time off) and use of broadband (if there is any at the house)
      • Duties expected in addition to the care work, for example: housekeeping, minding pets, driving.
        We find that if everyone is happy and on the same page, this will help to create more enjoyable long-term care relationships. An interview can help you check that you like the carer and that the carer feels comfortable and prepared for the job.
  • Yes. We advise that, coronavirus dependent, all clients meet their carers in the care location to discuss the client’s care package before approving a service agreement. If an in-person interview cannot happen, we recommend that at the very least you should Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime call a carer before hiring them. All the carers on this platform have either a Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime account.
We believe it is essential that you feel as comfortable as possible with bringing a carer or personal assistant into your home. Interviewing a carer before hiring them is a good way to check that someone is the right person for you. Before interviewing a potential carer, it is a good idea to prepare your questions to make sure you ask everything you want to and gather all the information you need to make a decision. Having read the carer’s profile, you will be aware of their experience, hobbies/interests and their personal statement, but an interview will allow you to delve deeper and find out more about a carer, their experience and personality. Here are some tips for interviewing a carer:
  • Interviews can be very nerve-wracking for some people, so try to make the carer feel at ease
    • For example, instead of asking ‘Do you have experience with dementia care?’, you can ask ‘What was your experience of caring for someone with dementia like? How did it go?’
    • Try to discover whether the carer properly understands what matters to you the most
    • Make sure that the carer will be able to meet you or your loved one’s care requirements
    • Avoid asking yes/no questions, try asking something in a way that allows them to give a more detailed answer - how, what, when, why and where are good words with which to start your questions
    You can always ask for a carer’s references if you think it will help you in an interview, or when making a decision.
  • At Utmost Care, the central ethos of our business is that you, the client, are the best person to choose and manage your carer or personal assistant. Sometimes, a next of kin chooses a carer on behalf of someone they themselves help to care for. When an individual or their family can and wants to choose and manage their carer, we believe that Utmost Care is their best option.
Yes, the minimum shift length is one hour. We believe that short 15- or 30-minute visits do not give the carer enough time to properly care for the client. Our minimum shift length ensures a better standard of care and a more meaningful relationship between the caregiver and care receiver.

No, you can hire a Utmost carer for as short or as long a period as you require. The length of service is decided between yourself and the carer and clearly stated on the service agreement that you draw up together.

However, there is a minimum shift length of one hour.

  • According to the NHS Health Education England, person-centred care is ‘about focusing care on the needs of an individual. Ensuring that people's preferences, needs and values guide clinical decisions, and providing care that is respectful of and responsive to them.’ We wholeheartedly believe that person-centred care is the best way to care for someone. It can prevent future illness and ensures that the care-recipient's emotional and physical needs are looked after. Our business model creates the perfect environment for person-centred care, as we believe that you are the best person to choose a carer who fully understands you and can be respectful and responsive to your needs.
Yes, the care workers registered on the Utmost Self platform are self-employed. We check that every approved carer has the legal right to work in the UK and check their Unique Tax Reference number.
  • Ultimately the relationship between the client and the carer is a working relationship. If the relationship is not functioning, then our advice is for you to replace your current carer with another care worker. If the dispute is of a serious nature, for example, a criminal act, then you must report it at once to the police and Utmost Care. We will investigate it immediately. We take all reports of unacceptable behaviour by carers extremely seriously. If we receive a formal complaint against a carer from a client we will immediately inform their other clients and reserve the right to either prevent the care worker from acquiring new clients or in cases of a serious nature remove them from the platform at once.

Why choose Utmost Care?

  • Typical care agencies often take up to 50% of their carers’ wages in fees. Since we are a platform for self-employed carers, we have far fewer overheads and are able to pass that saving on to you as clients (paying 10% less than with traditional agencies) and Utmost carers (who earn on average 25% more than with an agency). Our minimal and transparent fee of 11.5%+VAT is included in your carer’s shown rate, which means no unexpected charges and you only pay for the hours of care you receive.
Homecare can provide a better quality of life as it allows someone to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, surrounded by neighbours, friends and pets. Homecare is also the most flexible care option and is typically more cost effective than care homes. Homecare also makes it easier to see family members, especially during difficult times such as the coronavirus pandemic. A care home can be a good option on the occasion that someone is unable to or does not want to stay at home.
  • Utmost Care is an online platform for those seeking care and self-employed carers. We have harnessed technology to give you, as a client, complete choice and control over who your carer is. Every carer on the platform has been interviewed and fully vetted by our recruitment team - they have had their DBS checked, have the right to work in the UK and any qualifications mentioned on their profile have been backed up with certificates. Care agencies typically send in different carers on a daily basis. With Utmost Care,  you have complete control and the opportunity for consistent and trusted carers of your choice.
Choice:  We believe that you are the right person to choose your own carer. With Utmost Care, you have complete control over who you hire as your carer, so you can choose the best person for you. Trust:  We only allow carers onto the platform who have been vetted. You or your family get to choose and interview your own carer, check their qualifications, and speak to the carers' referees for extra security. Speed:  If you create a job ad on our site, you can hire a carer within hours. This is great for emergency care, or post-hospital care. Quality:  Utmost carers have on average 10 years of experience working in the care industry. You can clearly see their qualifications and experience on their profile. This means that when choosing a carer, you know you are in safe hands. Cost:  Utmost  carers charge on average 10% less than traditional care agencies, this is because we have a much lower commission fee, which ensures you receive great quality care for less. This means you can make your care budget go further, or receive more hours of care for the same price. Support:  Our technology takes care of all the admin associated with hiring a self-employed carer. This includes: carer insurance, service agreements and invoices, which can be easily approved by you. Also, the Curam app can securely store your payment details so that paying your carer is quick and easy. If you ever have any questions or doubts, our client support team is here to answer your queries. Just drop a line to client@utmostcare.co.uk.

In our Trustpilot reviews, clients told us the 7 best things about finding a carer with Utmost Care included:

·     Speed and efficiency

·     The high quality experienced carers

·     The ability to interview carers

·     The Curam app and platform

·     Choice and flexibility of care

·     Client support services

·     Low, fair prices

Read our ‘What do Clients Think About Using Curam to Hire Carers?’ blog to find out more.

Carer

Tax Returns

Tax returns are an essential part of being self-employed and it is important that Utmost carers remember to complete the process. We cannot complete your tax returns for you, it is your own responsibility. If you do not complete your tax returns, or you submit them after the deadline you may have to pay interest or a penalty.
  • You can file your tax returns online or use a paper form. Paper forms must be completed earlier than online tax returns so that HMRC can calculate your bill in time for you to pay any money owed. You can check when you have to complete your tax returns by on the government website. In 2020 you must complete online tax returns by midnight on 31st January.
  • If you do not want to complete your tax returns yourself, you can get an accountant, or a trusted friend or relative to do it on your behalf.
To be fully prepared for tax returns, you should keep business records that include information about your income and business expenses. You should also keep proof of any expenses you deduct from your taxable incomes, such as receipts, bank statements and invoices. If you have other employment, including on a PAYE basis, you should also keep records related to this, as well as your self-employed work for your tax returns.
Here are just some of the allowable expenses you may deduct from your taxable profit:
  • Clothing expenses, including PPE and uniform
  • Training courses that are relevant to the work you do
  • Insurance, advertising and work-related subscriptions, including Utmost Care's service fees (the money deducted from the rate you charge for care that pays for Utmost Care's service)
  • Claim capital allowances, such as equipment you buy for your care work
  • Phone expenses, stationary expenses and ‘work from home’ office and utilities expenses
  • Travel costs to get to and from work and around during work, such as the cost of using your car or public transport
  • It’s important that your expenses are all permissible according to HMRC. If you want to check if an expense is allowed to be taken off of your taxable profit, you can call the HMRC self-assessment helpline or talk to an accountant.
  • Here's an example of an allowable expense: A client wants to go out for a coffee when you are caring for them (and the client does not choose to pay for your coffee), you may deduct the cost of the coffee from your taxable profit that year.

Holiday / Sick days

  • Utmost Care encourages you to be part of a micro-team that can cover for you when you are sick or on holiday, if your client chooses this option. Members of your micro-team must be Utmost carers. If you are ill and cannot cover a shift, make sure you inform your client as soon as possible and advise them of members of your micro-team. You should give as much notice as possible to a client if you are planning a holiday and you should try to introduce your micro-team to your clients ahead of your holidays. However, the choice of who covers your shift is always that of the client and they can choose a different carer to the one you suggest or include in your micro-team.

Travel Expenses

Your clients do not have to pay for your travel expenses, however, you may choose to ask clients if they would be willing to pay for your travel and negotiate this topic directly with them. Normal practice is that travel expenses are paid separately by the client

Support

We are here to help! If you have any concerns about using the Utmost Care platform, you can get in touch with our carer support team via email – care@utmostcare.co.uk We work closely with NACAS (the National Association of Carers and Support Workers) who are able to provide access to other useful information and support.
  • All of the approved carers on our platform are encouraged to create a micro-team with other carers. When you are unavailable or sick, someone on your micro-team may be able to assist your client. The client always has the choice of the carer they wish to hire. To choose micro team members: go to the Utmost Carer app, log in and from the menu select "Micro Team", then select “Search” and message the carers you would like to invite to your team.
We work closely with NACAS (the National Association of Carers and Support Workers) who are able to provide access to other useful information and support. In fact, we have been working in partnership with NACAS to offer a discounted yearly membership to all approved Utmost carers. This membership offers a multitude of benefits:
  • Access to a range of over 100 health and social care online courses courtesy of the NHS Digital, e-LfH platform including the Care Certificate
  • Discounted CPD Training- Continued Personal Development Health & Social Care Awards Levels 3,4 & 5
  • Lone Worker Personal Safety Monitoring- predominantly lone working, a service that monitors a carer’s whereabouts to provide safety.
  • Free health and wellbeing support
  • Mental Health Support
    • Discounts at various retailers
    • Essential sickness & unemployment insurance, don't rely on just SSP
    • Free Confidential Reporting Support

Self Employment

  • Yes – for now, to operate via the Utmost care platform you need to be self-employed and register as a sole trader, limited company or an LLP.
  • However, we are in the process of registering with CQC, which means you don't have to be self-employed if you dont want to. A notice will be sent out when this option is available. Make sure you sign up for the newsletter here
 
  • A unique taxpayer reference number is the number you need to fill out your tax returns. You can get one by registering as self-employed online. You should then get a UTR number in the post within the following 10 days (21 if you’re abroad).
  • We need your unique taxpayer reference number to check that you have registered with HMRC as a sole trader.
Most Utmost carers choose to register as sole traders, meaning they are the only person working for their business. A limited company means that the business has its own legal identity separate from its owners (even if it only has one person working for it). Completing tax returns is a different process for both these self-employed statuses. If you register as a limited company, you will need to supply extra information when completing your tax returns

Working as a carer

  • Tasks can vary from job to job. Here are some of the tasks that you may be asked to carry out:
    • Personal care, including: preparing, serving and feeding food or drink, bathing, dressing, moving and handling
    • Prompting clients to take prescribed medicines
    • Administering first aid
    • General domestic duties including: shopping, basic maintenance and gardening tasks
    • Accompanying clients on any social, domestic or recreational trips outside of their home
Being a carer is a rewarding, challenging role that will allow you to make a real difference to people’s lives and to the home care sector, which is in desperate need of more carers. You can read more about why carers love finding work with Utmost Care in our Trustpilot blog. Being a self-employed carer with Utmost Care offers you complete flexibility and you earn more when using the platform than with a traditional care agency.  You choose when, where and who you work for so that your job complements your lifestyle and other commitments.
Yes, the minimum shift length is one hour. We believe that short 15- or 30-minute visits do not give you enough time to properly care for a client. Our minimum shift length ensures a better standard of care and a more meaningful relationship between the carer and client.

Utmost Care App

Yes - you have to download the Utmost Carer app to be approved as a self-employed carer on our platform. When you download the Utmost Carer app and when your profile is live on the platform you will have full access to all of the features that Utmost Care has to offer. You can apply for jobs via the jobs board and clients are able to message you. Please make sure that you update the app regularly – we are planning some new, exciting features and will be adding them in the future.

Payment / Rates

  • You, as a self-employed carer on the Utmost Care platform, set your own rates. However, we insist that care workers do not earn less than the London Living Wage, currently £10.85 per hour, which means that your advertised rate must be a minimum of £12.80 per hour. To give you a rough guide - the average rate charged on the platform is £15 an hour for hourly visits, £120 for overnight shifts and £850 a week for live-in weekly.
  • Utmost Care charges a fee of 11.5%+VAT on all shift invoices created on the platform. So, if you set a rate of £15 per hour, you will receive £12.75 per hour. This is one of the lowest fees in the sector. It covers advertising of your profile, marketing to thousands of clients across the UK, self-employed carer insurance, our secure payment system and support from our friendly team.
Traditional care agencies often take up to 50% of their carers’ wages in fees. Since we are a platform for self-employed carers, we have far fewer overheads and are able to pass that saving on to you as Utmost carers. As a Utmost carers, you will earn on average 25% more than with an agency.
  • Clients pay your invoices via their Utmost Care account. Payments are processed by Mangopay – the secure payment processor we use. You will have to set up your own Mangopay account before you start contracting via the platform. To be paid on time you need to create your shift invoices in good time and ask the client to approve them before the shift begins. Payment is released to the carer two working days after the shift ends, if the client pays by card. If the client pays by BACS this could take a further 5 working days.
  • No, you cannot accept payment in cash. Once you have created your service agreement and invoice, the client is able to pay you via the Utmost Care platform. Off-platform and cash payments are not accepted and are liable to a placement fee of £2000+VAT, that the client will have to pay. In addition, both you and the client will subsequently be removed from the Utmost Care platform. Please see our terms and conditions for more information, specifically point 9.3. If you have any concerns about payments, you can contact the carer support team via email – accounts@utmostcare.co.uk.
  • Off-platform and cash payments are not accepted. If your client would like to employ you directly and transact offsite, they will be liable to pay a recruitment fee of £2000 + VAT. In addition, both you and the client will subsequently be removed from the Utmost Care platform. Please see our terms and conditions for more information, specifically point 9.3.
If the client pays by card, your payment should be released to you two working days after your shift ends. If the client pays by BACS this could take a further 5 working days

How to use the platform

  • In order for a qualification to show, you must have uploaded a clear and legible photo of your qualification certificate on your profile (see I am having problems uploading documents if you are having issues).
  • During the carer sign-up process, you will be prompted to choose relevant files. Follow the instructions and choose the documents you want to upload.
  • You can also upload them from your account dashboard. The simplest way to get your documents and certificates onto your account is to take a clear and legible photo of them with your phone and upload these photos directly to your profile via the app.
  • You can save your application and come back to it. After registering, you can amend your profile at any time, but any changes will have to be verified by the Utmost carer support team (other than minor ones, such as information about your hobbies/languages).
  • All you have to do is log in to the app, go to the ‘find jobs’ section, select the type of work you are looking for at the top of the page. If you find a job that matches what you’re looking for you can click ‘apply for job’. If you want to know more about how the jobs board works, please watch this short video.
  • Around 80% of clients actually decide to search and message carers directly instead of posting on the jobs board, so even if you cannot see any jobs near you, there still may be clients looking at your profile. Make sure you make your profile as good as it can be. Some of the ways you can improve your profile are:
    • Update your profile photo to a clear, smiling headshot
    • Make sure you have uploaded photo evidence of all your qualification certificates
    • Keep the experience section of your bio up to date, including the skills you have learnt in your recent care jobs
    • If you have the opportunity to carry out extra carer training, do it! Clients often look for well-qualified carers

Signing-up with Utmost Care

Click here to sign up to be a Utmost carer. You can become an approved Utmost carer after you complete these 3 simple steps: Step 1: Download the Utmost Carer app and create an account  / Or sign up online here Step 2: Complete your profile. Step 3: Book your online approval meeting with one of our friendly recruitment team!
  • To be a Utmost carer, you will need:
    • A DBS/PVG/Access NI (dated within the last 3 years or on the Update Service)
    • Proof you have the right to work in the UK
    • Two references (one of which must be a UK resident. We prefer these to be care-related, but if you are new to care this is not a requirement)
Every carer on the platform will attend an online approval meeting with one of our friendly recruitment team before joining Utmost Care. They will check your DBS/PVG, your right to work in the UK and any qualifications mentioned on your profile (which will have to be backed up with certificates that you upload and we approve).
  • The photo you upload to your profile should be a clear, well-lit headshot. Clients are more likely to click on your profile if you are smiling and look approachable. It should also be a recent, good quality photo of you. We therefore recommend that you update your picture on at least a yearly basis. If you change hair style, for example, you may want to change your photo to one containing your new look. Clients are more likely to read your profile if they see you have a new picture. Your profile photo should:
    • Make you look friendly and smiley
    • Have good lighting
    • Be in focus
    • Have a clear, uncluttered background
  • If you encounter any problems when trying to upload documents, you can contact our carer support team at care@utmostcare.co.uk.
Our How to Write a Standout Carer Profile blog will help you to write the best carer bio possible.
You will need two references, one of whom has to be a UK resident. The best people to be your referees will be people you have provided care services for before. We do not accept friends or family members as references.
  • Right now, if you have a T4 or a student visa you cannot sign up as a self-employed carer, you cannot sign up on the platform.
  • However, we will soon be registered with CQC which will allow you to register with Utmost Care even with T4 or student Visa. Sign up for the newsletter here to know when this option is available.
We operate throughout the whole of the UK
  • You can now upload an introductory video, up to 1 minute long, to your profile via the Utmost Carer app. Carers are 3 times more likely to secure work if they have a video uploaded to their profile. How do I create a profile video? Your script: Before you start filming your video, make sure you’ve prepared what you’re going to say in advance. Here’s a reminder of some prompts: 1) How long have you been a carer?  2) Do you specialise in a particular type of care?  3) Why do you love working as a carer?  4) What are your hobbies?  Please avoid including any personal information or any details that could change - like specifics about your availability, for example. Please note we cannot approve videos that contain personal details like your surname.  Also, your video must be no longer than 1 minute. Click here for more information on how to upload your video.

Covid-19

Please continue to work safely. We advise all our carers to protect themselves and others by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and practising social distancing where possible. We send out a weekly email to every approved carer outlining the most recent coronavirus updates from the government to keep you well-informed.
  • If you or someone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus you must self-isolate immediately and book a test. You can do this by doing the following: If you need to speak to a doctor and it is not an emergency, call the NHS helpline on 111. In an emergency always call 999 and inform the call handler if you have symptoms of Covid-19. You must keep your clients updated and, if necessary, they may need to arrange alternative care.
We expect every self-employed carer using our platform to adhere to the latest government guidelines for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).   As Utmost carers are self-employed, it is their responsibility to source and wear the correct PPE.
  • The UK Government is offering all essential workers free testing for COVID-19. As a Utmost Care approved carer this includes you. Please contact us if you need a letter stating you are an approved carer on our platform. You can book a COVID-19 test here.
We are currently collaborating with Local Authorities across the UK to organise the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines to all approved Utmost carers who would like to receive it. Please email us at care@utmostcare.co.uk if you would like to be added to your Local Authority’s list.
  • Please email carer@utmostcare.co.uk and we will send you a letter of proof via email.

Insurance

Utmost Care carers are insured with Mark Bates Limited. The cover includes (with no excess, nor hidden fees) : Public Liability Up to £1,000,000 covering claims against you if you have accidently damaged someone or their property. Legal Expenses If you ever need to go to court we can provide up to £25,000 to help with the cost. Personal Accident In the event you suffer an accident at work we can provide up to £10,000 to cover the cost. Personal Possessions If a personal possession is damaged or lost while at work we can provide £250 to cover the cost. Employers Possessions If an employer’s personal possession is damaged or lost while at work we can provide £250 to cover the cost. 24/7 Legal & Tax Helpline Provided by ILG Support our helpline is always here to help. No Excess We do not require any contribution to make a successful claim. Please contact one of our team at: accounts@utmostcare.co.uk for more information or for a copy of the complete terms.
  • We provide you with self-employed carer’s insurance once you start transacting with a client. The insurance is activated by a client’s approval of the service agreement and shift invoice you send them. Our insurance provider is Mark Bates Limited.

Invoices & Service Agreements

  • As a Utmost carer, you will create a service agreement to outline the care you and your client have agreed on. You should create a service agreement before commencing with a client. You must adhere to what you have agreed on in the service agreement.
  • You can create a service agreement on the Utmost Care app. The template is ready for you to use, you simply have to fill in the details and send it over to a client who will check that they agree with the terms.
  • Your initial invoice should be created immediately after you have created your service agreement. You can create an invoice on the Utmost Care app. The template is already made and you just have to enter your rates and details. You can then send this invoice over to the client via the app.

    We recommend that invoices are created on a weekly basis. Failure to do so will mean you are not insured.

Why Choose Utmost Care?

  • Aside from the fact that carers earn on average 25% more when working with Utmost Care (after tax and our fees), our numerous, positive Trustpilot reviews, given by carers who use our platform, really highlight the benefits of working with Utmost Care, these include the following:  ·     Feeling happy and proud ·     Being self-employed ·     Utmost Care's support services ·     The Utmost Care app and website ·     Easy admin and invoices   Read our ‘What do our Carers Think about Curam?’ blog to find out more.
Choice:  With Utmost Care, you get to choose who you care for, when you work and where you work.  We advertise your profile for you so that you can choose from different clients and different jobs. This choice ensures that you have full control over your career, lifestyle and helps you achieve work-life balance. Better work-life balance:  As a Utmost Carer, you will have the chance to organise work around your hobbies, other career interests and family commitments. This flexibility also allows you necessary time off to relax or socialise. Earn more:  With Utmost Care, carers earn 25% more on average than with traditional care agencies. There are no sign-up fees and our transparent fee of 11.5% + VAT is the lowest in the sector. Service agreements and invoices:  Our app makes admin easy. All you have to do is input your client’s details, care recipient’s name, address, care services. You must create a service agreement and invoice before starting with a client. Our App:  The Utmost Care app not only makes admin easy, it also makes finding care work quicker and simpler. With a few scrolls and taps you can find clients, respond to the ones that are interested in your profile and organise when and where a client would like you to provide care. Support:  Our carer support team are here to help if you need support when working via the Utmost Care platform. We also have lots of useful blogs where you can find out more about being a self-employed carer.  
Utmost Care is an online platform for self-employed carers. We have harnessed technology to give you, as a carer, choice and control over who you care for and the hours you work. Care agencies typically send in different carers on a daily basis. With Utmost Care Self, you have complete control and the opportunity for consistent clients of your choice.
Yes, you choose whether you want to apply for a job or whether you want to accept a client’s care request. Even if you are unable to assist, please always respond to a client
  • Yes, you are the captain of your own ship! You choose which hours you want to work.
You do not have to have experience to become a Utmost carer. However, you must have at least two years' experience if you want to be a Utmost Care live-in carer.
  • You can find work as a personal assistant as well as a carer with Utmost Care, make sure you add this skill and any relevant experience to your profile.
Yes, you can work via the Utmost Care platform whilst keeping the job you already have. Just make sure that you still register as self-employed as this is how you will be working with Utmost Care.
  • You do not necessarily need a car or driving licence to work as a Utmost carer. However, you may wish to use a vehicle to get to jobs in more rural areas.

DBS/PVG

  • You need a DBS/PVG/Access NI in date of 3 years to be a Utmost carer. A DBS, Disclosure and Barring Service check (previously known as CRB) is a certificate that ensures someone is suitable to be a carer and has not got a criminal record. In Scotland it is called a PVG and in Northern Ireland it is called an Access NI An Enhanced DBS shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, final warnings and any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role. A PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme) is the Scottish version of DBS. It is a certificate that proves someone has no criminal record. We require any carers who wish to provide live-in care to have an Enhanced DBS/PVG or Access NI.
  • Your DBS should be in date of 3 years or be on the Update Service. Make sure you register your Enhanced DBS on the Update Service within 30 days of getting it.

Carer Training

We know how important it is for any professional to sharpen their skills and build their knowledge-base. This is why we’re offering free CPD training to all approved Utmost carers across a range of relevant subjects to help them enhance their expertise and to care with confidence.
Utmost Care are currently offering a selection of completely free CPD training courses. For a full list of the current training courses just click here.
The courses are currently available to all approved Utmost carers. If you haven’t yet registered as a Utmost carer you’ll need to do this to be able to access the training courses. To start this process please download the Utmost Care App. Once our carer team has approved your profile, you’ll then be emailed an invite to set up your free Qintil account, and you can then access the training. If you’re already an approved Utmost carer, then you should have already been emailed an invite to set up your free Qintil account, so do check your inbox and spam folders. If you can’t locate your invite then please contact us and we can send you another one. The courses are all online and can be viewed from a smart phone, tablet or a computer on the Qintil training portal.
To begin your learning journey, just click the link in your Qintil training invite email. You’ll then be taken to the Qintil log in page where you can set up your free account by entering your name and email address.
The length of each course varies, as everyone learns at their own speed but, on average, they take between 20 minutes to one hour.
No, you choose the pace at which you complete each course. So if you want to stop at any point and then go back to your training, you can pick-up exactly where you left off.
Yes. For each course completed, you’ll be able to download and print your certificate and you’ll receive CPD points. Your Qintil account will hold all your learning achievements including the CPD points you’ve accrued. You can also add any additional training courses of qualifications to your Qintil profile.
Yes, you can add your training achievements to your Utmost Care profile.
CPD stands for continuing professional development and it’s a term used to describe the training the professionals complete to enhance and grow their skills. Building up your CPD points gives you demonstrable evidence of the amount of time you have spent developing new skills.

Code of Conduct/ Practice