Quality standards

The following three methods help us provide the best quality of care possible to our customers.

1. We are fully managed and regulated

We are proud to be a fully managed and regulated service under the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We are dedicated to being open with current and future clients. Working with the CQC gives assurance that we are held to high quality standards and are held accountable for those in our care.

What does fully managed and regulated care mean?

In simple terms, a fully managed and regulated service is monitored by the CQC and is held accountable for the care that is given by their care staff. While other care services – such as introductory services – are available, they offer less protection and fewer guarantees for the same price.

A regulated service

Is held accountable for the actions of its care staff by the CQC
Is subject to spot checks by the CQC
Employs its own care staff
Provides specialist training to its care staff to meet the needs of those in their care
Can work with local authorities providing care services
Conducts a full DBS check on all staff and updated checks throughout their employment

A non-regulated service

Leaves the responsibility for the care with the individual taking out the service
Uses self-employed care staff
Does not provide specialist training
Can not work with local authorities
Carries out a DBS check at the start of employment, but does not follow up with regular checks

There is a common misconception that a fully managed and regulated service is more expensive than non-regulated care. However, in most cases, it is the same price, if not cheaper.

By choosing a fully managed and regulated care service like ICare Resource Limited, you have the security that you or your loved one will receive high-quality care. You’ll also have the reassurance that there are procedures in place under the CQC to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in our care.

Choosing a non-regulated service may initially seem like the quicker, easier choice. However, in the long run, you have little to no protection and no assurance of receiving high-quality care.

See our current CQC ratings.

2. We listen to our customers

We as a company regularly seek reviews from our customers. This invaluable feedback helps us continually improve the service that we provide.

As of December 2020, based on over 20 reviews, 90% of our customers rated us ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’.

The results from our annual 2020 satisfaction survey sent to 240 service users were as follows:

89% strongly agreed or agreed that they were satisfied overall with the service they receive
96% strongly agreed or agreed that they felt comfortable and safe with their carer
96% strongly agreed or agreed that they were treated with politeness and respect by their care worker
89% strongly agreed or agreed that they would recommend a friend to ICare if they needed care
86% strongly agreed or agreed that the service they receive helps them feel in control of their daily lives
81% strongly agreed or agreed that the service they receive improved their quality of life

3. Accreditations

A founding member of the UKHCA

The United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA) is the representative body for organisations that provide care to people in their own homes. It identifies and promotes the highest standards of home care and represents the views of its members with policy-makers and regulators. The association also promotes training and development of individuals and organisations providing home care.

Organisations that join the UKHCA agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Practice, and you should ensure that any company you approach for home care assistance is a member of UKHCA. The association represents over 1,600 members across the United Kingdom. Read the UKHCA code of practice.