Getting Started
What kind of help can I find?
We introduce you to trusted, self-employed helpers including live-in carers, companions, nannies, and housekeepers. Each brings their own mix of skills and experience, so we can match you with someone who best fits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
How do you find and vet helpers?
All helpers complete a detailed profile outlining their background, skills, and references. We verify identity and right-to-work documents and gather references before any introduction is made. You’ll also have the chance to meet and speak with a helper before confirming any placement.
Do I need to provide accommodation?
For live-in positions, yes. You’ll need to provide “bed and board” - A comfortable private room and access to shared facilities such as kitchen and bathroom. It’s also helpful to discuss meals, internet access, and any household routines in advance.
In some cases clients have annexes or other properties which their helper(s) live in. The appropriateness of this will depend on the nature of care required and proximity of the accomodation.
Do you provide short-term or long-term arrangements?
Both. Some clients need temporary cover for holidays or recovery periods, while others seek longer-term arrangements for ongoing support. We can advise on what will work best for your situation.
For very short term placements minimum charges may apply.
Matching and Working Arrangements
How do you match helpers to clients?
We look at your requirements, preferences, and household setup, then recommend helpers whose skills and personalities are likely to fit well. You’ll have the opportunity to review their profile, speak with them directly, and confirm the arrangement only when you’re happy to proceed.
Can I meet the helper before agreeing?
Yes, we always encourage an introductory call or meeting before any placement starts. It helps both sides ensure a good fit and clarify expectations.
What happens if it doesn’t work out?
Sometimes a match isn’t quite right despite everyone’s best efforts. If that happens, we’ll help mediate any issues and, if needed, find a suitable replacement as quickly as possible. We simply ask that you keep us informed so we can support both you and the helper.
Can I adjust hours or duties later on?
Yes, as long as any changes are agreed mutually with your helper. Because helpers are self-employed, flexibility works both ways. Clear communication helps maintain a positive working relationship. We ask that you and your helper keep us approacised of the relationship and any changes.
What notice is required if circumstances change?
We ask for one month’s notice if care arrangements need to end or be paused for reasons such as a change in circumstances, moving into long-term care, or no longer requiring support.
We know that situations can evolve quickly, so if something unexpected happens, we’ll always do our best to handle it with flexibility and understanding.
What happens if my loved one goes into hospital, respite care, or passes away?
We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly. If your loved one goes into hospital, respite care, or sadly passes away, we’ll work with you and your carer to manage the situation with compassion and fairness.
Many carers become a close part of the family, and continue to offer support during this difficult time helping with practical matters such as tidying, organising the home, or providing general assistance.
Our approach is always to handle these transitions respectfully, ensuring everyone is supported and treated with care.
Our management fees are paid monthly in advance, and any remaining balance will be adjusted or credited as appropriate, unless you choose to continue with our services.
Pay and Administration
How does payment work?
You pay your helper directly for their services. They are self-employed, so you agree the pay rate, payment frequency, and method directly. Most clients pay weekly or monthly by bank transfer.
What are the typical pay rates?
Rates vary depending on the role, level of experience, and duties involved. We can provide guidance on current market rates to help ensure fairness for both sides.
Do I pay any additional fees to you?
We charge a simple, transparent management fee to cover matching and ongoing support. There are no hidden costs or commissions deducted from your helper’s pay.
Do I need to handle tax or pensions?
No. As helpers are self-employed, they are responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, and pension arrangements. You simply pay the agreed amount for their services.
What about additional duties and costs?
Your helper’s primary responsibility is to you, the client, as agreed at the outset. Some helpers may be happy to assist with occasional extra duties, such as supporting family gatherings, light gardening, catering, or household maintenance, but these tasks fall outside the original agreement and may be subject to additional fees. Any such arrangements should be discussed and agreed directly with your helper in advance.
Support and Quality Assurance
What support do you provide after a helper starts?
We remain available to both you and your helper for ongoing support, guidance, or mediation if needed. Our goal is to help the arrangement run smoothly and ensure everyone feels supported.
How do you ensure quality and reliability?
Before introducing any helper, we carry out a thorough screening process. This includes verifying identity and right-to-work documentation, checking references, and reviewing experience and background information. Where relevant, we may also review qualifications or training certificates. We take care to match only those helpers who meet our standards of professionalism and compassion.
How do you monitor quality and ensure things are going well?
During the early stages of a placement, we stay in close contact with both you and your helper to make sure everything is working smoothly on both sides. Once things have settled and everyone is comfortable, we continue to check in occasionally to ensure ongoing satisfaction. We may also send out brief surveys from time to time to help monitor service quality and overall experience.
Practical Considerations
What about holidays or time off?
Helpers usually agree a work pattern in advance, for example, two weeks on and one week off. You’ll discuss this directly as part of your arrangement. If cover is needed during time off, we can help arrange temporary support.
What should I provide for a live-in helper?
A comfortable private room, access to bathroom facilities, and reasonable living conditions. It’s also common to provide meals or a food allowance, Wi-Fi access, and basic household supplies.
Can helpers drive?
Some do, but not all. If driving is essential (for example, school runs or errands), please let us know so we can match you with someone who holds a valid licence.
Do you offer emergency or last-minute cover?
Where possible, yes. We maintain a network of available helpers and will always do our best to find suitable short-notice support.
Legal and Safety
Are helpers insured?
Helpers are encouraged to hold their own public liability insurance. We can confirm this at the time of matching and advise on any additional coverage you may wish to consider.
Do you offer visa sponsorship for helpers?
At this time, we only introduce helpers who already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Do I need to do any checks?
We carry out screening and gather key information about each helper, including proof of identity, right-to-work documentation, references, and any relevant qualifications. You’ll receive an information pack before making a decision, and as the employer, we always recommend reviewing it carefully.
You may also wish to clarify details or speak with references directly, and we can happily facilitate that for you.