Direct Payments Factsheet
B6: Using an agency
You may consider using a home care agency for your care. In this case, you will not be the employer; the agency will employ and manage the staff and handle their wages.
You can plan directly with the agency and specify how, when, and where your support will be provided. You will pay the agency invoice from your direct payments bank account.
Ensure you have a written agreement with your agency providing a written breakdown of all their costs to avoid unexpected charges, such as additional fees for bank holidays, or mileage you have not previously agreed to pay.
Approved Provider List (APL)
Providers on the council’s Approved Provider List (APL) are contracted directly by the council to offer care for those who do not want to arrange their own care. You can find these providers in the councils’ Care Services Directory available from your Social Worker or Direct Payments Advisor or you can download a copy from the council’s website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/adult-care/social-care-adults/care-services-directory
Should you use a direct payment for an agency on the council’s APL, it is crucial you inform them that you receive a direct payment to ensure they charge you the same rate as the council.
Providers not on the Approved Provider List
If you choose to receive services from a provider that is not on the council’s APL, they may charge you more than the direct payment will allow, and you will need to cover the difference from your own personal funds. We recommend discussing any additional costs with your Social Worker or Direct Payments Advisor when your direct payments are arranged.
Agencies providing personal care are legally required to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can ask the agency staff to show you their registration details.
Before deciding to buy a service from a particular agency, we recommend asking the following questions:
- About their registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- To see a copy of their insurance policy.
- If all their staff have had a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- How they manage their staff and how often they check you’re satisfied with the service.
- If they employ staff and handle all tax and national insurance payments.
- How they deal with any complaint you may have about their service.
- How they arrange staff cover during holidays or sickness, and if they discuss this with you.
- The training provided for their staff and the qualifications and experience of their staff.
- How you can you inform them if you are not happy with their service.
- If they carry out a risk assessment for you and their staff.
- Whether you will receive copies of the staff’s working hours to ensure accurate payment.
How much it will cost to use their service and how to make payments.
After working with agency staff, you might consider hiring them directly as a personal assistant.
We strongly advise you consult with the Direct Payments Support Service before deciding. Some agency agreements permit direct employment of their staff but may expect you to pay a fee as part of their service conditions. If you’re interested in this option, please reach out to your Direct Payments Advisor.
We have only given you a few suggestions of the type of questions you may want to ask. Please think about the
information you want and what questions you need to ask the agency to help you to choose the right agency for you.
If the agency tells you they will not be able to continue providing care for you, you will need to contact alternative providers to make new care arrangements. If you are not able to find alternative providers, please contact your Social Worker as soon as possible.
