HR support for care homes, from someone who knows what CQC looks for.
For owners and managers of small care homes with up to 50 staff. Practical, plain-English HR from one named adviser: safer recruitment, staff files, rotas, supervision and the everyday people questions, with CQC expectations built in from the start.
- Twenty minutes, by phone or video, whatever's easiest for you
- We talk through what's actually going on, no form to fill in first
- No hard sell. If I'm not the right fit, I'll say so
Something urgent, like a long-term sickness case? Call me on 07387 082994.
What care home managers usually call me about
You're already doing the hard part: looking after people well. These are the people questions that tend to land on your desk alongside it.
Right now
- A senior carer has stepped up to team leader and isn't sure how to raise a colleague's lateness
- A few staff files have gaps in employment history, and an inspection is on the horizon
- Someone on nights has been off sick for weeks, and you want to support them and keep the rota covered
- Agency and bank staff whose records you're not certain you hold
- Supervision happens, but it isn't written down
Getting ahead of
- Contracts that match your rotas, sleep-ins and waking nights as they really work
- A recruitment process that gathers everything CQC expects before someone's first shift
- Policies your team actually reads, not a folder on a shelf
- Managers who feel confident running probation reviews and return-to-work conversations
What CQC expects to see in your staff files
Regulation 19 asks care providers to employ fit and proper staff and to hold set information for each person, listed in Schedule 3. CQC says it covers agency and bank staff, volunteers and contractors too. Here's what that means day to day.
| Record | What Schedule 3 asks for | How I help |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Proof of identity, including a recent photograph. | A one-page checklist for the front of every file, so nothing is missed. |
| Criminal record checks | A criminal record certificate at the level the role requires, with barring information where it applies. | A tracker showing who was checked, when and at what level. |
| Past conduct and references | Evidence of conduct in previous health or social care work, and, where reasonably practicable, why previous work with vulnerable adults or children ended. | Reference requests that ask the questions CQC cares about. |
| Employment history | A full employment history, with a written explanation of any gaps. | Interview prompts that capture gaps on the day, signed and dated. |
| Qualifications | Documentary evidence of relevant qualifications, where reasonably practicable. | A training matrix matched to each role. |
| Health | Information about any health conditions that affect someone's ability to do the role, after reasonable adjustments. | A fair process for asking at the right point, and for recording adjustments. |
| Right to work | Separate from Schedule 3: Home Office right to work checks before employment starts. | Checks done and stored properly before day one. |
Sources: Schedule 3, Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and CQC guidance on Regulation 19.
How I can help your care home
Start small or have me in your corner every month. Every option starts with a free 20-minute call.
| Option | Who it suits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CQC Inspection Prep | Homes with an inspection coming up, a new manager, or files nobody has checked in a while. I visit, go through your staff files and records, and leave you a priority report and toolkit. | From £495, one-off |
| HR Advice Session | One situation on your mind, such as a disciplinary, an absence case or a tricky reference. | £125, 60 minutes |
| Rooted | Homes that want an HR professional to check things with: contracts, policies, absence and probation. | From £245 a month |
| Flourishing | Growing homes that want a monthly check-in, a quarterly people review and support with employee relations cases. | From £445 a month |
Retainer prices rise with team size. No VAT is added. Compare every option. Home care or supported living? See HR support for home care agencies.
Already have an HR provider? Keep them.
Many care homes have a helpline they ring when something goes wrong. I do a different job: I come in, look at your actual files with your manager, and help you put things right before anyone asks. You're welcome to share my report with them.
You'll deal with me, Arrun Greaves, every time. I'm CIPD Level 7 and I run The Pocket HR myself. More about me.
"Arrun has been amazing, insightful and patient. He has helped me build out my HR policies for my Family Support Agency. He assisted in making sure we are fully legally compliant and making sure our policies are suitable for such a sensitive industry. Would highly recommend him!"
Questions care home owners ask
What HR support does a small care home need?
Usually three things: a recruitment process that gathers what CQC expects, contracts and policies that match how your rotas really work, and someone to check things with when a people issue comes up. Many homes start with an advice session or inspection prep, then move to a monthly retainer.
What staff records does CQC check?
Under Regulation 19 and Schedule 3, CQC expects you to hold proof of identity, criminal record checks at the right level, evidence of past conduct in care work, a full employment history with gaps explained, evidence of qualifications and relevant health information. The table above sets it out.
Do agency and bank staff count?
Yes. CQC's guidance says Regulation 19 covers agency and bank staff, volunteers and contractors as well as employees. For agency staff, agree with the agency what they hold and what they'll show you.
Can you work alongside our existing HR provider?
Yes. I don't replace them, and you're welcome to share anything I produce with them.
How much does HR support for a care home cost?
An advice session is £125, inspection prep starts at £495, and monthly retainers start at £245 depending on team size. No VAT is added, and the fee is agreed before I start.
Do you visit care homes outside London?
Yes, anywhere in the UK. Travel outside London is agreed with you before I book anything.
Talk it through first.
Twenty minutes, no charge. Tell me about your home and what's on your mind, and I'll tell you honestly what would help most.
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