Become a verified Micro Provider

A DBS certificate isn’t required by law at the moment, but we’d recommend it. Holding one reassures clients and local authorities that working with you doesn’t put anyone at risk. As a Self employed individual you cannot carry out your own check, however you can email info@microproviders.care if you’d like help to get one. We also recommend putting your DBS certificate on the update service, log on here to get more information.

Obtaining public liability insurance protects you and your clients if anything goes wrong. Without this, you would have to find the costs to cover pay outs and any legal fees. Please explore Fish Insurance or Blue Badge as both offer care insurance.

When working in care, it is mandatory to have completed necessary Induction training in Person centred care, health and safety, basic life savings skills, administering medication, safeguarding, accurate record keeping and manual lifting handling. These skills are core to the work itself, and are required by all service providers.  

You have a legal obligation to register with HMRC in order to pay Tax and National Insurance contributions. You need to keep records of all invoices, expenses and other transactions and appoint either a bookkeeper and/or accountant who can support you to complete all necessary HMRC returns.  

Research your local market and see what others are charging. Link up with other micro providers through social media to obtain and share information, giving you a better understanding of the appropriate rates of pay/hourly charge rates.

Be honest, open, authentic, be who you are and why people should use your services. 

Be professional, create a professional email address (yourname@emailprovider.com/co.uk). Create a simple online profile on social media, (i.e Facebook) or your own website. Personal branding is also deciding colours you like to use and font and being consistent in using these to keep a professional look that people begin to recognise. 

You will need a network of support from family, friends, others in business, but also someone who has been on the journey you are starting. Get yourself in a Slack group (such as microproviders.slack.com ) and engage, ask lots of questions, people are happy to help and share their experiences. 

This is hugely important. Don’t fall into the trap of working all the time, whether that be with clients or on your business. You must schedule time for yourself to relax and do what you enjoy. Book your holidays in advance to allow clients time to make alternative arrangements. 

You can’t care for others if you’re not looking after yourself properly. 

Your passion will be recognised by the people you work with and this goes a long way in your business succeeding. If you don’t find meaning in the work, you’ll start to feel unhappy and this will reflect in the care you provide. Before you start, write your values down on a piece of paper, after a few months, check if you’re still working to those values and doing the work for the right reasons.