Understanding how personal care and independent care work together

When arranging care, it’s easy to come across different terms — Community Carer, Micro-Provider, Self-Employed Carer, Personal Assistant (PA) — all of which describe independent carers who support people directly in their own homes and communities.
This page explains what “personal care” means under the law, and why some carers can provide this kind of support without needing to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

 

What Is Personal Care?

According to the CQC, personal care includes any help with daily living activities such as:

• Eating and drinking – preparing meals or assisting with feeding

• Toileting – helping with continence needs

• Washing and bathing – supporting with showers, baths, or bed bathing

• Dressing – helping someone dress or undress

• Oral care – assisting with brushing teeth or cleaning dentures

• Skin, hair, and nail care – supporting basic hygiene and grooming

• Prompting or supervision – encouraging or guiding someone to do these activities themselves

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Normally, any business or organisation providing personal care must be registered with the CQC.
Registration is required when a service or business has any ongoing role in directing or controlling how care is delivered — for example, arranging rotas, replacing carers, or managing care plans.

However, there is a legal exemption that allows independent carers to offer personal care without registration — when specific conditions are met.

 

Why Can Independent Carers Work Without CQC Registration?

The law recognises that many people prefer to arrange care directly with a trusted carer, without using an agency or company.
This allows for more flexibility and control — as long as the person receiving care (or their representative) is the one directing and managing the arrangement.

This is also why community platforms or introductory services that simply connect families with independent carers do not need to register — as long as they have no ongoing role in directing or supervising care.

The CQC exemption applies when:

• ✅ The carer is contracted directly by the person receiving care (or their representative).

• ✅ There is no third party managing, coordinating, or employing the carer.

• ✅ The person receiving care (or their representative) decides what, when, and how support is given.

• ✅ The carer works completely independently and manages their own business, insurance, and tax.

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This means the CQC does not regulate that arrangement, because you — the client or family — hold full choice and responsibility.

In short:
✅ You (or your family) direct and control the care = no CQC registration needed.
🚫 A third party manages or employs the carer = CQC registration required.

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What This Means for Families

This model gives you more choice and continuity, but it also means you take on some responsibility for ensuring things are done safely.
You become the decision-maker — choosing your carer, agreeing the terms, and keeping an eye on how things are going.

If you are unsure what to check or how to stay safe when using an independent carer, visit our [Understanding Independent Care] page for a simple, step-by-step guide and free printable resources.

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Free Resources

You can download our free guides to help you stay informed and safe when arranging care:

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Disclaimer

This page is provided for public awareness and information only.

Community Carers Connect is not registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and does not provide or manage regulated personal care services.

All carers we reference work independently, and all care arrangements must be agreed directly between the individual and their chosen carer.

These guides are based on good-practice standards from Somerset Council’s Community Micro-Enterprise Programme.
Adapted by Community Carers Connect for public awareness — no endorsement implied.