Safe, informed, and confident choices for care at home

Independent carers — sometimes called Community Carers, Self-Employed Carers, Micro-Providers, or Personal Assistants (PAs) — are local professionals who work directly for the people they support, rather than through an agency or company.

This gives families more choice, flexibility, and control over how support is arranged.
You decide who supports you, when visits happen, and what care looks like day to day.
It’s a personal, community-based way to arrange help at home — but it also means you hold the choice, and some responsibility, for keeping things safe.

 

What “Registering with the Council” Really Means

Some carers choose to join Somerset Council’s Community Micro-Enterprise Programme (CMEP), which helps families find local, independent support more easily.

When carers register, they:
✅ Share a copy of their DBS certificate 
✅ Provide proof of public liability insurance
✅ Sign the Quality Standards Agreement, confirming they’ll follow good practice in areas such as safeguarding, professionalism, and fair pricing

 

They are then listed on the Somerset Community Connect Directory, which the public can view online.

It’s important to understand that the council’s role is to support, not regulate these carers.
The CMEP team does not inspect or routinely monitor carers’ day-to-day work, as this sits outside their role.
They confirm that key documents have been seen, but families should always ask to view current copies for their own peace of mind.

Being listed means a carer has agreed to local standards — it’s not the same as official regulation or CQC registration.
Families can easily carry out the same checks themselves by asking to see: DBS, insurance, training, and a written agreement.

What matters most is that you feel informed, confident, and in control of your own care arrangements.

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Clearing Up a Common Misconception

Many people assume that only carers registered with the council’s Micro-Enterprise Programme are “safe” to use — but that isn’t the case.
Registration is optional, and it doesn’t guarantee a higher standard of care or regulation.

Many excellent, fully checked and insured independent carers choose not to register for personal or business reasons, and that doesn’t make their care any less safe or professional.

What matters most is knowing how to check a carer properly — ask to see their DBS, insurance, training records, and a written agreement.
Those simple steps make your care arrangement just as safe as working with a registered micro-provider.

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Always Do Your Own Checks

Whether a carer is registered with the council or working independently, it’s always good practice to check their documents yourself.

 

How Care Is Sourced in the Community

When someone needs care, a Village Agent or local professional may help by sharing care requests through social media, local community pages, or online platforms.
This can be a great way to reach independent carers, but it’s important to know that Village Agents do not check:
🚫 DBS or background checks
🚫 Insurance
🚫 Training or qualifications
🚫 References or ongoing professional standards

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Their role is to share information and help people connect — not to verify carers or oversee care arrangements.

Any carers who respond work independently, and it’s up to you or your family to decide who to work with.

Before agreeing to care, always ask to see:
✅ A current Enhanced DBS certificate
✅ Proof of public liability insurance
✅ References and training evidence
✅ A written contract or agreement

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Even if a carer is found through social media or community listings, you remain the decision-maker — and doing your own checks keeps everyone safe.

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Why Families Choose Independent Care

Consistency – the same trusted face each visit
Flexibility – you choose times and routines that work for you
Personal connection – care shaped around your life
Local trust – carers who are part of your community

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What to Check Before Starting

Whether a carer is registered with the council or working independently, it’s always good practice to check their documents yourself.
✅ A current Enhanced DBS certificate 
✅ Public liability insurance
✅ A written agreement or contract outlining duties, pay, and hours
✅ Relevant training certificates

 

Registration alone doesn’t replace these checks — it’s simply one way of showing a carer has shared their details with the council.
Doing your own checks gives you peace of mind and helps ensure that care stays safe, transparent, and built on trust.

 

Boundaries and Professionalism

A good independent carer will:

• Respect your privacy and dignity

• Keep information confidential

• Work only within agreed tasks

• Maintain clear, friendly professionalism

They should not handle personal money, accept gifts or loans, or make decisions on your behalf.
Healthy boundaries keep both sides safe and comfortable.

 

Talking About Payment

Independent carers set their own rates (often around £17 – £22 per hour in Somerset).
Make sure to:

• Agree hourly rate and mileage before work begins

• Ask for invoices or receipts

• Keep everything written and transparent

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If Something Feels Wrong

1️⃣ Speak directly with your carer if you feel able.
2️⃣ If you believe anyone is unsafe or being mistreated, contact:
📞 Somerset Adult Safeguarding Team – 0300 123 2224
🌐 www.safeguardingsomerset.org.uk

Keep notes of what’s happened and any action taken.

 

Respect and Dignity for Everyone

All care relationships should be based on mutual kindness and respect.
Bullying, intimidation, or harassment should never be accepted — from carers, clients, or anyone involved.
If this ever happens, seek advice or raise a safeguarding concern.

 

Free Resources

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

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Why We Created the Independent Carer Commitment Agreement 

In Somerset, carers who register with the council as micro-providers agree to a set of quality standards.
However, families who arrange care privately — directly with a self-employed or independent carer — often don’t have access to the same clear guidance or reassurance.

We created the Independent Carer Commitment Agreement to fill that gap.
It’s designed for any independent carer — whether registered as a micro-provider or not — to confirm the same key principles of safety, trust, and professionalism.

It’s not a legal contract or a council document.
It’s a simple, voluntary agreement that can be signed together by both carer and client to show commitment to:
✅ Clear communication and agreed boundaries
✅ Up-to-date DBS and insurance checks
✅ Safe, respectful, and professional practice
✅ Honesty, dignity, and mutual respect

Using this form helps families and carers work together transparently — following the same good-practice values expected across Somerset, while keeping full choice and control.

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Disclaimer

This page is provided for public awareness and information only.

Community Carers Connect is not regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and does not act as a care agency.

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.