How to Start a Home Care Agency in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

Written By Guest User

Thinking of starting your own home care agency? Whether you’re a passionate carer looking to build your own service, or a business-minded individual driven to make a difference — starting a home care agency can be incredibly rewarding… when done right.

Here are the key steps to get started:

1. Choose a Name and Define Your Brand

Your agency name is your first impression — it should feel professional, trustworthy, and reflect the caring nature of your services.

Consider:

  • Names that reflect care, dignity, trust or locality (e.g., “BrightHope Care”, “Manchester HomeCare”)

  • Making sure the name is unique and not trademarked

  • Securing a domain name (.co.uk/.com)

  • Reserving the name on social platforms (even if you’re not ready to post)

👉 A consistent brand across your website, social media, uniforms, and business cards builds trust and recognition.

2. Register Your Business

To trade legally, you’ll need to:

  • Register your business with Companies House (as a Ltd company)

  • Get a business bank account

  • Secure insurance:

    • Public liability insurance

    • Employers’ liability insurance

    • Professional indemnity insurance

    • Medical malpractice insurance (if applicable)

Optional but useful:

  • Hire an accountant or use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero

3. Create Your Policies and Procedures

This is where many agencies stumble.

To pass CQC registration (if providing personal care), you need 20+ fully written and tailored policies — including:

  • Infection Prevention & Control

  • Safeguarding Adults and Children

  • Recruitment and Induction

  • Record Keeping and Confidentiality

  • Medication Management

  • Complaints Handling

  • Whistleblowing

  • GDPR and Data Protection

These should be updated regularly and reflect your actual working practices.

💡 Need help? Wardwave can provide compliant templates or bespoke policy creation support.

4. Register with the CQC (Care Quality Commission)

If you’re offering personal care, you must legally register with the CQC.

The CQC registration process involves:

  • Completing an online application through their provider portal

  • Submitting:

    • Your Statement of Purpose

    • All required policies and procedures

    • Details of your Registered Manager (must have NVQ Level 5 or equivalent)

  • Undergoing a fit and proper person check

  • Completing an interview with a CQC inspector

The process can take 2–3 months or longer, so prepare early.

🔍 If you’re not providing personal care (e.g., companionship or cleaning), CQC registration may not be required — but many clients prefer regulated agencies.

5. Recruit and Vet Your Care Team

Your carers are your biggest asset.

Start by:

  • Creating job descriptions

  • Advertising roles online (Indeed, social media, local job boards)

  • Interviewing for values and experience

  • Ensuring:

  • Enhanced DBS Checks are done for every staff member

  • At least two references are obtained

  • Training is completed (manual handling, medication, safeguarding, etc.)

Set up staff files and an onboarding process so you're ready to scale safely.

6. Set Up Your Care Systems

Care agencies need reliable software to manage:

  • Care planning (tailored to each client)

  • Scheduling (rotas, availability, shift matching)

  • Staff logging in/out (digital check-ins, GPS, call monitoring)

  • Auditing and reports

Popular systems include:

  • Tagtronics

  • CarePlanner

  • Access Care

  • Log My Care (for smaller agencies)

Choosing the right platform early helps with compliance and saves hours of admin.

7. Start Marketing and Get Clients

This is where many new agencies struggle — but also where we shine.

You’ll need to:

  • Create a professional website

  • List your agency on trusted platforms:

    • Homecare.co.uk

    • NHS Choices

    • Local council directories

  • Set up a Google Business profile

  • Use flyers, posters, and referral cards in local shops, GPs, and community centres

💡 Tip: Use social proof like testimonials and trust badges (e.g., “CQC Registered”, “DBS Cleared Staff”)

8. Ongoing Compliance and Growth

Once you’re live, the work isn’t over. You’ll need to:

  • Prepare for CQC inspections

  • Track and update training

  • Perform regular audits

  • Keep documentation up to date

Partnering with experienced consultants (like Wardwave) can help you stay compliant, organised, and confident as you grow.

Need Help Starting and Registering Your Home Care Business?

From writing policies and registering with the CQC to getting your first clients and scaling your operations — The Wardwave Group is here to support you.

👉 Book a free consultation today or reach out to get expert setup support.

Let’s build something that lasts — together.

Guest User
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