18/08/2025
Why Due Diligence Matters When Choosing Personal Assistants and Micro-Providers
A recent report in The Telegraph highlighted concerns about theft and abuse carried out by unregulated care professionals. Stories like this are deeply upsetting, and they sadly reinforce public fears about using personal assistants or micro-providers in health and social care. This story really hit a nerve and it needs addressing.....
It is vital to remember that unregulated does not mean unsafe. There are many highly trained, skilled, and dedicated care professionals in the community who deliver outstanding support every single day. As with any profession, there will always be a minority who do not act responsibly, but their actions should not define the many who provide compassionate, safe, and professional care.
As a care professional myself, with over 30 years of experience, I take great pride in offering a safe and competent service I am:
Suitably trained and continually updating my knowledge.
Fully DBS-checked and insured.
Registered with NACAS (National Association of Care and Support Workers).
Holder of a healthcare registration pin with the Care Professional Register (CPR).
By being registered with the Care Professional Register, I also commit to and adhere to a clear code of conduct, ensuring accountability, professionalism, and high standards of care at all times.
This means that those who choose my services — or the services of other conscientious micro-providers — can be assured of quality, accountability, and professionalism.
What Families Should Look For
If you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to carry out due diligence. Here are some key steps:
✅ Check that the carer or micro-provider holds a current DBS certificate.
✅ Ask about insurance coverage in case of accidents or incidents.
✅ Ensure they can provide care plans, risk assessments, and care notes — these are essential for safe and consistent care.
✅ Ask what training they have completed and how often they update it.
✅ Consider whether they are part of a professional body or association that promotes standards in care.
It may feel easier to ask a family friend or neighbour to “help out,” but caring for someone is much more than lending a hand. In emergencies, would they know what to do? Do they understand how to manage medication safely, prevent falls, or respond to sudden changes in health? Professional care providers are trained to do all of this — and more.
Final Thoughts
Personal assistants and micro-providers play a vital role in today’s care landscape. They offer flexibility, consistency, and often a more personalised service than larger agencies. But to ensure safety and peace of mind, families must make sure the people they choose are properly checked, trained, and competent.
Good care is about trust, accountability, and skill — qualities that so many dedicated carers in our communities bring every day.
