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CQC Registration

Navigate the CQC registration process with confidence. We provide complete support from initial application to successful registration, including statement of purpose, policies, DBS checks, and interview preparation to ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.

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Marketing Support

Grow your care business with strategic digital marketing tailored to the sector. From SEO optimised websites and social media management to content creation and online reputation management, we help you attract more clients and build trust in your community.

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Comprehensive Training

Develop a skilled, confident workforce with our accredited training programs. From mandatory care certificates to specialist clinical skills, leadership development, and CQC preparation, we deliver engaging training that improves practice and enhances care quality.

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Tender Writing

Win more NHS and local authority contracts with our specialist tender writing service. Our experienced team crafts compelling bids that demonstrate your capabilities, showcase innovation, and align perfectly with commissioning requirements to maximise your success rate.

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Ofsted Related Services

Expert guidance for childcare providers navigating Ofsted registration and compliance. We support nurseries, childminders, and daycare services with Early Years Register applications, EYFS compliance, inspection preparation, and ongoing quality improvement.

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PIR Writing

Professional Provider Information Return completion that showcases your service excellence. Our expert writers craft compelling responses aligned with CQC key lines of enquiry, highlighting your achievements, quality improvements, and evidence based outcomes.

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Business Setup

Launch your care business with expert guidance from concept to operation. We provide business planning, financial forecasting, legal structure advice, insurance guidance, and complete setup support to establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

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Compliance Management

Stay compliant with evolving care regulations through our comprehensive management systems. We provide ongoing monitoring, policy updates, audit support, and governance frameworks to ensure you maintain CQC fundamental standards and achieve outstanding ratings.

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Client Acquisition

Implement proven strategies to attract and convert new clients consistently. We develop targeted campaigns, referral programs, community partnerships, and digital funnels that connect you with families seeking quality care, ensuring sustainable business growth

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Branding

Create a distinctive brand identity that reflects your care values and stands out in the market. From logo design and brand guidelines to marketing materials and signage, we develop cohesive branding that builds trust and recognition with clients and partners.

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Domiciliary Care

Professional care delivered in the comfort of your own home. Our domiciliary care services support individuals with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and companionship, helping you maintain independence while receiving the assistance you need.

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Temporary Staffing

Reliable healthcare staffing solutions for care providers. We supply fully vetted, qualified nurses, care assistants, and support workers to cover planned leave, sickness absence, or increased demand, ensuring continuity of care without compromising quality.

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Combined Care Agency

Integrated care solutions bringing together multiple services under one provider. We coordinate domiciliary care, complex care packages, and specialist support services, offering seamless care delivery with consistent quality standards and simplified administration.

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Supported Living

Empowering adults with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs to live independently. Our supported living services provide tailored assistance with daily activities, skill development, and community integration while you maintain your own tenancy and lifestyle choices.

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CIW Domiciliary Care Agency

Specialist domiciliary care services for Wales, fully registered with Care Inspectorate Wales. We meet all Welsh regulatory standards and Social Services and Wellbeing Act requirements, delivering culturally appropriate care that respects Welsh language preferences and local community values.

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RQIA Domiciliary Care Agency

Quality domiciliary care services for Northern Ireland, registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority. We adhere to all RQIA minimum standards and regulations, ensuring dignified, person centered care that promotes independence and respects individual choices.

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Domiciliary Care

Win domiciliary care and home care tenders across the UK — council frameworks, dynamic purchasing systems, NHS packages and spot contracts, with specialist bid writing and CQC-ready evidence.

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Supported Living

Supported living tenders for learning disability, autism, mental health and physical disability services, staying inside the regulatory perimeter of tenancy-based support, backed by your CQC compliance.

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Residential Care

Residential care home tenders — block-bed frameworks and specialist lots, with the staffing ratios, dementia care and quality evidence commissioners score most closely.

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Extra Care

Extra care housing tenders — care and support in extra care schemes, with original, scheme-specific writing backed by CQC, CIW and RQIA registration and compliance.

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Reablement

Reablement tenders across the UK — outcomes-led, strengths-based bids that prove rapid mobilisation, hospital discharge capability and measurable independence outcomes.

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Children & Young People

Children and young people's services tenders — Ofsted-regulated residential care, supported accommodation, family support and leaving care contracts.

Tenders

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Website Development

Build a high performing care website that converts enquiries into placements. We create fast, accessible, and search optimised websites tailored for care providers that win trust and generate quality enquiries.

Policy Development service icon
Policy Development

Get tailored policies that stand up to inspection and work in daily practice. Our custom policy suites map directly to CQC requirements with smart workflows that keep everything current and evidenced.

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Business Training

Practical training that builds confident teams and measurable competence. We deliver focused learning through real scenarios, helping your staff excel in their roles and meet regulatory expectations.

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Guidance and Support

Your expert partner for compliance, inspections, and sustainable growth. Get calm, clear, and actionable guidance through set up, daily operations, and inspection moments with concrete next steps.

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Knowledge Hub

Free, in depth guides on CQC, CIW, RQIA and Ofsted requirements. Practical explainers on registration, fundamental standards, safeguarding, and workforce rules, written for care providers and kept current.

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Success Stories

Living Plus Care Services Ltd successfully secured six out of seven tenders.

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Videos

Explore our curated video library to stay informed about the latest trends.

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Brochures

Explore our exclusive brochures to learn valuable insights about our services.

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Ebooks

Our ebooks serve as in-depth guides to CQC, RQIA, CIW, and Ofsted regulations.

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Blogs

Stay informed with our expert blogs covering the latest updates, tips, and best practices.

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FAQ

Read our most frequently ask questions

Start a Domiciliary Care Agency in the UK

Starting a domiciliary care agency in the UK is one of the most accessible and commercially rewarding ways to enter the adult social care sector. Domiciliary care, also known as home care, is the delivery of personal care and support to people in their own homes, and demand for these services continues to grow as the population ages and NHS discharge pressures push more care into community settings.

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Our domiciliary care setup package gives you everything you need to register with the Care Quality Commission, build a compliant and commercially viable agency, and begin accepting referrals.

A care professional meeting with an older adult in a home setting

Packages range from

£100 to £500 Excluding VAT.

Whether you are starting a domiciliary care agency for the first time or expanding an existing care business into home care services, our consultants guide you through every stage from CQC registration and company formation through to business plan writing, policy development, CQC interview preparation, branding, and your first 12 months of operation.

This page explains what domiciliary care is, how to start a domiciliary care agency, what it costs, and exactly what our setup packages cover.

What is Domiciliary Care?

Domiciliary care is the provision of personal care and practical support to individuals in their own homes, enabling them to remain living independently rather than moving into a residential care home. The word “domiciliary” comes from the Latin “domicilium” meaning home or dwelling, and domiciliary care is sometimes referred to as home care, care at home, or community care. Regardless of the terminology used, the defining characteristic is that the care is delivered in the person's own home by visiting care workers who attend on a scheduled basis.

Domiciliary care services typically include personal care activities such as washing, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and assistance with eating and drinking. These activities constitute personal care as defined by the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and any agency providing these services must be registered with the Care Quality Commission before it can begin operating.

Domiciliary care in the home

Beyond personal care, many domiciliary care agencies also provide medication prompting and administration, meal preparation and nutrition support, companionship and social interaction, light housekeeping and domestic tasks, shopping and errands, escort to appointments and community activities, and overnight or live-in care for people with higher support needs.

Home care services

The range of services your agency offers will depend on your service model, your target client group, and the commissioning frameworks in your area. Some domiciliary care agencies specialise in a particular area such as complex care, dementia care, palliative and end-of-life care, reablement services, or care for younger adults with physical disabilities.

Others provide a broad range of home care services across multiple client groups. When developing your service model and business plan, defining your service scope is one of the earliest and most important decisions because it shapes your staffing requirements, training programme, and the local authority contracts you will be eligible to bid for.

Our Comprehensive Package

Prices Range from £500 to £6,000

EXCL VAT

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Download a PDF version of our Domiciliary Care Package

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How to Start a Domiciliary Care Agency in the UK

Starting a domiciliary care agency in the UK involves several key stages that must be completed in the correct sequence to ensure your service is legally compliant and commercially ready to accept referrals.

1

Step 1: Define Service Model

This includes the type of care you will provide, the geographic area you intend to cover, and the client groups you will serve. Your service model should be informed by local demand analysis, which our consultants carry out as part of the business plan development process using local authority market position statements, NHS discharge data, and population health profiles for your target area.

Step 2: Register Company

You need to register a limited company at Companies House and set up your business banking, accounting, and insurance arrangements. Professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance, and employers liability insurance are all required before you can operate. You then prepare your CQC application, which requires a completed application form, a statement of purpose setting out your service model and regulated activities, a bespoke business plan with financial forecasts, a complete set of CQC-compliant policies and procedures, and details of your proposed registered manager and nominated individual.

Step 3: Fit person interview

CQC will assess your application and invite your registered manager and nominated individual to a fit person interview. This is a critical stage where CQC evaluates whether the people leading your service have the knowledge, skills, experience, and values to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred domiciliary care. Our interview preparation programme is designed specifically for domiciliary care applicants and covers every topic area CQC assessors explore during the fit person interview.

Step 4: Local Authority & Commissioning Teams

In parallel with CQC registration, you should be building relationships with local authority commissioning teams, developing your branding and website, setting up your care management systems, and recruiting your initial care worker team. Our setup package also covers the operational infrastructure you need to run your agency efficiently from day one, including invoicing solutions, payroll systems, CRM tools, electronic care monitoring systems, and HR compliance tools. We also connect you to our trusted referral network of vetted suppliers including uniform providers, insurance brokers, training providers, and specialist care sector accountants.

Our setup package

This covers every one of these stages and provides 12 months of ongoing support beyond registration to help you through your first year of operation. The typical timeline from initial planning to receiving your CQC registration certificate is 3 to 6 months.

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CQC Registration for Domiciliary Care Agencies

If your domiciliary care agency provides personal care as a regulated activity, you must register with the Care Quality Commission before you begin delivering services. There is no exemption from this requirement. Operating a domiciliary care agency that delivers personal care without CQC registration is a criminal offence under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

CQC registration documentation

The CQC registration process for domiciliary care agencies requires you to submit a provider application form, your statement of purpose, your business plan, your full set of policies and procedures, evidence of the fitness of your registered manager and nominated individual (including DBS checks, qualifications, and employment history), and payment of the registration fee.

Single assessment framework

CQC moved to the single assessment framework in November 2023, replacing the previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) system. Under the single assessment framework, CQC assesses domiciliary care agencies against quality statements grouped under five key questions: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. Each quality statement describes what good and outstanding care looks like, and your policies and procedures, governance systems, and interview preparation must all reflect this updated framework. Any reference to KLOE in your documentation will immediately signal to CQC assessors that your materials are out of date.

Our CQC registration support

This covers the entire application process from initial application preparation through to registration approval. We prepare all documentation, review your application for completeness, and provide guidance on CQC's assessment criteria at each stage. For domiciliary care agencies, the CQC application fee starts from approximately £2,192 depending on your proposed service scope.

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How Much Does It Cost to Start a Domiciliary Care Agency

Starting a domiciliary care agency in the UK typically requires an initial investment of between £3,000 and £15,000 depending on the scale of your operation and the level of professional support you engage. The cost is generally lower than starting a supported living or residential care service because domiciliary care does not require you to purchase or lease care properties.

Business people at desk discussing startup costs

Your startup budget should account for company incorporation at Companies House (£100 for online filing), CQC application fees (from approximately £2,192 for most provider applications), professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance (typically £500 to £2,000 annually for a startup), employers liability insurance (legally required once you employ staff), DBS checks for all care workers (£38 per standard check or £44 for enhanced checks with barred list), care management software for scheduling, care planning, and compliance recording, marketing and branding costs including your website, uniform and staff identification, a dedicated business phone line, and working capital to cover the period between service launch and receiving your first payments.

Our Packages

Our setup packages range from £500 for targeted consultancy support on specific elements through to £6,000 for the comprehensive end-to-end package covering every aspect of registration, compliance, and launch preparation. The package you choose depends on your experience level, the complexity of your planned service, and how much of the setup work you want to handle yourself versus delegating to our consultancy team.

Our business plan includes detailed financial modelling specific to your service area, staffing structure, and the balance between local authority contracted work and private client revenue.

Initial investment of between

£3,000 - £15,000


Company incorporation at Companies House

£100 (for online filing)


CQC application fees

£2,192

Professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance

£500 to £2,000 (annually)


DBS checks for all care workers

£38 (standard check)


DBS checks (enhanced with barred list)

£44 (per check)

CareSync ExpertNeed more clarity?

Contact us on 0333 577 0877 or email hello@caresyncexperts.co.uk for a personalised quote.

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What's Included in Our Domiciliary Care Startup Package

Our package is designed to take you from initial idea through to CQC registration and your first clients. Every element has been developed based on what actually works, drawn from helping hundreds of care entrepreneurs through this process.

Domiciliary care startup package

Company Setup, Registration and Information

We guide you through the practical steps of establishing your care business:

  • Company registration with Companies House (currently £100 online)

  • HMRC registration for Corporation Tax and PAYE

  • ICO data protection registration

  • Virtual telephone redirect setup so your business number forwards to your mobile from day one

  • Guidance on choosing the right business structure (sole trader, partnership, or limited company)

  • Information on setting up your registered office or home-based operation

  • A detailed, CQC-compliant business plan tailored to your domiciliary care agency, covering your mission, services, target market, and financial projections

  • Overview of the CQC registration timeline and what to expect at each stage

Full CQC Registration Support

CQC registration is where most aspiring care providers feel the most pressure, and it's where our expertise makes the biggest difference:

  • Guidance on completing the CQC application forms accurately for both the provider and Registered Manager applications

  • Support with your Statement of Purpose, a critical document that defines your service

  • Help preparing your financial viability evidence, including the signed Financial Viability Form

  • Business plan development that meets CQC expectations, covering your executive summary, target service user bands, local market analysis, pricing strategy, staffing structure, and 12-month financial forecast

  • Support gathering and presenting all required supporting documents

  • Advice on common application mistakes and how to avoid delays or rejection

The CQC receives the highest number of applications for domiciliary care agencies providing personal care, and these applications are also the most likely to be delayed or refused. Professional support significantly improves your chances of first-time approval.

CQC Fit Person Interview Preparation

The CQC fit person interview is one of the most important steps in the registration process. We prepare you thoroughly:

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CQC fit person interview preparation

Comprehensive mock interviews covering all key lines of enquiry (KLOE)

Role-specific coaching tailored to whether you're applying as a Registered Manager, Nominated Individual, or both

Document preparation guidance so you arrive with the right evidence

Mastering the five key questions: Is the service safe? Is it effective? Is it caring? Is it responsive? Is it well-led?

Detailed Q&A preparation covering safeguarding, medicines management, mental capacity, duty of candour, staffing, governance, and complaints handling

Health and safety compliance coaching

CQC-Compliant Policies and Procedures

Every domiciliary care agency needs a comprehensive set of policies and procedures before CQC registration. Your policies must cover consent, equality, diversity, human rights, governance, infection control, medicines management, recruitment, and safeguarding as a minimum. Our package includes:

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CQC compliant policies and procedures

Full set of CQC-compliant domiciliary care policies and procedures

All policies branded with your company name, logo, and contact details

Regular review dates built in to maintain compliance

Guidance on implementing policies within your team

Templates for care plans, risk assessments, and quality monitoring

Brand development and marketing materials

Brand Development and Marketing Materials

First impressions matter in care. Commissioners, clients, and families need to see a professional, trustworthy brand

Custom logo design that reflects your values and service ethos

Professional business cards and branded letterheads

Personalised compliment slips and company presentation folders

Secure ID badges for all staff (10 custom printed ID badges included)

Consistent email signatures across your team

Brochures, leaflets, tri-fold brochures, and company presentation folders

Roll-up banners and door signage to make your brand stand out

Bespoke website development for domiciliary care agencies

Bespoke Website Development

Your website is the face of your domiciliary care agency. We don't just design websites, we establish an online presence that reflects your brand and drives growth:

Domain name registration (e.g., www.yourcompanyname.co.uk) secured for one year with full management access

Fully built, responsive website designed for the care sector

Social media integration connecting your website to all your platforms

Data privacy and compliance features including cookie consent and GDPR compliance

SEO optimisation to help your website rank in local search results

Mobile-friendly design that works on all devices

Content management access so you can update your site as your service grows

Customised home care forms and documents

Customised Home Care Forms and Documents

Professionally branded operational documents ready to use from day one:

Assessment forms for initial client consultations

Personalised care plans and risk assessments

Medication Administration Record (MAR) charts

Management and supervision forms

Incident and accident documentation

Compliments and complaints recording forms

All documents use fillable PDF technology for easy digital completion

Social Media Setup and Branding

A strong social media presence helps you connect with clients, recruit staff, and build your reputation in the community:

Facebook page creation and customisation with branded profile pictures and banners

LinkedIn profile setup to connect with industry professionals and potential partners

Google Business Profile setup to enhance local search visibility and attract clients in your area

Instagram account launch with branded visuals to share your agency's story

Professional profile pictures, banners, and account setup across all platforms

Streamlined operations and admin support

Streamlined Operations and Admin Support

We recommend and help you implement the operational tools that keep your agency running smoothly

Invoicing solutions to streamline your billing process

Payroll systems tailored to your agency's needs, ensuring timely and accurate staff payments

Client management (CRM) tools to enhance client management and service delivery

Care monitoring systems for real-time tracking and management of care delivery

HR compliance tools including training records management, DBS tracking, and occupational health monitoring

Trusted referral network

Trusted Referral Network

We connect you with a network of trusted, handpicked providers to support every aspect of your domiciliary care agency:

Uniform suppliers for quality, professional staff attire

Business insurance providers specialising in the care sector

Staff training providers offering both online and face-to-face training

Business solicitors specialising in healthcare law

Invoice factoring and cashflow finance providers to manage cash flow

Compliance membership organisations to keep your agency up to date

Subcontracting vendors for trusted service outsourcing

Accountants experienced in care sector financial management

High-Quality Printed Materials

Professional printed materials that make your brand tangible and memorable

Branded stationery and marketing collateral

Printed brochures and leaflets for client acquisition

Presentation folders for professional client meetings

All materials designed to match your brand identity and colour scheme

Additional Essential Resources

We go beyond the basics to equip your domiciliary care agency with the resources that ensure operational readiness from day one:

10 high-quality staff uniforms (choice of tunics or branded polo shirts) to maintain a professional appearance

Customisable care plan templates that can be tailored to each client's needs

10 custom ID badge printing credits so your team is easily identifiable

Health and safety compliance poster meeting HSE display requirements

Fully compliant first aid kit meeting Health and Safety Executive standards

Ongoing mentoring and support for domiciliary care agencies

Ongoing Mentoring and Support

Starting a care agency doesn't end at CQC registration. We provide ongoing support to help you build a successful, sustainable business:

Access to our mentoring programme for guidance on client acquisition, staffing challenges, and operational questions

Support preparing for your first CQC inspection

Guidance on tendering for local authority contracts

Advice on scaling your service and managing growth

Updates on regulatory changes that affect your operation

Domiciliary Care Business Plan for CQC Registration

Your CQC registration application must be supported by a robust business plan that demonstrates your understanding of the domiciliary care market, your target client group, and your capacity to run a safe, effective, and financially sustainable agency.

CQC assessors review your business plan as part of the registration process, and they are looking for evidence that you have conducted genuine market research, that your financial projections are realistic, and that your service model is viable.

Domiciliary care business plan

Bespoke business plan

Our consultants produce a bespoke business plan for your domiciliary care agency covering your executive summary and service vision, market analysis of your target geographic area including local authority commissioning priorities, population demographics, and competitor mapping, service delivery model covering your care types, client groups, operating hours, and geographic coverage area, financial forecasts for years 1 to 3 including revenue projections based on current local authority hourly rates and realistic private client acquisition timelines, staffing plan with recruitment timelines, training requirements, supervision structures, and care worker progression pathways, marketing strategy for securing both local authority contracts and private clients, risk assessment covering regulatory, financial, operational, and safeguarding risks, and a quality assurance framework aligned with the CQC single assessment framework quality statements.

The business plan is written in a professional format that satisfies CQC assessors, local authority commissioners, potential investors, and bank lending teams. Unlike generic business plan templates available online, our business plans are written specifically for domiciliary care agencies and reflect the actual regulatory requirements, funding landscape, and operational realities of running a home care service in England.

Policies and Procedures for Domiciliary Care Agencies

CQC expects your domiciliary care agency to have comprehensive policies and procedures in place before registration is granted. Your policy set must address the delivery of personal care in people's own homes, which presents unique operational considerations compared to care delivered in a fixed facility. Your care workers are guests in someone's home, and your policies must reflect this dynamic.

Our setup package

includes a complete set of policies and procedures written specifically for domiciliary care agencies

These cover safeguarding adults (including Making Safeguarding Personal principles and local authority referral procedures), mental capacity assessment and best interests decision-making under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, medication management and administration in the community, infection prevention and control for domiciliary settings, person-centred care planning and review, risk assessment for care delivery in private homes, complaints handling and representations, whistleblowing and raising concerns, safer recruitment including enhanced DBS checks with barred list, lone working and personal safety for care workers visiting multiple properties, moving and handling in domestic environments, record keeping and data protection under UK GDPR, equality, diversity, and inclusion, health and safety adapted for domiciliary care delivery, end-of-life care and palliative support, and quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Each policy references the correct legislation, CQC quality statements under the single assessment framework, and sector-specific guidance from sources including Skills for Care, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). Our policies are regularly updated to reflect regulatory changes, including the transition from KLOE to the single assessment framework. We also offer policies and procedures for sale as a standalone service for agencies that need to update their existing policy set.

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Domiciliary care agency policies and procedures

Alongside your policies, our package includes a complete set of customised home care forms and operational documents. These cover client assessment forms, person-centred care plans, individual risk assessments, Medication Administration Record (MAR) charts, staff supervision templates, incident and accident documentation, complaints and feedback forms, and daily care visit records. All forms use fillable PDF technology so your care workers can complete them digitally or in print, and each document is branded with your agency details for a consistent, professional presentation across all client-facing paperwork.

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CQC Fit Person Interview Preparation for Domiciliary Care Providers

The CQC fit person interview is a critical stage of the domiciliary care registration process. CQC uses this interview to assess whether your registered manager and nominated individual have the knowledge, skills, and values needed to run a safe and effective home care service. CQC interviewers will focus on areas specific to domiciliary care delivery, and you should be prepared for detailed questioning on how you will manage care quality when your workers are operating independently across multiple locations.

Topics commonly explored in domiciliary care fit person interviews

Your understanding of the single assessment framework quality statements as they apply to domiciliary care

Your approach to safeguarding adults receiving care in their own homes

Medication management in community settings where there is no on-site clinical oversight

Lone working policies and how you will monitor care worker safety

Managing care continuity and reliability when covering a geographic area

Recruitment and retention strategies for care workers in a competitive labour market

Supervising and appraising staff who work remotely across multiple client homes

Incident reporting and learning from events that occur in dispersed care settings

Your approach to handling complaints from clients and their families.

Our interview preparation programme includes a comprehensive question bank covering every topic area CQC assessors typically explore with domiciliary care applicants, model answers tailored to your specific service model and target client group, mock interview sessions conducted by consultants with CQC assessment experience, document preparation ensuring you have all supporting evidence ready for the interview, and STAR Plus method coaching to help you structure responses that demonstrate competence, reflection, and commitment to continuous improvement.

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CQC fit person interview mock session

Free Resources Hub

Access free CQC checklists, templates, and guides to help with registration, inspection preparation, and ongoing compliance.

Browse free resources

Domiciliary Care Standards Under the CQC Single Assessment Framework

The Care Quality Commission moved to the single assessment framework in November 2023, replacing the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) system that had been in use since 2017. This change fundamentally altered how CQC assesses and rates domiciliary care agencies, and any provider preparing for registration or inspection must understand the new framework and align their operations accordingly.

CQC Single Assessment Framework for domiciliary care

Under the single assessment framework, CQC assesses domiciliary care agencies against quality statements grouped under the same five key questions as before: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. However, the structure beneath these questions has changed significantly. Quality statements now describe specific outcomes that people using the service should experience, and CQC uses a wider range of evidence sources including data from other organisations, feedback from people using services, and ongoing monitoring alongside traditional inspection visits.

For domiciliary care agencies

The quality statements cover areas including how you learn from safety events and improve, how you assess and manage risks to people in their own homes, how you ensure there are enough qualified and competent staff, how you manage medicines safely, how you respond to people's changing needs, how you ensure consent and involve people in decisions about their care, and how your leadership drives high-quality person-centred care.

Your policies and procedures, staff training programme, care planning approach, and quality assurance systems should all reference the quality statements and demonstrate how your agency meets them in practice. Our compliance management service helps agencies maintain alignment with the single assessment framework through regular audits and action planning.

Domiciliary Care Standards Under the CQC Single Assessment Framework

Access free CQC checklists, templates, and guides to help with registration, inspection preparation, and ongoing compliance.

Browse free resources

Winning Local Authority and NHS Contracts for Domiciliary Care

The majority of domiciliary care in England is funded through local authority commissioning or NHS contracts, making these the primary revenue streams for most home care agencies.

Securing these contracts requires your agency to meet specific procurement criteria and demonstrate compliance with commissioning quality standards that go beyond CQC registration alone.

Winning local authority and NHS domiciliary care contracts

Mechanisms

Local authorities commission domiciliary care through several mechanisms including approved provider lists (sometimes called dynamic purchasing systems or frameworks), spot-purchase arrangements for individual clients, block contracts for guaranteed hours in specific geographic areas, direct payment support where the client manages their own personal budget, and NHS Continuing Healthcare packages for people with primary health needs. The route your local authority uses determines how you access referrals and how your service is funded.

To be eligible for local authority or NHS commissioning, you typically need to demonstrate CQC registration with no enforcement actions, evidence of robust safeguarding, recruitment, and quality assurance systems, financial viability and business sustainability, experience and competence in supporting your target client group, compliance with the Care Act 2014, competitive hourly rates that meet local authority rate bands, and evidence of person-centred practice, positive outcomes, and client involvement in care planning.

Local authority hourly rates for domiciliary care vary significantly by region. In 2025/2026, typical council-commissioned rates range from approximately £18 to £28 per hour depending on the local authority area, the complexity of care, and whether the care is delivered during standard hours or at weekends and evenings. Understanding these rate structures is essential for your financial planning.

Our team supports you with tender writing for local authority commissioning frameworks and approved provider applications. We also provide compliance management support to ensure your agency meets the ongoing quality standards commissioners require.

Recruiting and Training Domiciliary Care Workers

Recruiting and retaining care workers is one of the most significant operational challenges facing domiciliary care agencies in the UK. Skills for Care data consistently shows that the home care sector has higher vacancy rates and staff turnover than other parts of adult social care, and your ability to recruit, train, and retain a reliable workforce is central to your agency's success.

Domiciliary care worker recruitment and training

Your recruitment approach should include clear job descriptions that accurately reflect the role, structured interview processes that assess values and person-centred attitudes alongside practical skills, enhanced DBS checks with barred list for all care workers before they begin delivering personal care, right to work verification for all employees, and reference checks covering at least the previous three years of employment. Our setup package includes recruitment process templates and guidance on building an effective recruitment pipeline in your local area.

Training requirements for domiciliary care workers

Care Certificate (the sector standard induction programme covering 15 standards)

Mandatory training covering safeguarding adults

Moving and handling

Medication administration

Infection prevention and control

First Aid and fire safety awareness

Specialist training relevant to your client group such as dementia awareness, end-of-life care, or mental health awareness, and ongoing continuing professional development aligned with Skills for Care workforce development standards.

CareSync ExpertNeed more clarity?

Our training matrix service helps you build a structured training programme that meets CQC expectations and supports staff progression.

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Branding, Website, and Marketing for Domiciliary Care Agencies

A professional brand and digital presence are essential for attracting referrals from local authority commissioners, building trust with private clients and their families, and recruiting quality care workers.

Your website is typically the first place a social worker, discharge coordinator, or family member will look when considering whether to refer someone to your agency.

Fully branded, responsive website

Designed specifically for domiciliary care agencies through our branding and website service. The website covers your service overview and the types of domiciliary care you provide, your approach to person-centred home care, CQC registration details and compliance credentials, the geographic areas you serve, team profiles including your registered manager and key personnel, information for families and referrers, testimonial and review sections, and clear contact details for referrals and enquiries. We also set up your domain name, configure professional branded email accounts with autoresponders and forwarding, and ensure full GDPR compliance across your digital presence.

Brand identity and physical marketing material

Custom logo designBrand guidelinesBusiness cardsLetterheadsCompliment slipsPresentation foldersStaff ID badgesBranded email signaturesDoor signageMarketing brochuresPromotional leafletsRoll-up banners

Social Media Profile

We also set up branded social media profiles with professional imagery and consistent branding across every platform.

FacebookLinkedInInstagramYoutubeTikTokGoogle Business Profile

Printed Materials

High-quality printed materials are produced to match your brand identity, and the package includes staff uniforms branded with your logo, customisable care plan templates, ID badge printing, HSE-compliant health and safety posters, and fully compliant first aid kits for your care workers. These practical resources ensure your agency presents a professional, credible image from day one.

SEO and content marketing

For domiciliary care agencies looking to accelerate their online visibility and attract private clients, we offer ongoing SEO and content marketing support to help your website rank for high-value domiciliary care and home care keywords in your target geographic area.

What Happens After CQC Registration: Growing Your Domiciliary Care Agency

Receiving your CQC registration certificate is the starting point for building a successful domiciliary care agency, not the finish line. The first 12 months are critical for establishing your reputation with local authority commissioners, accepting and delivering your first care packages, building your care worker team, and preparing the evidence base that will support your first CQC inspection.

Growing your domiciliary care agency after CQC registration

Inspection

CQC will inspect your agency to assess the quality of your operations against the single assessment framework.

What will be reviewed

Care PlansMedication recordsStaff recruitment filesSupervision recordsQuality auditsRisk assessmentsSafeguarding referralsTraining recordsIncident reportsClient feedback

For domiciliary care agencies

Inspectors pay particular attention to how you manage care quality across dispersed locations, how you ensure care continuity when covering a geographic area, and how you monitor the wellbeing of clients between care visits.

Your Provider Information Return (PIR) is another important ongoing requirement. Our PIR writing service helps you complete this document accurately and in a way that demonstrates your agency's quality and impact.

Our 12-month ongoing support package includes CQC inspection preparation and mock inspection exercises, compliance management reviews and action planning, regulatory updates when CQC guidance or legislation changes, policy amendments and annual review support, and ongoing access to our consultancy team for advice on operational challenges, commissioner relationships, staffing issues, or regulatory queries.

Is Domiciliary Care Profitable in the UK

Domiciliary care can be a profitable and sustainable business when managed effectively, but profitability depends on several factors including your mix of local authority and private clients, your staffing efficiency, your geographic coverage area, and your overhead management.

Domiciliary care profitability

Understanding the revenue model before you launch is essential for setting realistic expectations and building a viable financial plan.

Revenue in domiciliary care comes from two primary sources;

Local Authority

Local authority contracted hours are paid at hourly rates set by the commissioning council, and these rates vary significantly by region.

Private Clients

Private clients pay directly for their care, and private hourly rates are typically higher than local authority rates, giving agencies with a strong private client base better margins.

Most successful domiciliary care agencies build a blended model that combines local authority contracted work (which provides volume and predictability) with private clients (which provide higher margins and greater flexibility).

Profitable domiciliary care business

The key cost drivers in domiciliary care are care worker wages

Holiday payPension contributionsNational insuranceTravel time and mileage between client visitsTraining and supervision costsOffice and administrative overheadsInsuranceCare management software

Profitable agencies control these costs through efficient scheduling and route planning, strong staff retention (reducing recruitment and induction costs), competitive but sustainable pricing, and tight management of non-care hours and overhead.

Our business plan includes financial forecasting that models different revenue scenarios based on your planned client mix, local authority rate structures, and realistic growth trajectories for your first three years of operation.

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Free Resources Hub

Access free CQC checklists, templates, and guides to help with registration, inspection preparation, and ongoing compliance.

Browse free resources

Do I Need Experience to Start a Domiciliary Care Agency

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

The short answer is:

you don't need a health and social care background yourself, but you do need a qualified Registered Manager.

Domiciliary care experience requirements
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The CQC requires every domiciliary care agency to have a Registered Manager in place. This person is responsible for the day-to-day running of the service and must meet the requirements of Regulation 7 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The recommended qualification is the QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Management of Adult Services) or equivalent.

If you have this qualification and the relevant experience, you can act as your own Registered Manager. If you don't, you'll need to recruit one. Many of our clients are business-minded entrepreneurs who partner with an experienced Registered Manager to bring the operational expertise.

What you need

A genuine commitment to quality care, the drive to build a compliant and professional service, and the working capital to sustain the business through its early months.

Domiciliary care agency experience

Insurance Requirements for a Domiciliary Care Agency

Insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for any domiciliary care business. Your staff are entering people's homes, providing personal care, and potentially administering medication. The right insurance protects your clients, your staff, and your business.

INSURANCE

Public liability insurance

This covers claims from members of the public. You need a minimum of £5 million cover to satisfy CQC and commissioner requirements.

Employers' liability insurance

Legally required if you employ anyone. Minimum cover is £10 million.

Professional indemnity insurance

This covers claims arising from professional advice or services. Essential for care providers.

Additional policies to consider include motor insurance for staff using vehicles for work, cyber insurance for protecting client data, and key person insurance.

£

BUDGET

Approximately

£500 to £2,000 (annually for your insurance package)

We can recommend specialist care agency insurance brokers who understand the sector's requirements.

Why Care Providers Choose Care Sync Experts

Care Sync Experts is a specialist healthcare consultancy that has helped domiciliary care providers across England navigate the complexities of CQC registration, compliance, and business startup. We are not a generic business consultancy.

For home care agencies

Every element of our domiciliary care package is designed specifically for home care agencies, from the business plan modelling local authority hourly rates and care worker cost structures to the policies addressing medication management in community settings, lone working, and care delivery in private homes.

Comprehensive CQC knowledge

Our consultants understand the specific CQC interview questions that domiciliary care applicants face, the commissioning frameworks local authorities use when procuring home care services, and the operational challenges of managing a dispersed care workforce. We have supported providers through every stage of the startup journey and continue to provide compliance support, inspection preparation, and growth guidance through our 12-month ongoing support package.

Team of Experts

Our team includes former CQC inspectors, experienced Registered Managers, and care sector business consultants who understand the regulatory landscape from every angle.

Book a free consultation

Contact us on 0333 577 0877 or email hello@caresyncexperts.co.uk to discuss your care agency startup journey.
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Frequently asked questions

Our comprehensive package includes company formation, CQC application completion, 590+ policies and procedures, statement of purpose, business plan, website and branding, CRM setup, interview preparation coaching, and 12 months of post-registration support.
The complete CQC registration process typically takes 12 to 18 months from initial consultation to receiving your registration certificate. This includes business setup, application submission, fit person interviews, and regulatory assessment.
Yes, every domiciliary care agency must appoint a Registered Manager. Your Registered Manager must be a fit person with appropriate skills, knowledge, and character. We provide interview coaching to prepare your Registered Manager for CQC assessment.
CQC does not specify minimum staffing numbers but requires sufficient staffing to deliver safe, effective, and responsive care. Staffing levels depend on your service user numbers, care complexity, and operational model. We help you develop appropriate staffing structures during business planning.
CQC registration fees are based on service user bands. Most domiciliary care agencies operate within Bands 2 or 3. We provide detailed cost breakdowns during the consultation phase so you can budget accurately.
Domiciliary care is provided in service users' own homes, whilst care homes provide accommodation and care in purpose-built facilities. Domiciliary care agencies are regulated by CQC under a different set of standards and requirements than care homes.
The key fundamental standards include person-centred care, responsive care, safeguarding, quality and safety, privacy and dignity, staffing, fit and proper persons, complaints procedures, and good governance.
No, if you provide personal care services you must register with CQC. Personal care includes assistance with washing, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Operating without registration is a criminal offence.
Our post-registration support includes mock inspection preparation, first 90 days compliance monitoring, staff training and development, quality assurance audits, regulatory update notifications, and continuous improvement planning.
The choice of legal structure depends on your circumstances, including liability protection, tax efficiency, and business complexity. We provide guidance on each option and help you select the structure most appropriate for your domiciliary care business.
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Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

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Related reading

  • How to Start a Care Agency in 2026
  • CQC Registration Support
  • Domiciliary Care Tenders and Bid Writing
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About Us
Our Services
CQC Registration
Navigate the CQC registration process with confidence. We provide complete support from initial application to successful registration, including statement of purpose, policies, DBS checks, and interview preparation to ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.
Marketing Support
Grow your care business with strategic digital marketing tailored to the sector. From SEO optimised websites and social media management to content creation and online reputation management, we help you attract more clients and build trust in your community.
Comprehensive Training
Develop a skilled, confident workforce with our accredited training programs. From mandatory care certificates to specialist clinical skills, leadership development, and CQC preparation, we deliver engaging training that improves practice and enhances care quality.
Tender Writing
Win more NHS and local authority contracts with our specialist tender writing service. Our experienced team crafts compelling bids that demonstrate your capabilities, showcase innovation, and align perfectly with commissioning requirements to maximise your success rate.
Ofsted Related Services
Expert guidance for childcare providers navigating Ofsted registration and compliance. We support nurseries, childminders, and daycare services with Early Years Register applications, EYFS compliance, inspection preparation, and ongoing quality improvement.
PIR Writing
Professional Provider Information Return completion that showcases your service excellence. Our expert writers craft compelling responses aligned with CQC key lines of enquiry, highlighting your achievements, quality improvements, and evidence based outcomes.
Business Setup
Launch your care business with expert guidance from concept to operation. We provide business planning, financial forecasting, legal structure advice, insurance guidance, and complete setup support to establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Compliance Management
Stay compliant with evolving care regulations through our comprehensive management systems. We provide ongoing monitoring, policy updates, audit support, and governance frameworks to ensure you maintain CQC fundamental standards and achieve outstanding ratings.
Client Acquisition
Implement proven strategies to attract and convert new clients consistently. We develop targeted campaigns, referral programs, community partnerships, and digital funnels that connect you with families seeking quality care, ensuring sustainable business growth
Branding
Create a distinctive brand identity that reflects your care values and stands out in the market. From logo design and brand guidelines to marketing materials and signage, we develop cohesive branding that builds trust and recognition with clients and partners.
Our Packages
Domiciliary Care
Professional care delivered in the comfort of your own home. Our domiciliary care services support individuals with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and companionship, helping you maintain independence while receiving the assistance you need.
Temporary Staffing
Reliable healthcare staffing solutions for care providers. We supply fully vetted, qualified nurses, care assistants, and support workers to cover planned leave, sickness absence, or increased demand, ensuring continuity of care without compromising quality.
Combined Care Agency
Integrated care solutions bringing together multiple services under one provider. We coordinate domiciliary care, complex care packages, and specialist support services, offering seamless care delivery with consistent quality standards and simplified administration.
Supported Living
Empowering adults with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs to live independently. Our supported living services provide tailored assistance with daily activities, skill development, and community integration while you maintain your own tenancy and lifestyle choices.
CIW Domiciliary Care Agency
Specialist domiciliary care services for Wales, fully registered with Care Inspectorate Wales. We meet all Welsh regulatory standards and Social Services and Wellbeing Act requirements, delivering culturally appropriate care that respects Welsh language preferences and local community values.
RQIA Domiciliary Care Agency
Quality domiciliary care services for Northern Ireland, registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority. We adhere to all RQIA minimum standards and regulations, ensuring dignified, person centered care that promotes independence and respects individual choices.
Sectors
Domiciliary Care
Win domiciliary care and home care tenders across the UK — council frameworks, dynamic purchasing systems, NHS packages and spot contracts, with specialist bid writing and CQC-ready evidence.
Supported Living
Supported living tenders for learning disability, autism, mental health and physical disability services, staying inside the regulatory perimeter of tenancy-based support, backed by your CQC compliance.
Residential Care
Residential care home tenders — block-bed frameworks and specialist lots, with the staffing ratios, dementia care and quality evidence commissioners score most closely.
Extra Care
Extra care housing tenders — care and support in extra care schemes, with original, scheme-specific writing backed by CQC, CIW and RQIA registration and compliance.
Reablement
Reablement tenders across the UK — outcomes-led, strengths-based bids that prove rapid mobilisation, hospital discharge capability and measurable independence outcomes.
Children & Young People
Children and young people's services tenders — Ofsted-regulated residential care, supported accommodation, family support and leaving care contracts.
Tenders
Elevate Your Care Services
Website Development
Build a high performing care website that converts enquiries into placements. We create fast, accessible, and search optimised websites tailored for care providers that win trust and generate quality enquiries.
Policy Development
Get tailored policies that stand up to inspection and work in daily practice. Our custom policy suites map directly to CQC requirements with smart workflows that keep everything current and evidenced.
Business Training
Practical training that builds confident teams and measurable competence. We deliver focused learning through real scenarios, helping your staff excel in their roles and meet regulatory expectations.
Guidance and Support
Your expert partner for compliance, inspections, and sustainable growth. Get calm, clear, and actionable guidance through set up, daily operations, and inspection moments with concrete next steps.
Knowledge Hub
Free, in depth guides on CQC, CIW, RQIA and Ofsted requirements. Practical explainers on registration, fundamental standards, safeguarding, and workforce rules, written for care providers and kept current.
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Living Plus Care Services Ltd successfully secured six out of seven tenders.
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