What Our "Introductory Agency" Status Means for You

Carers allowance 2024 | Care with Gladys
At Gladys, we operate as an introductory agency - connecting families with qualified, self-employed carers in a way that’s flexible, transparent, and tailored to individual needs. In this post, we break down what it means to be an intro agency, how it compares to traditional care models, and why more families are choosing this approach for home-based support.

Welcome to the Gladys family! Your Trusted Partner for Home Care

For over a year, Gladys has been dedicated to revolutionising home care by connecting individuals and families with dedicated carers throughout Bath, Bristol & North East Somerset. You might hear us describe ourselves as an "introductory agency," and we want to share why this established model has proven so successful for both those seeking care and the incredible carers and helpers who provide it.

From the very beginning, Gladys was built with a core mission: to put people first. This means creating a service that empowers both those who need care and the talented individuals who provide it. We believe in fostering strong, local connections built on trust, understanding, and a model that truly works.

Our Established "Introductory Agency" Model: Proven Success

As an introductory agency, Gladys operates with a proven track record of successfully connecting self-employed carers and helpers with individuals and families who require care and support. Since launching, we've meticulously built a network of vetted carers – individuals who are experienced, compassionate, and share our commitment to quality care.

Our established process involves:

  • Expert Matching: We work closely with both prospective clients and carers to thoroughly understand individual needs, preferences, and skills. This detailed approach has led to countless successful introductions and the foundation of strong care partnerships.
  • Empowering Skilled Carers: We provide self-employed carers with a robust platform to find ideal clients, manage their schedules efficiently, and set competitive rates (within a framework that ensures fair compensation). This empowers them with greater autonomy and control over their professional lives.
  • Client Choice and Control: Families and individuals benefit from access to a growing pool of experienced carers, allowing for a more personalised selection based on specific requirements and preferences. The direct agreement established fosters clear communication and tailored care.
  • Ongoing Support and Community: While the direct care agreement is between the client and the carer, Gladys remains a committed support system. Our platform facilitates seamless communication, scheduling, and provides a resource for guidance and support whenever needed. We actively gather feedback from both clients and carers to ensure consistently high standards and continuous improvement.

The Benefits You Can Trust:

If you're searching for options for a loved one:

  • Access to a Growing Network of Trusted Carers: Benefit from our expanding community of thoroughly vetted professionals.
  • Highly Personalised Matches: Our established process ensures we understand your unique needs for the best possible fit.
  • Direct Communication and Control: Enjoy a direct relationship with your chosen carer and greater influence over your families requirements.
  • Established Satisfaction: Hear from other families who have successfully found the right care through our model.
  • Strong, Established Relationships with Carers: Our model fosters direct and lasting connections.
  • Proven Flexibility and Adaptability: Easily adjust care arrangements directly with your experienced carer.
  • Reliable Ongoing Support from Gladys: Count on our established platform and team for consistent assistance.

If you're looking for a new family to support:

  • Consistent Access to Quality Clients: Benefit from our ongoing efforts to connect you with individuals who value your skills.
  • Established Autonomy and Fair Compensation: Enjoy the freedom of self-employment with Gladys's support.
  • Thriving Community of Peers: Connect with other dedicated carers within the Gladys network.
  • Proven Satisfaction: Hear from fellow carers who have found fulfilling and well-compensated work through our platform.

But don't just take our word for it; hear from our community. Our established introductory agency model has consistently delivered positive outcomes, as evidenced by the feedback from our valued clients and dedicated carers:

Addressing Your Concerns: Building on Our Experience (Questions & Answers)

With over a year of successful operation, we've learnt and refined our processes. Here are some common questions we've encountered and our established answers:

Prospective Clients:

  • How do you continue to ensure the quality and safety of your growing network of carers and helpers?
    • Our initial rigorous vetting remains a cornerstone, and we continuously monitor feedback and performance to maintain high standards within our expanding carer community.
  • What is your established process for handling carer unavailability?
    • Our platform facilitates clear communication and contingency planning. With our growing network, we are often able to assist in finding suitable alternative carers if needed.
  • How is payment and contracting typically handled within your established model?
    • Clients and carers establish a direct agreement on payment terms and the scope of care, with Gladys providing clear templates and ongoing support for this process.

Current Clients:

  • How has Gladys's support evolved as an established introductory agency?
    • Our support infrastructure has grown to provide even more efficient communication tools, scheduling assistance, and a dedicated team to address your needs promptly.
  • Based on your experience, what's the best way to address issues with a carer?
    • Direct communication remains key, and our established mediation process has proven effective in resolving concerns fairly and efficiently.

Carers:

  • How has Gladys's reach for finding clients grown over the past year?
    • Our marketing efforts have expanded significantly, leading to a consistent flow of quality client opportunities for our growing network of carers.
  • What established support does Gladys offer for managing my self-employment?
    • Our platform provides robust tools for scheduling, direct client communication, and streamlined invoicing. We also offer access to resources that support your professional growth.
  • What's the feedback from other carers on the self-employment model through Gladys?
    • Our carers consistently report high levels of satisfaction with the autonomy, flexibility, and earning potential offered by the Gladys model.

We're incredibly proud of the thriving community we've built at Gladys over the past year, connecting exceptional carers with individuals and families who value their dedication. Our established introductory agency model has proven to be a successful and rewarding experience for all involved.

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Danielle Chatterton
Jan 21, 2025
5 min read