Understanding how Gladys works
At Gladys, we work a little differently — and proudly so. We’re what’s called an Introductory Agency, which means we connect families with experienced, self-employed private carers and companions, but don’t manage the care day-to-day.
Find out more below.
Find out more below.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What Does It Mean That Gladys Is an Introductory Agency?
At Gladys, we do things differently — and proudly so. We’re not a traditional domiciliary care agency. Instead, we operate as an introductory agency, which means our role is to connect individuals and families with trusted, self-employed private carers who provide support in the home.
Rather than managing or directing care ourselves, we focus on making the right match and offering the tools, support, and structure needed for both parties to thrive. Once a match is made, the ongoing care relationship is managed directly between the carer and client — giving families more flexibility, control, and choice.
For carers, this model means greater autonomy and fairer pay.
For families, it means faster access to care, lower costs, and the ability to shape care around their specific needs — all backed by the support of the Gladys team.
Rather than managing or directing care ourselves, we focus on making the right match and offering the tools, support, and structure needed for both parties to thrive. Once a match is made, the ongoing care relationship is managed directly between the carer and client — giving families more flexibility, control, and choice.
For carers, this model means greater autonomy and fairer pay.
For families, it means faster access to care, lower costs, and the ability to shape care around their specific needs — all backed by the support of the Gladys team.
Introductory Agency vs. Managed Care: What’s the Difference?
In Great Britain, care providers are regulated differently depending on the kind of service they offer. There are three independent regulatory bodies overseeing certain health and social care activities:
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC) – England
- Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
- Care Inspectorate Scotland (CIS)
These regulators govern services that directly provide or manage care, often referred to as “managed agencies.” Introductory agencies, like Gladys, sit outside of this scope because we do not supervise or direct the delivery of care – nor do we employ carers. Instead, we focus on matching clients with experienced, self-employed professionals, offering flexibility, affordability, and a more personalised care journey.
As an introductory agency, at Gladys, we can:
- Help you or a loved one find a suitable, self-employed carer
- Source a replacement or substitute carer when needed
- Provide payroll services to simplify payments and paperwork
- Offer support services for both families and carers
- Conduct check-ins to ensure you're happy with our service
In other words, we make it easier to find the right carer, stay supported, and maintain control of the care arrangement — all while removing much of the complexity.
There are also important boundaries - we are not a managed care service, and so we do not:
- Direct or manage the performance of self-employed carers
- Create or review care plans on your behalf
- Deliver training or mandatory compliance checks
- Provide clinical advice or intervene in how care is delivered
- Act as an advocate or decision-maker for the care recipient
The care you receive is always directed by you, with your chosen carer working independently to meet your needs on your terms.
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC) – England
- Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
- Care Inspectorate Scotland (CIS)
These regulators govern services that directly provide or manage care, often referred to as “managed agencies.” Introductory agencies, like Gladys, sit outside of this scope because we do not supervise or direct the delivery of care – nor do we employ carers. Instead, we focus on matching clients with experienced, self-employed professionals, offering flexibility, affordability, and a more personalised care journey.
As an introductory agency, at Gladys, we can:
- Help you or a loved one find a suitable, self-employed carer
- Source a replacement or substitute carer when needed
- Provide payroll services to simplify payments and paperwork
- Offer support services for both families and carers
- Conduct check-ins to ensure you're happy with our service
In other words, we make it easier to find the right carer, stay supported, and maintain control of the care arrangement — all while removing much of the complexity.
There are also important boundaries - we are not a managed care service, and so we do not:
- Direct or manage the performance of self-employed carers
- Create or review care plans on your behalf
- Deliver training or mandatory compliance checks
- Provide clinical advice or intervene in how care is delivered
- Act as an advocate or decision-maker for the care recipient
The care you receive is always directed by you, with your chosen carer working independently to meet your needs on your terms.
Benefits for Clients:
Choice & Control
You choose your carer, set the hours and agree rates directly — no middlemen dictating the terms.
Familiar Faces
No unexpected carers turning up. You work with the person you’ve been introduced to and build a trusted relationship over time.
Cost-Effective
Because we don’t manage care rotas or take large agency fees, we can keep client costs lower while carers earn more.
Ongoing Support
We’re always here to help — whether you want to change something, ask a question, or need a new introduction in future.
You choose your carer, set the hours and agree rates directly — no middlemen dictating the terms.
Familiar Faces
No unexpected carers turning up. You work with the person you’ve been introduced to and build a trusted relationship over time.
Cost-Effective
Because we don’t manage care rotas or take large agency fees, we can keep client costs lower while carers earn more.
Ongoing Support
We’re always here to help — whether you want to change something, ask a question, or need a new introduction in future.
Benefits for Carers:
Be Your Own Boss
You choose your clients, set your own hours, and agree your own rates.
More Take-Home Pay
Because we don’t take a large cut, carers keep more of what they earn.
Flexibility & Respect
We understand the realities of care work and provide tools and support to make your life easier.
Community
We’re building a caring, values-driven network of like-minded people — and we’ve got your back.
You choose your clients, set your own hours, and agree your own rates.
More Take-Home Pay
Because we don’t take a large cut, carers keep more of what they earn.
Flexibility & Respect
We understand the realities of care work and provide tools and support to make your life easier.
Community
We’re building a caring, values-driven network of like-minded people — and we’ve got your back.
Common Questions (and Honest Answers)
Do you employ carers? No — all carers are self-employed. We provide a safe, trusted platform to match them with clients, but the care agreement is between the two of you.
Will there be support if things don’t go to plan? Absolutely. We’re always here to support both sides — from helping with communication to offering replacement introductions if needed.
Is it safe? Yes. All carers on our platform are DBS-checked, referenced, and vetted. We take safeguarding seriously and prioritise transparency for everyone’s peace of mind.
Is it legal? 100%. Introductory agencies are a legally recognised model for care services. We’re registered with the ICO and work in accordance with relevant employment and care laws.
Will there be support if things don’t go to plan? Absolutely. We’re always here to support both sides — from helping with communication to offering replacement introductions if needed.
Is it safe? Yes. All carers on our platform are DBS-checked, referenced, and vetted. We take safeguarding seriously and prioritise transparency for everyone’s peace of mind.
Is it legal? 100%. Introductory agencies are a legally recognised model for care services. We’re registered with the ICO and work in accordance with relevant employment and care laws.
Why Gladys?
Gladys was born from personal experience and a deep frustration with how difficult it was to find consistent, compassionate care for our own loved ones. We knew there had to be a better way — one that respected both the people receiving care and the carers providing it.
That’s why we’ve built something different: care that’s personal, local, and simple — just the way it should be.
Why Families Choose Introductory Care
The introductory care model works because it’s faster to set up, more cost-effective, and gives families complete control over their care arrangements. Without the overheads and ongoing management fees of traditional agencies, carers take home more — making the model more sustainable and rewarding for everyone involved.
At Gladys, we go a step further. We invest in tools and support services for carers that are rarely accessible to the self-employed — from onboarding and compliance guidance to safeguarding support and ongoing community engagement. Our goal is to ensure both carers and families feel informed, confident, and empowered at every step.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, tailored care that helps people stay independent and comfortable in their own homes — across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset. With a strong focus on community, trust, and quality, we carefully match each client with the right carer or helper to meet their individual needs with kindness and professionalism.
More Flexibility. More Control. A Better Experience. By working with Gladys, you're not just finding care — you're shaping a care experience that fits your life, values, and budget. That’s the beauty of the introductory agency model: less red tape, more real choice.
That’s why we’ve built something different: care that’s personal, local, and simple — just the way it should be.
Why Families Choose Introductory Care
The introductory care model works because it’s faster to set up, more cost-effective, and gives families complete control over their care arrangements. Without the overheads and ongoing management fees of traditional agencies, carers take home more — making the model more sustainable and rewarding for everyone involved.
At Gladys, we go a step further. We invest in tools and support services for carers that are rarely accessible to the self-employed — from onboarding and compliance guidance to safeguarding support and ongoing community engagement. Our goal is to ensure both carers and families feel informed, confident, and empowered at every step.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, tailored care that helps people stay independent and comfortable in their own homes — across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset. With a strong focus on community, trust, and quality, we carefully match each client with the right carer or helper to meet their individual needs with kindness and professionalism.
More Flexibility. More Control. A Better Experience. By working with Gladys, you're not just finding care — you're shaping a care experience that fits your life, values, and budget. That’s the beauty of the introductory agency model: less red tape, more real choice.
Want to learn more about how it works?
Explore our blogs or speak to our team – we’re always happy to help.
How we’re helping
Discover More About Gladys' Services
How It Works
Gladys is the easiest way to find trusted local Carers and Helpers in your community.
1
Share your care needs
Tell us who needs support, where, and what tasks are required. We’ll create a personalised care profile for you or your loved one.
2
Review your matches
Receive a handpicked list of local Helpers and Carers that match your needs. You stay in control, choosing who you want to work with.
3
Connect & Schedule
Chat directly with your selected Carer or Helper to ensure a good fit. Once you’re happy, book visits and manage payments easily - all in one place.
It’s easy
as cake
Update your payment terms with our template
Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum.
Send us your project contracts
Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum.
Get paid in advanced
Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum.
The Care Hub
We know how hard it can be to navigate the complexities of care and help for your older loved ones. We’ve hand-selected the best content and guidance from a trusted team of experts to break through the jargon and help you understand everything you need to know
Start the Conversation Early
Navigating resistance - You may not be able to change someone’s mind but, you can create space for a better conversation
The Emotional Challenge of Accepting Care
Accepting help can feel like surrendering independence but, early, gentle support can prolong independence.
How Small Setbacks Affect Independence
Support doesn’t have to signal the end of independence - in fact, the right kind of support can protect it.