FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Carer FAQ’s
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about joining our platform, managing your profile, and delivering care through We Care 4 You. Whether you’re just starting or already part of our network, this page is designed to help you every step of the way.
What do I need to have to join We Care 4 You?
You will need to be fully compliant with industry regulations. This includes having completed your moving and handling training and possess up-to-date DBS checks with any relevant care qualifications.
What roles are available?
Roles available are healthcare assistants, support workers, senior care workers, care coordinators, registered nurses, administrative roles and team leaders.
What training is provided?
Training is provided through various online courses, and hands-on experience.
How do I register for a role?
Applications can typically be submitted online by clicking on the register as a carer button.
Do I need previous experience to apply?
While experience is beneficial, it is not always necessary. Candidates with the right attitude and willingness to learn are also considered.
How soon can I start working?
This depends on the role and completion of compliance checks, such as DBS clearance and references. You could start working in as little as a few days. We aim to fill emergency shifts within hours providing all compliance checks have been completed and satisfied too. To become a carer in the UK, you generally need the following qualifications and training.
Basic Requirements:
- Care Certificate: This is a set of 15 standards that provide the foundational skills and knowledge required for care work
- DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory to ensure you are suitable to work with vulnerable individuals
Additional Training and Qualifications:
- Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care: This qualification is often required for entry-level positions
- Level 3 Diploma: For more senior roles, such as a senior care worker or team leader
- Specialised Training: Depending on the role, you might need additional training in areas like dementia care, palliative care, or autism awareness
Skills and Personal Qualities:
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial, including understanding non-verbal cues and using tools like Makaton or PECS
- Empathy and Patience: These personal qualities are essential for providing compassionate care
- Continuous Professional Development: Ongoing training and refresher courses are important to stay updated with best practices and regulations
Many care roles offer on-the-job training, so even if you don’t have all the qualifications initially, you can often start working and complete your training while employed.
Registering as a self-employed care worker
Many care roles offer on-the-job training, so even if you don’t have all the qualifications initially, you can often start working and complete your training while employed.
How does We Care 4 You vet and approve its carers? ring as a self-employed care worker
We Care 4 you thoroughly vets and approves its carers through a multi-step process that includes an application form, a telephone interview, a face-to-face interview, reference checks, and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
What is the complaints procedure for carers on We Care 4 You?
If you have a complaint as a carer on, We Care 4 You, you can contact our customer support team through the messaging system or by email. They will investigate your complaint and work with you to resolve the issue.
Is We Care 4 You registered with regulatory bodies such as CQC, the Care Inspectorate and the Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority?
No, We Care 4 you is not regulated by the CQC, as we are an introductory service that connects clients with qualified and experienced carers, care workers, and personal assistants. However, we comply with all regulations and standards set by other regulatory bodies such as the Care Inspectorate and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland to ensure the safety and quality of our services.
What is included in a DBS/Police Check, and why is it important for carers?
A DBS/Police check includes a check of an individual’s criminal record, including convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. It is important for carers to undergo a DBS/Police check to ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients.
Do I have to be registered as self-employed before taking on self-employed work?
No, it is not always necessary to be registered as self-employed before taking on work as an independent contractor. If you earn less than £1000 per year, you do not have to register at all. However, if you do earn more than this amount, you must register within three months to be compliant with tax laws and regulations. Registering as self-employed ensures that you are paying the correct amount of tax and National Insurance contributions on your income. At We Care 4 You, we recommend that you consult with a qualified tax advisor to ensure that you are meeting your legal obligations.
How do I register as self – employed?
To register as self-employed, you can visit the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website and complete the registration process online. You will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your business, including your name, address, and National Insurance number. Once you are registered, HMRC will issue you with a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which you can use to prove your self-employed status. You can also find further information and guidance on the HMRC website.
Here are some useful links to help you get started:
HMRC website for registering as self-employed:
https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed
HMRC website for self-employed guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/self-employed
How can I prove I am self – employed?
To prove that you are self-employed, you can provide your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which is assigned to you by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Your UTR is a unique 10-digit number that identifies you for tax purposes. You can find your UTR on any correspondence you have received from HMRC, or by logging in to your HMRC online account. You can also call HMRC to request your UTR. Once you have your UTR, you can share it with We Care 4 You and any clients you work with as proof of your self-employment status.
You can also provide evidence such as invoices, receipts, and bank statements that show you have received payment for your services as a self-employed worker. It is also a good idea to keep accurate records of your income and expenses, as well as any contracts or agreements you have with clients.
What is my employment status whilst working through We Care 4 You?
As a carer on We Care 4 You, you are considered self-employed. This means that you are responsible for your own tax and National Insurance contributions. You are not an employee of We Care 4 You, but rather an independent contractor who provides care services to clients through our platform.
Do I need to pay National Insurance while working for We Care 4 You?
Yes, carers on We Care 4 You need to pay their taxes, including National Insurance contributions. As self-employed contractors, carers are responsible for their own tax and National Insurance contributions. For more information on how to register as self-employed and pay your taxes, you can visit the UK government’s official website on self-employment: https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/self-employed.
To learn more about the benefits of self-employment, you can visit the official website of the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE): https://www.ipse.co.uk/. And for further information on National Insurance and how it works, you can visit the UK government’s official website on National Insurance: https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance.
Can someone else do my taxes for me?
Yes, you can hire an accountant or tax professional to do your taxes for you. They can help you ensure that your tax return is filed correctly and on time, and may be able to identify deductions and credits that you may have missed. However, it is important to remember that you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that your taxes are filed correctly and on time.
How do I keep track of my taxes and expenses?
Keeping track of your taxes and expenses is crucial when you are self-employed. One way to do this is to use accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero. You can use these platforms to track your income and expenses, generate invoices, and even file your tax returns. You should also keep receipts for any business-related expenses, as these can be used to reduce your tax bill.
Do I have to do my own taxes?
Yes. As a self-employed individual, it is your responsibility to ensure that you file your own taxes and pay any tax owed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on time. While it is possible to hire an accountant or tax professional to help you with your taxes, ultimately you are responsible for ensuring that your taxes are filed correctly and on time.
How do I do my taxes?
To do your taxes, you will need to register as self-employed with HMRC and file a Self-Assessment tax return each year. This involves declaring your income, expenses, and any tax owed. You can either do this yourself using HMRC’s online Self-Assessment service or hire an accountant or tax professional to help you.
Does We Care 4 You tell HMRC/the government about my earnings?
No, We Care 4 You does not disclose information about your income to HMRC or any other government agency.
However, as a self-employed individual, it is your responsibility to report your earnings and pay the appropriate taxes to HMRC. Paying taxes is an important civic duty that contributes to the funding of public services such as healthcare, education, and emergency services. We recommend that you maintain accurate records of your earnings and expenses, and seek advice from a tax professional if you have any questions or concerns about your tax obligations.