As a care provider you work hard to ensure that your residents receive the highest standard of care. But when engaging temporary healthcare staff are you fully aware of the risks involved?
Many care providers assume that nursing agencies (the businesses supplying nurses, healthcare assistants and support workers) are regulated in the same way as care providers themselves. The reality? They’re not.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
Unlike care providers, nursing agencies are not regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They do not undergo inspections meaning there is no oversight of how agencies operate or whether they meet the stringent standards required for providing temporary staff. The lack of regulatory control over nursing agencies puts your care provision at risk, especially if you don't ensure their compliance with key regulations.
When you hire agency staff, these workers will be operating under your supervision. However, it’s still your responsibility to ensure that they meet all the necessary compliance criteria, including:
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Right to Work: Ensuring all agency staff have valid work permits and are legally allowed to work in the UK.
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Safeguarding: Confirming that agency workers are aware of safeguarding protocols and have the necessary checks in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
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Mandatory Training: Verifying that staff are up-to-date with essential training such as infection control, manual handling, and other critical areas for care provision.
If your agency isn't taking these steps seriously, you could find yourself facing legal or reputational risks, which could impact both your care provision and your relationship with regulatory bodies like the CQC.
How Can You Ensure Your Agency Is Compliant?
While nursing agencies aren't regulated by the CQC, there are ways you can vet them to ensure they meet the high standards your residents deserve. Here are a few tips to guide you in selecting the right agency:
Check Membership with the REC
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is a professional body for recruitment agencies. Agencies that are members of the REC are committed to high standards of practice and ethics, including compliance with employment laws and recruitment standards. While membership doesn’t guarantee complete compliance, it’s a good sign that the agency takes its responsibilities seriously.
Look for Third-Party Audits
The best agencies will subject themselves to independent audits. These audits examine the agency’s policies, processes and compliance with regulatory standards.
An agency that is open to third-party audits is likely one that is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and operational transparency.
Conduct Random File Checks
Consider periodically reviewing the files of the agency staff you've employed. Spot-checking training records, DBS certificates and Right to Work documentation can help ensure that the agency is consistently meeting compliance standards.
Establish a Transparent Relationship
Ensure clear communication with the agency regarding your expectations around compliance.
The agency should be transparent with you about their policies, procedures and how they ensure staff are compliant with all relevant regulations.
Use a Compliance Checklist
Create a compliance checklist and ask your agency to provide evidence that these standards are being met for each staff member supplied.
If your agency is unwilling to provide this information or cannot prove their compliance, it may be time to consider a more reliable partner.
Don’t Take Shortcuts on Compliance
While it may be tempting to engage agencies that offer the cheapest rates or seem willing to overlook certain regulations, this could be a false economy.
Non-compliant staff can jeopardise not only your CQC rating but, more importantly, the quality of care you provide to your residents. It’s essential to work with agencies that are serious about compliance and that have the proper safeguards in place to ensure safe, high-quality care.
Partner with a Trusted Agency Like Ocean Healthcare
At Ocean Healthcare, we believe in doing things properly.
As a reputable provider of temporary healthcare staff, we adhere to the highest standards of compliance, ensuring that all of our staff are properly trained, vetted and up-to-date with their regulatory requirements. With regular third-party audits and membership in the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), we give you peace of mind that your temporary staff will meet your care provision standards.
If you want to learn more about how we can support your care provision with fully compliant and professional staff, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Call us on 0808 275 9951 or email office@oceanhealthcare.co.uk
We’re here to help you provide the best care for your residents - safely and compliantly.