07/11/2016
Whether you are deciding to start a caring career or just change agencies, you will want to be sure that you sign up with the best agency for you. This should be an agency that will cater to all your needs and give you the support you will need in your job. There are some points that you should consider before accepting any offer from an agency.
Accessibility
While most agencies are relatively accessible from major airports via train, this is something that you should take into account as once a year (or maybe more frequently) you will need to take a trip there to do an update or other course. While some agencies cover a part of travel costs, other do not and you will need to cover this yourself. Some agencies will have accommodation which, if you are doing a course or update, will be free for you, while other agencies will charge you per night. Bearing in mind that your initial course is between one and two weeks, this should be something you consider.
Support
A very important point when caring is that you have a support team, or at least one person within the agency who is allocated to you to support and advise you. You may only need this occasionally but it is vitally important that you have just one person who you can turn to for advise or just a shoulder to cry on. Some agencies allot you a team to support you, find you your next booking, update your profile and so on. Whatever the number, it is important that you have this in the company you select.
Post Forwarding Service
This is something that will be important if you do not have a base in the UK and need somewhere to send your post. For a fee, some agencies will forward your post to you wherever you are and should be considered if you are going to be working in the UK for a long time with no other address than your company and client (which may change). Not all companies do this, and most companies suggest you not use a client's address without their permission.
Extra Learning
Some – but not all – companies offer Distance Learning as a way to further your education and keep you updated on changes in the laws. Some companies insist that you attend these courses at their offices instead. While physical discussions are important, bear in mind that you will be footing the bill for travel and maybe accommodation. Distance Learning is a great way to keep abreast of new information and laws.
Now Get Another Opinion!
Join a Carer Forum and ask which agency is best. Be prepared for a gazillion different answers and also a heap of different likes and dislikes! This is a really good way to get first hand information of companies that people dislike and ones that people like. You will then be able to make a better decision about a company you choose. It is very labour intensive to change from one company to another so it is good to be able to weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages first, before choosing an agency.
