Checks, standards and CQC registration
Micro-providers are self-employed individuals who offer care or support services in their local community.
They’re not employed, managed or regulated by Portsmouth City Council.
Micro-providers who join our Portsmouth Micro-provider Programme agree to follow our code of good practice and provide important documents and checks before joining.
These checks can help you choose a provider, but they do not guarantee the quality of a service. The decision to choose who supports you is always yours.
What is personal care?
Personal care includes hands-on help with:
- eating and drinking
- washing or bathing
- getting dressed
- using the toilet
- looking after skin, hair and nails
- cleaning teeth or caring for dentures
Support such as companionship, shopping, housework, gardening and help getting out and about is not usually personal care.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration
Most micro-providers do not need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration is required depends on the type of support they provide and how the service is arranged.
If you arrange your own support and tell the provider what help you need and how you would like it delivered, CQC registration may not be needed.
If a provider is organising and managing care services for people, different rules may apply.
If you’re unsure, ask the provider whether they need CQC registration and why.
Checks completed by micro-providers
To join the Portsmouth Micro-Provider Programme, providers are asked to declare that they have:
- an enhanced DBS check
- public liability insurance
- proof that they are self-employed
- a written agreement or contract
- safeguarding and complaints policies
- relevant training and qualifications
- references or testimonials, where available
Providers also agree to follow the Portsmouth Code of Good Practice, and show these documents to potential customers.
Before choosing a micro-provider
Take time to find the right person for you.
You may want to:
- read their profile
- ask about their experience
- look at their portfolio
- check their DBS and insurance
- talk about the support you need
- agree costs and arrangements before support starts
Choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust.