How do I find the most suitable care provider for my SSH service?

The first thing to say about care and support provider selection is that the decision may not be all yours to make. Many Local Authorities have provider ‘panels’  with care providers pre-approved for delivering supported living services within the area.

In cases where service requirements are particularly specialist, or where approved providers are unable or unwilling to take on the care provider role, the council may open up the potential new service to other operators.

Approved provider lists are generally published on the council’s website. If not, you can contact the adult social care team and ask. You should also ask what the process is for selecting care providers. There is often a requirement for the council to run an open tender process. It’s better to be aware of that sooner, as it may impact on project timescales.

Care and support providers operate under tight margins, and care rates and recruitment are a challenge. It is attractive for care providers to operate multiple services in a localised area. Management and staff can be leveraged across a cluster of services. To identify services nearby run a Google Maps search around your proposed location. Search for terms like “supported living” or “care” to see which services exist nearby. Drilling down into the detail often reveals the care provider managing the service. Alternatively, search the Care Quality Commission (CQC) register of care services by area.

If you have already identified a preferred Registered Provider for your proposed development, you could also ask them for their suggestions for preferred local care providers.