At a time when the adult social care sector continues to face challenges with recognition, recruitment, and retention, Be Caring is proving that things can be different.
Our latest Colleague Summer Survey shows year-on-year progress – a clear sign that deliberate action delivers real change. Be Caring has been awarded a CQC Outstanding rating in Leeds, and our model is increasingly recognised across the sector as an example of best practice.
As an employee-owned organisation, our culture is our strength. When colleagues feel recognised and respected, that strength flows directly into the quality of care we provide.
Standing Out in a Challenging Sector
National reports continue to highlight the difficulties faced across the sector.
- The Care Workers’ Charity Wellbeing Report 2025 found that only 56% of care workers nationally felt their role was valued by the wider public.
- Skills for Care’s State of the Sector Report showed that 25.3% of domiciliary care workers left their jobs in the past year – over 116,000 colleagues – while 38% remained on insecure, zero-hours contracts.
Against this backdrop, Be Caring’s survey results tell a different story – one of progress, recognition, and pride:
- Recognition from managers: 70.8% of Be Caring colleagues said their line manager acknowledges them when they do a good job.
- Pride in social care: 86.2% believe their role is valued by the wider public – far higher than the national average.
- Recommendation: 90% would recommend Be Caring as a place to work.
These results don’t just contrast with the national picture – they show what’s possible. Be Caring is proof that when recognition, stability, and development are prioritised, colleagues thrive, and so does the quality of care.
Consistently Raising the Bar
Our progress isn’t just impressive – it’s consistent. Every year, we continue to build on success:
- Net Promoter Score (Employer): +71, equivalent to 90% of colleagues recommending Be Caring as a place to work – up from 74% in 2022 and 85% in 2024.
- Net Promoter Score (Care Provider): +81, equivalent to 95% recommending Be Caring as a care provider – up from 77% in 2022 and 89% in 2024.
Global benchmarks consider scores above +70 excellent. Be Caring is performing at the level of the world’s top employers – a remarkable achievement in social care.
“I am proud to work for Be Caring. It is a company which supports and listens to employees’ views and always supports its employees as well as endeavouring to provide full and best support to those cared for in the community.”
– Mavis Mohovo, Sheffield Homecare
Celebrating Recognition, Driving Development
We know recognition and development matter, and our colleagues tell us we’re making progress:
- 74.7% feel listened to – the highest result we’ve ever achieved.
- 70.8% report receiving recognition in the past month – well above sector averages.
But we’re not stopping here. Colleagues want more career opportunities and recognition – and we’re responding.
- Our Support and Recognition Strategy is being refreshed to make recognition consistent and meaningful across all services.
- Continued development of partnerships with organisations such as Winnovation is opening professional pathways with Level 3 qualifications, giving colleagues the tools to progress with confidence.
“I’ve been with this company three years and here’s to many more. Professionally they have given me the training I require to carry out my job to the best possible standard.”
– K. Brennan, North Tyneside Homecare
This sits against a tough national backdrop: while average pay in domiciliary care has risen to £11.30 an hour, real-term pay has fallen since 2020/21. Be Caring has bucked the trend with block-pay contracts, ensuring earnings are fair, stable, and reflective of the real work colleagues do.
Innovation and Improvement in Action
Continuous improvement is part of who we are. Colleague feedback directly drives innovation, and in 2025 we are proud to showcase:
- Block-pay contracts, ensuring fairness and stability.
- VOICE colleague forum, giving colleagues influence over organisational policy.
- Be Proud and recognition initiatives, celebrating workforce diversity and achievements.
This approach has earned Be Caring national recognition – including a CQC Outstanding rating – and positions us as a partner of choice for Skills for Care, the Care Workers’ Charity, and commissioners across the North.
“Friendly company and staff make you feel valued. I have always felt included and valued while working here. I’ve had opportunities to progress in my role.”
– E. Leydon, Newcastle Homecare
Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Social Care
Be Caring’s results confirm it: our colleagues feel more valued, supported, and proud than the national average – and this positive shift is strengthening year on year. But we’re ambitious, and we’re not standing still.
In the next year we will:
- Embed our Support and Recognition Strategy to further raise satisfaction.
- Offer more development opportunities such as Level 2 Apprenticeships and Level 3 diplomas, creating new career pathways.
- Strengthen equality, diversity, and inclusion across every service.
At Be Caring, we are proving that when carers are valued, care is transformed. Together, we are not only raising the bar – we are helping shape the future of social care.
“I finally work for a company that sees us, hears us, and values us. A place where carers are treated like people, not statistics. I’m paid properly – by the hour, for the full shift. There’s time to breathe, to reflect, to recover. There’s less pressure, more compassion.”
– D. Leigh, Sheffield Homecare
Interested in finding out more? View the whole report here.
