26 Jul Transforming Homecare: Be Caring Wins Major Leeds City Council Tender
Be Caring Wins Prestigious Leeds City Council Tender for Community Health and Well-being Service.
We are thrilled to announce that Be Caring, an employee-owned social enterprise, has won the tender for the Community Health and Well-being Service (CHWS) contract with Leeds City Council. This significant achievement aligns with our mission to enhance the terms and conditions for our Care Workers, demonstrating our commitment to valuing and supporting our incredible colleagues.
Revolutionising Care: From Hourly Rates to Shift Pay
Our journey towards this achievement began with a clear vision: to move away from the traditional hourly rate of commissioning and create a system that fosters trust, co-operation, and flexibility. In 2020, we took part in a pilot scheme in our Leeds homecare service, implementing shift pay. This innovative approach ensured that all Care Workers were employed at their contracted hourly rate for the full time at work, covering all contact time, travel time, and training.
Under the shift pay system, our colleagues are no longer paid on a per-call or per-minute basis. Instead, they are encouraged to stay in people’s homes for as long as needed, supporting individuals beyond the tasks in their care plan. This means our Care Workers frequently go above and beyond to promote individual wellbeing and independence.
94% of Clients rated their care and support as either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’
All Homecare Services Paid on Shift
The success of our pilot scheme exceeded our expectations, significantly enhancing the well-being and job satisfaction of our colleagues in Leeds and improving the quality of care provided to the individuals we support. Building on this success, we initiated conversations with commissioners across all our services, sharing the positive outcomes and advocating for new funding models. This led to the successful launch of shift pay across all our homecare services in 2023.
93% of Colleagues would recommend us as a place to work
The ‘Above and Beyond’ Programme
We have also developed an ‘Above and Beyond’ programme within our organisation. This initiative allows us to track and manage outcomes achieved for our clients and recognises and rewards colleagues who consistently go the extra mile. This programme is a testament to our commitment to supporting our clients in achieving greater independence and well-being.
By embracing a shift-based payment structure, we pave the way for more personalised care and support, focusing on individual outcomes and strengthening the vital relationships between our workforce and those they support. Homecare is not a checklist of tasks; it is about building meaningful relationships and providing compassionate support. With our shift-based payment system, we ensure our colleagues have the flexibility to listen to and address the unique needs of those they care for.
Join Our Team
We are now recruiting dedicated, kind, and compassionate people who are passionate about supporting and caring for people, enabling them to continue living at home while promoting their independence, well-being, and community inclusion. As part of the dedicated CHWS care teams in West Leeds (Armley, Bramley, Wortley), new recruits will support individuals with their personalised care plans, focusing on outcomes and identifying what matters most to them.
The Future
Winning the CHWS contract with Leeds City Council is a significant milestone. It not only validates our innovative approach to care but also empowers us to continue our mission of enhancing the lives of our Care Workers and the individuals they support. We look forward to a future where personalised, compassionate care is the standard, and where all care colleagues are valued for their dedication and hard work.
