Yes! Micro-providers work independently, which means you choose the person or people who feel right for you. You can look through our online directory or ask someone you trust to help you explore the different providers in your area. The Care Act 2014 gives people the right to choose who provides their care and support, and this scheme is designed to make that choice easier. You stay in control at every stage — from deciding who comes into your home to agreeing how and when your support is delivered. It’s always your decision who supports you in your day-to-day life, and this approach aims to help you shape your care in the way that works best for you.
All micro-providers working through our network follow national safeguarding practices and will have been trained to a relevent lavel. Furthermore, each provider completes the schemes essential checks relevant to the support they offer — including the appropriate level of DBS check where their role involves regulated or unregulated care. They also maintain the necessary insurance policies to protect both you and themselves. In addition, every micro-provider signs up to our Quality Standard and confirms their understanding of our Quality Assurance Policy. Your safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority.
Each micro provider in the network agrees to our Quality Standard, which sets out the expectations for professional, person-centred, and respectful care. You can read this here. We support them in meeting and maintaining these standards. In addition, we help them to access training for relevant healthcare skills so both you and your provider can feel confident in each other. Every Micro Provider is expected to maintain a portfolio of documents which you can request to see, to demonstrate their professionalism and skill level. Thier portfolio should also include references from other clients to help you make informed decisions
Choosing a micro-provider means you hire a self-employed person — ideally someone local to your community — giving you more choice and control. They can tailor their support to suit your needs. They will give you a simple contract that explains what they will do, when they will do it, and how the support will be provided. The provider will then send you invoices for their work, and you’ll need to pay them on time at the rate you have both agreed. Support Staffordshire acts only as an introductory agency. This means you are entering into a contract directly with the micro-provider, not with Support Staffordshire or Staffordshire County Council.
We hope that our introductions lead to positive and long-lasting care relationships, but we understand that sometimes things may not work out. Because you are in control of your own care, you have the freedom to stop using a micro-provider, and look for someone who is a better fit for your needs at any time.
Depending on the situation, and the terms written in the contract you agreed with your provider. You will need to give notice and you must make sure you pay for any support they have provided up to the agreed end date. We’re here to support you throughout the process. While we can’t recommend any specific micro-provider, we can help you explore your options. The choice and control always remain with you.
Micro-providers are not regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) like care homes and agencies are. This is because they are self-employed and work under an exemption, which means they do not have to register with the CQC. We also do not oversee or monitor their day-to-day work. However, we do carry out all the checks that are available to us — the same types of checks that employed healthcare staff must have — to help make sure micro-providers are safe as possible.
If any behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable or you have any concerns or worries, trust your instincts and get in touch with us. We will do our best to support you and help you resolve any issues in the care relationship.
You have the right to complain if you’re not happy about the help at home you’re receiving. This might be because your micro provider:
Do not accept inappropriate behaviour. If it is a minor issue, address it directly with the provider if you feel comfortable, or if you are unsure, report it to the Local Help My Way Team.
You can compliment your micro-provider in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. Telling them in person is often the nicest way, as everyone appreciates being thanked directly. You can also leave a review for them on our website.
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can send us a letter or give us a call, and we will record the compliment on your behalf.
We will also send out quarterly feedback requests so we can understand how well the project is working. This feedback is really important — it helps us decide whether the project should continue beyond 2027. Our aim is to show the impact the scheme is making, so your feedback is both valuable and essential.
Click here to register. You will be taken to the Simply Connect platform which manages the process. Your application will then be reviewed by the Local Help My Way Team who will be in touch within 5 workings days. If you
To ensure the providers listed on our site meet a consistent level of excellence, safety, and professionalism, providers must agree to and sign our Quality Standard agreement. Before signing the agreement you must take a quiz to confirm your understanding. Find more information about this here.
Log in to the Simply Connect platform and you can update your profile, services provided and availability. It’s important to keep your availability up to date.
Yes, you can. Many micro-providers come from a wide range of backgrounds and do not have formal care experience. Lived experience, personal skills, and qualities such as empathy, reliability, and good communication are often just as valuable. You should only offer support that you feel confident and competent to provide, and always work within your skills and knowledge. Some types of support, including personal care, medication support, or specialist tasks, require specific training or registration. If you need to develop skills, the Local Help My Way team can signpost you to relevant training, much of which is free.
You should charge a fair and transparent hourly rate that is clearly agreed with the person you support and written into your contract. Your rate should reflect the type of support you offer, your experience, and any specialist skills. As a guide, rates usually align with Direct Payment rates (currently £16.59 per hour), but we generally suggest around £20 per hour for most micro-providers to cover time, costs, and responsibilities. If you charge £22.50 per hour or more for specialist services, you must inform the Staffordshire Micro-Providers Network. Sample contracts and pricing templates are available to help in the resources section of this site.
As a micro-provider, you are self-employed and are paid directly by the person you support or their representative. Payment may come from the person’s own money or through a Direct Payment from the local council. A Direct Payment allows someone to arrange and manage their own support. You must have a written contract that clearly sets out your rate, payment method, frequency, and notice periods. You are responsible for invoicing, record keeping, and managing your own tax and National Insurance. Local Help My Way does not handle payments
If you are unwell, let the person you support (and their family or advocate, if appropriate) know as soon as possible. Do not work if you are not well enough, as your wellbeing and the safety of the person you support are equally important. You should agree a Plan B in advance so everyone knows what will happen if you are unavailable. You may suggest other micro-providers, but the person must choose who they contact. You must not arrange cover yourself. Using a clear contract helps set expectations and reduces stress if illness occurs.
A Personal Assistant (PA) usually works for one person or family and is legally treated as an employee, even when paid through a Direct Payment. This means the person receiving support is responsible for employment duties such as tax, insurance, and holidays. A micro-provider is self-employed and runs their own small business. They can support more than one person, set their own availability, and hold their own contracts and insurance. Both roles provide person-centred support, but the key difference is that a PA is employed by the person, while a micro-provider works independently.
No, we can’t guarantee work. Local Help My Way is not an agency. We provide a platform that helps people find and choose local micro-providers, but individuals decide who they contact and work with. We do not allocate work, arrange bookings, or secure clients on your behalf. Our role is to support you to meet quality standards, set up safely, and promote your services so you are visible to people seeking support. This approach protects people’s choice and ensures that micro-providers remain independent and in control of their work.
Sometimes a match doesn’t work out, and that’s okay. The most important thing is that both you and the person you support feel safe, respected, and comfortable. Where possible, try to talk things through first. If the situation doesn’t improve, either of you can end the arrangement in line with the notice period in your contract, usually 7–14 days unless there are serious concerns. You may suggest other micro-providers, but the person must choose who to contact. Clear contracts help make this process fair and straightforward.
If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect, you must act immediately. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and keeping people safe always comes first. Follow Staffordshire’s safeguarding procedures and report concerns to the appropriate service, such as the local authority safeguarding team. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services straight away. Keep clear, factual records of what you have seen or been told. If you are unsure what to do, the Local Help My Way team can provide advice and support.
