Everything you need to get it right from day one.
When it comes to building a thriving homecare business, passion will take you far —
but solid foundations will take you further.
At Big Sister, we’ve supported hundreds of care entrepreneurs in transforming their dreams into stable, successful companies. And we know this for certain:
If you don’t invest time in strong systems early on, it will cost you dearly later.
This guide walks you through what every new homecare founder must have in place from day one to protect your clients, your team, and your business — and to set yourself apart as a provider families and commissioners can trust.
Need extra support? Our Homecare Business Blueprint YouTube Playlist offers free, step-by-step videos to help you get started the right way.
Why Strong Foundations Matter
You might be thinking:
“Can’t I just start small and figure it out as I go?”
Of course, you can start small — but in the world of care, compliance is not optional.
Without the right registrations, policies, and systems, you risk:
- Failing regulatory inspections
- Being barred from winning contracts
- Facing safeguarding incidents
- Damaging your reputation before you even get going
At Big Sister, we set up our investee businesses for success by helping them lay foundations that meet and exceed all industry standards — giving you peace of mind and competitive advantage from the outset.
Find downloadable templates and toolkits inside the Founder’s Circle.
Step 1: Secure Your Regulatory Approval
In the UK, if you’re providing personal care, you’ll likely need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The registration process involves:
- Submitting a full application, including your Statement of Purpose
- Passing a “Fit Person Interview” if you’re the Registered Manager
- Demonstrating your business policies and procedures
- Showing evidence of financial viability
Big Sister Tip:
Through Big Sister we guide you through CQC registration — helping you prepare your documentation, your interview answers, and your quality evidence.
Step 2: Build Robust Policies and Procedures
Policies aren’t just paperwork — they are the operational backbone of your business.
You’ll need to create, customise, and maintain policies for:
- Safeguarding adults and children
- Medication administration
- Infection prevention and control
- Recruitment and staff vetting
- Complaints handling
- Data protection and GDPR compliance
- Health and safety at work
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Big Sister Tip:
We provide our investee businesses with a full, customisable Policy Pack — saving you hundreds of hours and ensuring every policy is compliant with up-to-date regulations.
Step 3: Implement Clear Quality Standards
Delivering high-quality care isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s the core of your brand and business longevity.
Every care provider should have:
- Service user guides outlining client rights and responsibilities
- Personalised care plans based on individual needs
- Regular risk assessments and reviews
- Outcome measurement systems (e.g., client satisfaction surveys)
Big Sister Tip:
We show our Big Sister businesses how to set up Quality Assurance Systems that not only protect clients but also prove to regulators and buyers that your service delivers measurable results.
Explore our Care Planning Masterclass in the Carer Academy.
Step 4: Get Insurance in Place
Insurance isn’t just protection — it’s a non-negotiable.
You’ll need:
- Employers’ liability insurance(a legal requirement if you hire staff)
- Public liability insurance(to protect against third-party claims)
- Professional indemnity insurance(for claims of negligence or error)
- Cyber insurance(recommended to protect client data)
Big Sister Tip:
We work with trusted insurance partners who understand the care sector — ensuring our businesses are fully covered at the best rates.
Find our recommended insurers list in the Homecare Business Blueprint Playlist.
Step 5: Recruit the Right People the Right Way
Recruitment is subject to strict regulations — and for good reason.
You’ll need to:
- Conduct enhanced DBS checks (UK) or equivalent
- Obtain full work references
- Verify right to work in the UK
- Train staff in safeguarding, manual handling, medication, and more before they start working independently
Big Sister Tip:
Through our SisterStaff program, we help businesses source compliant, qualified candidates quickly — ensuring you’re never caught short when it’s time to scale.
Download our Recruitment Compliance Checklist inside the Founder’s Circle.
Step 6: Train and Develop Continuously
Your carers are your greatest asset — and their training is your greatest protection.
From induction to advanced CPD courses, your team should have access to:
- Mandatory training (safeguarding, health and safety, infection control)
- Role-specific training (e.g., dementia care, PEG feeding)
- Leadership and management training (for future senior carers)
Big Sister Tip:
Later this year, Big Sister will launch the Carer Academy — a comprehensive online training platform for care staff development, including VR-based real-world simulations!
Sign up to get early access to Carer Academy here.
Step 7: Keep Records Right
Good recordkeeping protects you legally, supports better care delivery, and earns top marks from inspectors.
You’ll need:
- Staff files (with vetting, training, and supervision records)
- Service user files (with care plans, reviews, communication logs)
- Incident and accident logs
- Complaints records
- Supervision and appraisal documentation
Big Sister Tip:
We teach our businesses simple, efficient systems for compliance — including digital solutions that save hours of paperwork.
Step 8: Commit to Ongoing Improvement
No care company gets everything perfect from day one — and regulators don’t expect that either.
What they do expect is:
- A culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Evidence that you act on feedback
- An ability to reflect, adapt, and grow
Big Sister Tip:
Our quarterly Quality Assurance workshops ensure that Big Sister businesses are always inspection-ready — and constantly raising the bar.
Build It Right. Build It Strong. Build It with Big Sister.
If you’re serious about creating a care business that lasts, laying the right foundations isn’t optional — it’s essential.
At Big Sister, we don’t just tell you what to do.
We roll up our sleeves and build it alongside you — providing templates, toolkits, investment, strategic guidance, and a ready-made community of peers.
Explore the Homecare Business Blueprint YouTube Playlist for free training.
Apply to become a Big Sister investee and launch your care business the smart way here.
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