Guide for employers and families

Finding the right carer or support worker often starts with giving a clear picture of the person needing support, the role itself, and what kind of arrangement may work best. CarePair is designed to help employers, families, and authorised adults present that information in a more structured way, so early conversations can start on a better footing.

CarePair is an online matching and introduction service. It is not an employer, agency, or care provider. Any care, support, work, or payment arrangement is agreed directly between the users involved.

Start with a clear and honest profile

A strong profile helps carers understand who support is for, what sort of help is needed, and whether they may be a good fit. It does not need to include every detail straight away, but it should give a realistic picture.

• write in plain language and keep the information easy to follow
• explain whether support is for yourself, another adult, or for a child or young person through an authorised adult
• include the general location so carers can judge travel and availability
• be honest about the level of support needed and the type of role on offer
• keep the profile up to date if hours, routines, or circumstances change

Describe the role clearly

A clearer role description saves time for everyone. It helps carers decide whether to make contact and reduces confusion later.

• set out the main duties in straightforward terms
• say whether the role involves personal care, community access, companionship, household support linked to care, or overnight shifts
•  make clear whether the hours are regular, flexible, daytime, evening, sleeping night, or waking night
•  include any important practical points such as driving, pets, stairs, mobility equipment, or communication support
• be realistic about pay, hours, and expectations

Share the right information at the right stage

It is helpful to share enough information for someone to understand the role, but there is no need to put every personal detail into a public-facing profile. Early contact should usually focus on what matters for deciding whether there may be a fit.

• share the kind of support needed, without giving more private information than necessary at the start
• avoid posting unnecessary personal details such as full addresses, exact routines, or sensitive family information too early
• keep more detailed health, household, or care information for later conversations where it is genuinely relevant
• use CarePair messaging where possible so early discussions stay in one place
• only share documents that are relevant to the discussion and appropriate for that stage

Think about what carers will want to know

Many carers will want to understand what the day-to-day reality of the role looks like. A profile or role description is often stronger when it answers the questions someone is likely to have before they ask them.

• what does a typical day or shift look like
• what kind of person may suit the role
• is the support one-to-one or family-based
• how many hours are available and when
• is there flexibility, regular routine, or both
• are there any skills, experience, or confidence areas that matter

Prepare for first contact

Once carers start getting in touch, it helps to be ready for those early conversations. A little preparation can make contact feel easier and more organised.

• decide in advance what you want to ask about experience, availability, and approach
• be ready to explain the role in a simple and consistent way
• think about what checks you may want to make before moving forward, such as references, right to work checks, or DBS checks where relevant
• consider what information you are comfortable sharing at first contact and what can wait until later
• take your time if something feels unclear or rushed

Use documents carefully

CarePair includes document sharing to help users exchange useful information in a more organised way. That can be helpful, but it is still worth thinking carefully about what to send and when.

• share documents that are relevant to the role, such as a care plan, CV, training record, or DBS-related information where appropriate
• check documents are current and accurate before sharing them
• avoid sharing unnecessary documents too early in the process
• remember that some information may be sensitive and should only be shared where there is a clear reason

Keep early conversations focused

Early messages do not need to cover everything. The aim is usually to work out whether there may be a good fit and whether it is worth taking the next step.

• confirm basic availability and interest
• ask any key questions about the role or support needs
• clarify anything important that may affect suitability
• avoid overloading the first conversation with too much detail at once
• move forward gradually if the conversation feels positive and appropriate

What can make a profile stronger

In general, the strongest profiles and role descriptions feel clear, honest, and practical. They help carers picture the role and understand what sort of arrangement is being offered.

• clear wording
• realistic expectations
• up-to-date information
• enough detail to understand the role
• careful handling of personal and sensitive information

A helpful reminder

CarePair can help employers, families, and authorised adults present information more clearly and start conversations in a more structured way. It can support matching, messaging, and document sharing, but users still need to make their own decisions and checks before agreeing any care, support, or working arrangement.