An important new partnership between the National Care Force and the Foundation will provide support through funding to an online tool that matches volunteers with social care providers.
Endorsed by Care England and the National Care Forum, the easy-to-use National Care Force platform will address the urgent need faced by the social care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The free online platform is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status pending, powered by healthcare staffing technology firm Florence. It works by connecting volunteers with opportunities to help across the social care sector. Opportunities are posted directly to the platform by the care providers who have joined.
Florence founders Dr. Charles Armitage (former NHS doctor) and Dan Blake developed the National Care Force. The new platform will allow social care providers, healthcare workers and volunteers across the UK to register to use the platform now. After going through compliance checks (including qualifications and criminal record), users update their profile with skills and experience. Care providers follow a similar process, adding details about their care setting and what help they need. The platform’s algorithm will match relevant opportunities to users. Volunteers apply, and the care provider will select a candidate to help.
Doctors, nurses, care workers, support workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists are all able to join. They can volunteer to cover clinical staff rota gaps in a variety of care settings. Anyone can join as a volunteer, regardless of work background. They can volunteer for opportunities such as picking up shopping for those self-isolating, or in-home care such as cleaning and laundry. Social care providers who can join include care homes, home care services and local authorities. They will be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
“There are very few “drop everything” moments in life and this is one of them. We are facing unprecedented challenges across our entire Health and Social Care system. I want to make sure we each do all we can to help to protect the most vulnerable in our society.” On partnering with the Foundation, Dan said “we’re delighted to partner with CareTech and receive their invaluable support. Social care needs urgent assistance right now and we’re thankful that the CareTech Foundation is joining us to step up during this time of crisis.”
“We are committed to supporting the urgent needs of the sector, especially during this uncertain and challenging time. The team behind National Care Force have taken a wonderful initiative and recognised an area that could enhance and save lives, not just for the vulnerable in our society but also for care workers who are some of the most dedicated people in any sector. Volunteering is the backbone of society and we have seen what a difference it has made for the NHS; we hope that this partnership will see similar benefits for the social care sector.”
