The journey begins with a friendly conversation where you share your specific requirements with us. This is especially helpful if you would like our assistance in searching for the right carer, as we offer two distinct options:
1. Managed Assistance: You tell us what you need, and we post your requirements on our platform for you. Carers will then respond to you directly. If you find the process difficult at any stage, you can contact us for support. Even with our help, the decision and choice are always yours; North East Care Group will not make these decisions for you.
2. Platform Search: Alternatively, you can lead the search yourself by using our platform to find and select carers who have responded to your posted requirements.
Whichever path you take, you will always meet your chosen carers before the agreed start date. This ensures you can confirm their details, verify their suitability, and ask any questions face-to-face before care commences.
Care costs depend on the type and frequency of support you require. We are committed to transparency, ensuring there are no hidden extra costs. All private freelance carers using our platform set their own rates on their profiles.
Our fee structure is designed to be fair to both the carer and the client:
For Carers: We take a small 12% commission from the carer’s hourly rate to cover marketing, advertising, and administrative charges.
For Clients: We add a 5%–8% fee on top of the carer’s rate to cover our service costs.
Example Calculation:
If a carer’s rate is £20 per hour: The Carer takes home £17.60 (after our 12% deduction).
The Client pays £21.00 per hour (including our 5% fee).
At North East Care Group, we believe carers deserve better pay, just as our clients deserve affordable, high-quality service.
To ensure safety and security, all payments are handled through our secure platform. Once you and your carer have agreed on a service arrangement, invoices are generated automatically based on the hours worked. You can pay securely via the platform, and funds are held until the care has been successfully delivered. Please note that cash payments are never acceptable, as they bypass safeguarding protocols and invalidate insurance cover.
Client safety is our number one priority. Every carer on our platform undergoes a rigorous vetting process, which includes:
An enhanced DBS check (or equivalent).
Verification of the right to work in the UK.
Thorough reference checks.
Verification of professional qualifications and experience.
Yes. To provide peace of mind for both parties, all self-employed carers working through the North East Care Group platform are covered by comprehensive public liability insurance while they are providing care.
Our platform is designed to protect you through secure payments, insurance, and ongoing support and advise to carers regarding self-assessments, a requirement by HMRC for everyone who is self-employed. If you wish to employ a carer directly (off-platform) after meeting them through us, a placement fee will apply. We strongly advise staying on the platform to ensure you remain covered by our safeguarding and insurance policies.
Consistency is vital. If your regular carer is unwell or away, we will assist you in finding a suitable replacement from our network so your routine remains uninterrupted.
We have a broad network of professionals. If a local match isn’t immediately available, we will search further afield for carers willing to travel or provide live-in support, ensuring you receive the help you need.
We offer a unique balance of professional support and personal autonomy. Unlike traditional models, we empower you to make the final decision. By facilitating face-to-face meetings and maintaining a clear, honest pricing structure, we ensure every arrangement is built on trust and mutual respect.
Practical Steps for Choosing a Carer
Review the Rates: Look at the different rates set by carers on our platform to find one that fits your budget.
Prepare for the Meeting: Use the pre-start meeting to discuss your routine and ensure the carer’s skills align with your needs.
Open Communication: Discuss all fees and schedules during your initial meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page.
North East Care Group is proud to announce that we have been nominated for Business Supporting the Community with the Love South Tyneside Awards 2026.
