More than 200 carers sign up to innovative recruitment app

More than 200 self-employed carers from Bristol, Bath and Somerset have signed up to a recruitment app which is starting to disrupt the expensive and complex social care system.

AgoraStaff, launched less than a month ago is an app for the social care sector, and its aim is to link care providers – such as independent care homes, local authority care homes or supported living providers directly to qualified temporary staff looking for shifts.

The app is the brainchild of Richard Williams-Pears, a former mayor of St Austell in Cornwall, who saw firsthand the rising costs and inefficiencies in social care. He teamed up with his wife Jolene, AgoraStaff’s Director of Compliance, who has an extensive background in operating theatres and compliance in the healthcare sector and they brought together a core group of people to develop the business.

Richard said: “Providing care is expensive and it’s even more expensive if a care home, local authority, or other care provider has to then pay an agency to find carers, particularly at the last minute.

“We know there’s a better way, using modern technology, to speed up this process leaving more money available for carers and providers.”

Jolene Williams-Pears is thrilled with how quickly carers have embraced the concept.

“We are utterly delighted that in less than a month, over 200 carers have embraced the opportunity to take control of their working lives, connecting directly with providers and choosing shifts that work for them.

“Care providers can book with confidence, knowing each carer has been thoroughly vetted and their qualifications are verified and displayed, ensuring the right match for every shift."

As of 27th June, 206 carers have signed up to the platform in Bristol, Somerset, across to south Wales and Swindon down to Yeovil and up to Gloucester.

The AgoraStaff team are now inviting care providers to join the app so they can book qualified carers directly, saving them money and allowing those carers to earn more. AgoraStaff is now live Somerset, Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas.

Care providers can sign up for free on the app until July 31 and from August 1 the cost for new providers will be £299 per year per location (first three months’ free). Trained carers sign up FREE once they have completed the vetting process.