Micro Provision
The Somerset Micro-enterprise programme is a partnership between Somerset Council, Community Catalysts CIC and The Community Council for Somerset, which aims to support the development of very small, community-based care and support services that:
- Provide personal, flexible and responsive support and care.
- Give local people more choice and control over the support they get.
- Offer an alternative to more traditional services.
To be a micro-enterprise they must have eight or fewer paid or unpaid workers and be totally independent of any larger organisation. Examples of micro-services could include:
- Support to keep well, socialise and remain independent.
- Support to people living in their own homes.
- Short breaks and holidays
- Support to access employment, education and leisure
- Day support and help around the home.
The Council operates an accredited micro provider scheme; we offer advice and support, and we request providers sign up to our “Doing It Right Quality Standards”.
As of March 2023, there were 1128 providers, with 788 accredited providers.
Micro providers are a key element in how the Council supports people. There is a perception from home care providers that the development of the micro provider service has had a detrimental impact on the workforce capacity in home care. Micro providers tend to be self-employed and can choose to work hours that suit themselves and not constrained by a formal employment contract.
The Council recognise the different roles of micro providers and the care home regulated sector and need to support both sectors to work collaboratively to deliver the support people require.
The Council want to work with micro providers to ensure they are supporting people appropriately.