An introductory and verification platform — not a care agency
HBS helps PHB families, private clients and professionals find verified independent carers. Families choose and direct the carer. HBS handles verification, protected introductions, approved hours and payment processing.
What HBS is
- An introductory service connecting families with independent carers
- A verification service: ID, DBS, references, training and competency
- A platform for protected introductions and approved-hours records
- A payment processor between family and independent carer
- A support team for onboarding, PHB guidance and complaints handling
What HBS does not do
- HBS does not directly provide regulated personal care
- HBS does not employ carers on behalf of families
- HBS is not a CQC-registered care provider
- HBS does not run payroll or issue payslips
- HBS does not manage rotas or supervise care delivery
- HBS does not provide clinical sign-off or supervision
For families — step by step
From enquiry to approved hours, here is how a typical family journey works.
- STEP 01
Submit a Family Enquiry
Tell HBS about who needs support, funding route (PHB, direct payment or private), hours and any complex requirements.
- STEP 02
Browse verified carer profiles
Review interviewed, DBS-checked and competency-verified independent carers.
- STEP 03
Request a protected introduction
Accept introduction terms. Once both sides accept, HBS releases contact details.
- STEP 04
Meet, trial and choose
Meet the carer, run an optional paid trial shift, then choose to engage them directly.
- STEP 05
Log approved support hours
Confirm hours each week. HBS produces an Earnings Statement and processes the family payment.
For independent carers — step by step
Independent carers stay self-employed throughout. HBS facilitates introductions and processes payments.
- STEP 01
Apply as an independent carer
Submit your application, ID, right-to-work and experience details.
- STEP 02
Verification & interview
HBS reviews DBS, references, training evidence and conducts an interview to set your verification level.
- STEP 03
Publish your profile
Once verified, your profile is published with badges showing the evidence reviewed.
- STEP 04
Receive protected introductions
Families request introductions. You accept the terms before contact is released.
- STEP 05
Submit hours, receive payment
Submit approved hours each week. You receive an Earnings Statement — you remain self-employed.
Protected introductions
HBS holds contact details until both sides accept the introduction terms.
Both sides accept first
Family and carer each accept introduction terms before contact details are released.
Contact released by HBS
Once accepted, HBS releases contact details so the family and carer can meet directly.
Off-platform safeguards
Arrangements stay connected to HBS for an agreed period so payments, hours and complaints remain protected.
Support arrangements
Once the family engages a carer, the arrangement is recorded with HBS.
- The family and independent carer agree the working relationship directly
- HBS records the arrangement so approved hours and payments can be tracked
- Either party can pause or end the arrangement at any time
- Trial shifts can be run as paid sessions before a longer arrangement
Approved hours and payments
A simple weekly cycle keeps hours, payments and earnings clear.
Approved hours
Carers submit hours each week. Families approve them. Disputes can be raised directly from the hours record.
Payments & Earnings Statements
Families pay via HBS. Carers receive an Earnings Statement showing what was approved. Carers remain self-employed.
HBS charges a platform fee on top of the carer's hourly rate. HBS does not run payroll or issue payslips.
Complaints and concerns
Any party can raise a concern with HBS at any time.
- Use the Complaints & Concerns page to raise a platform concern
- Categories include payment queries, off-platform issues and safeguarding
- HBS reviews each concern, records outcomes and may pause profiles or restrict accounts
- Safeguarding concerns are signposted to the appropriate statutory body
Ready to get started?
Whether you're a family looking for support or an independent carer ready to join, HBS is here to help.