I am looking into starting a support work company for young adults with disabilities. Any support would be appreciated

[S1900]

Hi everyone!

I am considering starting a company which provides support for young adults with various disabilities. The support workers duties would include supporting people to access the community/other tasks which do not include personal cares.

Myself and my partner have a lot of previous experience in working in similar settings. I am a social worker and he is a support worker, offering the service we would like to deliver.

I have been doing lots of research but any support/advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[fisicx]

Whilst an admirable undertaking what are you doing that is different to all the hundreds of other charities already offering these sort of services.

 

[Deleted member 356896]

What part of the country are you in?

 

[S1900]

Whilst an admirable undertaking what are you doing that is different to all the hundreds of other charities already offering these sort of services.

Good point, I will look into this further. Thank you

 

[S1900]

What part of the country are you in?

I’m in Yorkshire

 

[DoolallyTap]

Have you investigated LTD CIC special companies (Care In The Community) non profit special businesses?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

@DoolallyTap CIC = Community Interest Company - do you mean something else?

 

[Gecko001]

If you plan to start this while still working as a social worker, you need to tell your employer about it. If the business was totally unrelated to social work, it should not be a problem, but since it is related, then there could be problems with what you are planning.

 

[DoolallyTap]

A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.

 

[Ozzy]

@DoolallyTap CIC = Community Interest Company - do you mean something else?

A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.

You are both talking about the same thing, the official name is 'Community Interest Company'. A previous company I ran used to help people set them up until I sold that business in 2014.

I have been doing lots of research but any support/advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

The main piece of advice you must consider is how you are you going to pay your wages. Doing good is on thing but it won't last if you don't have an income to cover all your costs and pay yourself enough to live on - so research and make sure you have a sustainable plan in place before you start.

 

[S1900]

If you plan to start this while still working as a social worker, you need to tell your employer about it. If the business was totally unrelated to social work, it should not be a problem, but since it is related, then there could be problems with what you are planning.

Hi,

Can I check why I would need to tell my employer as my clients would not be coming from my direct practice as a social worker.

Thanks

 

[Ozzy]

Can I check why I would need to tell my employer as my clients would not be coming from my direct practice as a social worker.

It depends what the wording of your employment contract states. Some employment contracts restrict absolutely any other activity at all for example.

 

[IanSuth]

you need to get on here - https://procontract.due-north.com/Login

It is a procurement portal for public sector and i am always seeing requests to tender for services like you are talking about.

for example today alone these 2 new ones popped up

Market Engagement Event- The Provision of Short Breaks for Children and Young People with Disabilities in Stockport, Trafford, Tameside and Rochdale

Expression of Interest for Extra Care Housing Services - Lewisham

 

[S1900]

It depends what the wording of your employment contract states. Some employment contracts restrict absolutely any other activity at all for example.

Thanks Ozzy. There is absolutely nothing in my contract about this. I will discuss with my manager anyway to make sure