Compassionate care — SO-CARE AGENCY LTD
CQC Compliant • DBS Checked • 24/7 Support

Trusted Care
Staffing Across
the North East

“Connecting Care. Changing Lives.”

SO-CARE AGENCY LTD supplies compassionate, fully vetted healthcare professionals to care homes, nursing homes, and supported living facilities — whenever you need them.

I Need Staff Register as a Carer About Us
+44 7823 799208 +44 7414 648696
DBS Checked
CQC Compliant
Fully Insured
24/7 Available
24/7
On-Call
👴
Resident
♥
♥
👩‍⚕️
HCA / Nurse
DBS
Certified
Insured
Uniformed
ID Badged
100%
Compliant
24/7
On-Call Placement
100%
DBS Checked Staff
£5M
Public Liability
£10M
Employers Liability
Care in Action

Real Care, Real People

Our professionals deliver compassionate, person-centred care across every setting in the North East.

Morning Care & Companionship
Personal Care
Morning Care & Companionship
Residential care homes · Trained HCAs
Skilled Nursing Rounds
Nursing
Skilled Nursing Rounds
Nursing homes · NMC-registered nurses
Home Visits & Personal Care
Domiciliary Care
Home Visits & Personal Care
Home care · Community HCAs
Companionship & Support
Supported Living
Companionship & Support
Supported living · Support workers
Meal Prep & Daily Living
Meal & Home Support
Meal Prep & Daily Living
Domiciliary · Personal care
Night Cover — 24/7
Emergency & Night Cover
Night Cover — 24/7
Same-day placement · Always available
Our Services

Staffing for Every Care Setting

Click any service to learn more.

Care Homes
Care Homes
We match the right HCA to each home — from dementia support to end-of-life care.
Learn more
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Our nurses hold current NMC registration and work to the highest clinical standards.
Learn more
Supported Living
Supported Living
We place compassionate support workers who promote independence every day.
Learn more
Domiciliary Care
Domiciliary Care
Our community carers help people stay safely at home with dignity on every visit.
Learn more
Palliative Care
Palliative Care
We select carers with clinical skill and the emotional sensitivity end-of-life demands.
Learn more
Emergency Cover
Emergency Cover
Call us any time — day or night. We aim to confirm placements within hours, 365 days.
Learn more
 North East & UK-Wide Coverage

Serving care facilities across the entire North East and beyond. £5M PL • £10M EL insurance.

Newcastle upon Tyne
Gateshead
Sunderland
County Durham
Middlesbrough
Northumberland
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Hartlepool
Stockton-on-Tees
Darlington
Teesside
+ UK-Wide
Every Person Deserves Compassionate Care

People first — always.

👵
Elderly Residents
Person-centred care respecting dignity.
👩‍⚕️
HCAs & Support Workers
Skilled professionals, backbone of care.
🏥
Care Facilities
Reliable staffing keeping services running.
👨‍👩‍👧
Families
Peace of mind — loved ones in safe hands.
About Us

We Care About Care

Personal care
Personal Care Sessions
Residential care home • HCA
Care Cert.
DBS
Medication
Medication Support
Nursing home • Qualified nurse
NMC Reg.
Insured
Supported living
Supported Living Visit
Community care • Support worker
Uniformed
ID Badged
Home care
Home Care Visit
Domiciliary • Community HCA
Timesheet
Vetted

Connecting the Best Care Professionals

SO-CARE AGENCY LTD connects skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals with care facilities across the North East. Every member is DBS checked, trained to UK standards, and fully insured.

  • CQC Fundamental Standards compliance
  • Enhanced DBS checks via uCheck
  • Care Certificate trained professionals
  • Mandatory training always up to date
  • £5M PL & £10M EL insurance
  • ICO Registered • Ref: C1963565
Staff Competencies

Everything Our Staff Are Trained to Do

All SO-CARE staff are trained across a comprehensive range of care duties before any placement.

🛁 Personal Care
  • ✓Full personal care — washing, dressing, grooming
  • ✓All types of hoists and slings — safe manual handling
  • ✓Assisted baths and showers with full dignity
  • ✓Personal care monitoring and vital signs
  • ✓Assisted tobacco breaks for residents (dignity protocol)
🍴 Meals & Nutrition
  • ✓Meal preparation — breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • ✓Assisted and supervised feeding for residents
  • ✓Tea and coffee trolley rounds — fluid monitoring
  • ✓Dish washing and kitchen hygiene standards
  • ✓Lounge and dining area setup, cleaning and arranging
🧺 Infection & Safety
  • ✓Hazard bin colour coding — clinical waste protocols
  • ✓Laundry segregation — infection control colour system
  • ✓PPE use — gloves, aprons, masks at all care stages
  • ✓Fire hazard awareness and evacuation procedures
  • ✓7-step hand hygiene technique throughout care
📋 Documentation & Handovers
  • ✓Accurate care plan documentation and daily notes
  • ✓Full shift handovers — verbal and written explanations
  • ✓Monitoring device handling — BP, oxygen, glucose
  • ✓Timesheet completion and manager sign-off
  • ✓Incident reporting and safeguarding documentation
Our Founder

Leadership with Purpose

Shobana Raj Kumar
Shobana Raj KumarFounder & Director, SO-CARE AGENCY LTD

A Founder Who Truly Understands Care

Shobana founded SO-CARE AGENCY LTD with a rare combination of academic HR expertise and hands-on care experience, giving her unique insight into both sides of healthcare staffing.

She holds an MSc in Global HRM from Newcastle University (CIPD-accredited) and a BSc in Geriatric Care Technology, with HR experience at Athulya Senior Care in India and active work as a care assistant in the UK.

CIPD-Accredited MScAn internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in strategic HR, employment law, workforce planning and global people management — directly shaping how SO-CARE recruits and supports its healthcare workforce.
BSc Geriatric CareA degree specialising in elderly care, covering clinical principles, assistive technology and person-centred approaches — giving Shobana direct insight into the care needs our staff support every day.
HR & RecruitmentEnd-to-end HR experience covering recruitment, onboarding, HRIS and staff documentation at a major senior care organisation — underpinning SO-CARE's rigorous compliance and vetting processes.
UK Care ExperienceWorking as a care assistant in the North East gives Shobana first-hand understanding of what facilities need and what carers face daily — ensuring every SO-CARE placement is truly informed.
What We Provide

Everything Staff Need from Day One

Uniforms
Uniforms
Branded SO-CARE uniforms make our staff immediately recognisable as professional carers.
ID Badge
ID Badge
Every worker carries a photo ID so residents and managers can verify identity at a glance.
Timesheets
Timesheets
Signed weekly timesheets create a clear payroll record protecting workers and facilities.
DBS Checks
DBS Checks
Enhanced DBS processed through uCheck umbrella body — typically returned within 48 hours.
Training Records
Training Records
We hold and monitor every certificate, alerting workers before any expiry date.
24/7 Support
24/7 Support
Our team is reachable around the clock for urgent requests, shift changes or issues.
Our Standards

How We Vet & Train

Application & Interview
Application & Interview
We interview every candidate face-to-face, assessing care values, UK standards and communication skills.
Enhanced DBS Check
Enhanced DBS Check
Every worker is DBS checked through uCheck before their first shift — no exceptions.
Reference Verification
Reference Verification
We contact minimum two referees directly to verify employment history and conduct.
Mandatory Training
Mandatory Training
Staff must hold current certificates in all core modules before placement with any client.
Care Certificate
Care Certificate
We support all carers to achieve the Care Certificate across all 15 national standards.
Ongoing Compliance
Ongoing Compliance
We monitor every expiry date and remove workers from placement the moment a certificate lapses.
Payments

Transparent Pricing & Pay

 For Facilities

Monthly Invoicing

Clear itemised monthly invoices with signed timesheets attached.

30-Day Terms

Standard 30-day payment terms. Flexible arrangements for long-term partners.

Dedicated Account Manager

One point of contact for all invoicing and staffing needs.

 For Healthcare Workers

RoleRatePay
Care AssistantCompetitiveMonthly
Senior CarerAbove avg.Monthly
Support WorkerCompetitiveMonthly
Registered NurseNMC-gradeMonthly
Night / Bank HolsPremiumMonthly

Monthly BACS Pay

Paid monthly via BACS. Timesheets must be signed and submitted by the agreed cut-off date.

Why Choose Us

The SO-CARE Difference

01
Fast Placements
Fill shifts within hours. Same-day emergency cover 24/7 across the North East.
02
Fully Vetted Staff
DBS checked, reference verified, training current before every first shift.
03
Fair Rates
Transparent pricing for facilities. Best pay rates for our healthcare workers.
04
North East Experts
Local knowledge, local contacts, and a team always reachable when needed.
Join Our Team

Healthcare Workers — You Are Welcome Here

We welcome HCAs, nurses, senior carers and support workers from all backgrounds. UK and international candidates — students and non-students alike — are all encouraged to apply.

UK and international healthcare workers SO-CARE
UK & International Welcome

We actively recruit from across the world. All international healthcare workers with the right to work in the UK are encouraged to apply for HCA, nurse, senior carer and support worker roles across the North East.

Student healthcare worker with elderly resident SO-CARE
Students Welcome

Studying nursing, health or social care? We offer flexible shifts that fit your timetable. Build real hands-on care experience and earn monthly pay while you study.

Ready to Join SO-CARE?

Registration takes 5 minutes. We welcome HCAs, nurses, senior carers and support workers — all nationalities, students and non-students. We respond within 24 hours.

Register Now
Join Us

Need Staff or Want to Work?

🏥

I Need Staff

Vetted, experienced professionals across the North East. Tell us your needs and we'll handle the rest.

Enquire Now →
👩‍⚕️

I'm a Healthcare Professional

Flexible shifts, competitive weekly pay, uniforms, ID badge, and a team that genuinely cares about you.

Apply Now →
📋

Healthcare Professionals — Apply Online

Takes a few minutes. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Open Registration Form
Testimonials

What People Say

★★★★★

“SO-CARE responds quickly and every staff member they send is professional, caring, and reliable. We couldn't manage without them.”

SM
Sarah M.
Care Home Manager, Newcastle
★★★★★

“Competitive weekly pay, flexible shifts, uniform provided, and the team actually listens. Best agency in the North East.”

JO
James O.
Healthcare Assistant, Sunderland
★★★★★

“SO-CARE genuinely matches the right professionals to our residents' needs. Our care quality has improved significantly.”

PT
Priya T.
Registered Manager, Gateshead
News & Advice

Helpful Guides for Carers & Care Homes

Practical advice, industry news and career guidance from the SO-CARE team.

📋
Career Guide

What is the Care Certificate? A Complete Guide for New Carers

The Care Certificate covers 15 standards every care worker in England must complete. We explain what each standard involves, how long it takes, and why it matters for getting care work in the North East.

📅 June 2025 Read more
🏥
For Facilities

How to Fill Last-Minute Care Shifts Without Compromising on Quality

Short-staffed at short notice? Here are the steps care home managers across the North East use to get vetted, experienced cover quickly — without cutting corners on compliance or care standards.

📅 May 2025 Read more
🌐
International Workers

Working as a Carer in the UK: A Guide for International Healthcare Workers

Everything you need to know about getting care work in the UK — from DBS checks and right-to-work documents to what to expect on your first shift. Written especially for Indian, Nigerian and international candidates.

📅 April 2025 Read more

More articles coming soon — covering care careers, compliance updates and agency news. Get in touch if you have a topic you'd like us to cover.

Contact

Get in Touch

SO-CARE AGENCY LTD

Serving the North East and UK-wide. Available 24/7 for staffing enquiries and emergency cover.

Address
Collingwood Buildings, 38 Collingwood Street, Newcastle, NE1 1JF
Phone (24/7)
+44 7823 799208 • +44 7414 648696
Hours
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Healthcare Professional? Apply Here
Open Registration Form →
Send a Message

For urgent staffing call us 24/7. Healthcare workers — use the Google Form above.

⚙ Quick Setup — Receive Emails in 5 Minutes

1
Create a free EmailJS account at emailjs.com (free tier = 200 emails/month)
2
Add an Email Service → connect your Gmail or Outlook account → copy the Service ID
3
Create an Email Template with these variables: {{from_name}}, {{from_email}}, {{phone}}, {{sender_type}}, {{message}} → set To Email as info@socare.uk
4
Copy your Template ID from the template page
5
Copy your Public Key from Account → General
6
Open this HTML file in a text editor and replace the 3 values near line 940:
EMAILJS_SERVICE_ID = 'service_XXXXX'
EMAILJS_TEMPLATE_ID = 'template_XXXXX'
EMAILJS_PUBLIC_KEY = 'YOUR_KEY_HERE'
✓ That's it! Every form submission will land in info@socare.uk with the sender's name, email, phone, type and message.
Alternative: use Formspree or Web3Forms (even simpler — just add your email)
Service

Care Homes Staffing

Experienced HCAs and senior carers for residential care homes across the North East.

What We Supply

  • Care Assistants for personal care and daily living
  • Senior Carers for supervisory and complex needs
  • Dementia-trained staff with specialist knowledge
  • Night, weekend and bank holiday cover
  • Emergency same-day cover 24/7

Standards

  • CQC Fundamental Standards, Care Certificate (15 Standards)
  • Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding Adults, Moving & Handling

All staff: Enhanced DBS • References verified • Uniformed • ID badged

Request Staff Register as Carer
Service

Nursing Homes Staffing

Qualified nurses and HCAs for complex nursing support, NMC-verified where required.

Roles Supplied

  • Registered General Nurses (RGN) — NMC registered
  • Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMN)
  • Healthcare Assistants supporting nursing teams
  • Night duty nursing cover

Compliance

  • NMC Code of Conduct, medication competencies verified
  • Wound care, pressure ulcer prevention, documentation standards

All staff: Enhanced DBS • NMC pin verified (nurses) • Uniformed • ID badged

Request Staff Register as Nurse
Service

Supported Living Staffing

Specialist support workers for learning disabilities, mental health, and physical disabilities.

Roles Supplied

  • Learning Disability and Mental Health Support Workers
  • Physical Disability Support Workers
  • ASC and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) trained staff

Training

  • Mental Capacity Act, DoLS awareness
  • Lone worker safety and promoting independence

All staff: Enhanced DBS with barred lists • Person-centred values assessed • Uniformed • ID badged

Request Staff
Service

Domiciliary Care Staffing

Home care workers enabling individuals to stay independent in their own homes.

Services Covered

  • Personal care — washing, dressing, grooming
  • Medication prompting and administration support
  • Meal preparation and nutritional support
  • Companionship and community access

All staff: Enhanced DBS • Lone worker trained • Care Certificate • Uniformed • ID badged

Request Staff
Service

Palliative & End of Life Care

Compassionate specialists selected for clinical skill and exceptional emotional sensitivity.

Staff Supplied

  • Palliative care trained HCAs and senior carers
  • Night-sitting and 24-hour live-in support

Specialist Training

  • Gold Standards Framework, dignity in dying, cultural sensitivity
  • Communication with families in bereavement

We select palliative care staff for both clinical skill and exceptional compassion.

Request Staff
Service

Emergency Cover 24/7

True 24/7 emergency cover across the North East. Same-day placement for all care settings.

Our Response

  • 24/7 on-call team — always reachable
  • Same-day placement in most cases
  • All settings: care homes, nursing, supported living
  • All staff fully vetted, uniformed, and ID badged

Call now: +44 7823 799208 • +44 7414 648696 • 24/7/365

+44 7823 799208 +44 7414 648696
Legal

Privacy Policy

SO-CARE AGENCY LTD (ICO Ref: C1963565) is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Data Controller

SO-CARE AGENCY LTD, Collingwood Buildings, 38 Collingwood Street, Newcastle, NE1 1JF. Email: info@socare.uk

Data We Collect

  • Name, contact details and employment history (job applicants and registered workers)
  • Enhanced DBS certificates and right-to-work documents
  • Training records, Care Certificates and mandatory training evidence
  • Bank account details for payroll purposes only
  • Website enquiry data submitted via our contact form

How We Use Your Data

  • To assess suitability for healthcare placement roles
  • To process payroll and issue timesheets
  • To maintain compliance records required by CQC standards
  • To respond to facility and worker enquiries

Data Retention

  • Worker records: retained for 6 years after last placement
  • DBS certificates: retained as required by law
  • Website enquiries: retained for 12 months

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

  • Right to access your personal data
  • Right to correct inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Right to restrict or object to processing
  • Right to data portability

To exercise your rights or raise a concern: info@socare.uk
You may also contact the ICO at ico.org.uk or call 0303 123 1113.

Legal

Terms of Service

For Care Facilities

  • Signed timesheets required for all shifts
  • Payment within 30 days of invoice
  • Cannot directly employ agency staff within 12 weeks without agreement

For Healthcare Workers

  • Maintain all compliance — DBS and training
  • Minimum 4 hours notice for cancellations
  • Arrive uniformed with ID badge; timesheets signed end of each shift

Governed by English law. Queries: info@socare.uk

Legal

Modern Slavery Act

Committed to preventing slavery under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Our Commitments

  • Full identity and right-to-work checks for all staff
  • All workers paid at or above National Living Wage
  • Open-door policy for concerns about exploitation

Helpline: 0800 0121 700 • Contact: info@socare.uk

Compliance

CQC Compliance & Insurance

Compliance

  • Staff vetted to CQC Fundamental Standards
  • Enhanced DBS via uCheck umbrella body
  • Training records monitored — never placed out of date

Insurance

  • Public Liability: £5,000,000 • Employers Liability: £10,000,000

Registrations

  • ICO: C1963565 • DBS: uCheck • SIC: 78300

Documentation: admin@socare.uk

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