Have you heard of the Care Connector Network? It’s a safe space network designed exclusively for the social care sector. It provides access to over 3,000 people - both care providers and suppliers to the care sector - who are dedicated to improving care together.
We sat down with the mastermind behind the Care Connector Network, Iain Clague, to find out more about it.
Thanks for joining us Iain. Can you tell us more about why you decided to set the network up?
Well it was born out of wanting to help the care sector during COVID. Like many, I was out of work (my background is in nutrition and catering management, mostly in care homes). I was in a few care-related groups and I could see that people were really struggling. Many small suppliers like myself were in a similar situation - without work, wanting to help and not knowing how to get through to the right people. Meanwhile the care sector was in disarray - care providers didn’t know what was going on with the constantly changing government guidelines. And I observed that the amount of help people got was really dependent on their business size. Small providers without a network or a back office were really struggling.
I just wanted to help.
So I set-up a Facebook group initially, and the rules were:
That was the beginning of the Care Connector Network.
So what exactly is the Care Connector Network Iain?
The Care Connector Network is a dedicated platform for networking in social care. Imagine that it’s like Facebook, but for social care (and better!).
83% of care providers in the UK only have one registered service. So there are a lot of people out there who need a lot of support and don’t know who to ask or where to get it.
By joining the Care Connector Network, you get access to:
Online networking platform - with role-specific closed groups that are safe spaces to have the conversations you need to have with peers at your level.
Weekly huddle - a 1 hour chitchat on Zoom every Wednesday at 9.30am. A chance to get to know other humans (both care providers and suppliers) in a light-hearted, down-to-earth way.
Trusted suppliers (like Nursebuddy!) - who you can meet in a non-salesy way
In-person networking and learning events - at least three every year in different parts of the country, small-scale so you can have a proper chat without feeling overwhelmed.
Online CPD-accredited learning opportunities - where our members from all sorts of backgrounds share their expertise.
Private Facebook group - if you prefer to be over there
We’ve also recently launched a 12-month incubator programme for new care businesses, and those that are struggling. Run by the wide range of experts within our network, it’s to help care providers shift from being service, to businesses. As well as training on things like HR, marketing and finance, you’ll receive support from your peer within the network, as well as discounts with the Federation of Small Businesses.
What’s the main benefit a care provider can get from the Care Connector Network?
Togetherness.
I truly believe that the only people that can change the care sector is the sector itself and the people that support it. So the Care Connector Network is about doing this TOGETHER. Suppliers and care providers working together to solve problems and make care better.
Sounds great. How do you join the Care Connector Network?
Care providers and suppliers can sign-up directly at thecareconnector.co.uk. Membership is a flat rate of £365 a year - i.e. £1 a day. With that, care providers gain access to the Care Connector Network for their whole team. So everyone in their service can join the relevant group for their job role, plus events, the huddle and lots of CPD-accredited learning.
See you at the next huddle!
