Fast-track online recruitment platform for adult social care launched

A new online platform to fast-track recruitment into the adult social care sector has been launched by the UK government.

Developed and licensed from Cera Care, Join Social Care, is a recruitment platform that allows candidates to record a video interview and access free training supported by Skills for Care before starting employment.

Registered providers are then able to search for candidates in their local area, view their video interviews before starting DBS checks and training processes, and make conditional offers making recruitment more streamlined during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Minister for care Helen Whately said: “The dedication and commitment of care workers during this global pandemic has been an inspiration to us all. We know we need more people working in care, and lots of people are coming forwards to do just that.

“As part of our adult social care action plan, we’ve launched a new platform to accelerate recruitment and help providers find candidates in their area.

“Crucially, candidates who want to work in social care can get free training and DBS checks, as well as access to job opportunities. We want to see thousands more people taking up the chance to work in care, boosting the social care workforce in this unprecedented time.”

Free online induction training for candidates is provided by Skills for Care endorsed learning providers and will include infection prevention and control, basic life support and first aid and safeguarding adults.

As part of the recruitment process candidates will undertake pre-employment checks to help fast-track the recruitment process for employers. Providers can start the DBS checking process as soon as they have identified a potential employee and looked at their video interview.

This is part of the government’s ongoing social care action plan to ensure the sector has the resources it needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, an online portal which aims to make it easier for care homes to arrange deliveries of coronavirus test kits was also launched.

It’s been a big year for Cera Care with the home care start-up in March rolling out an analytics platform after securing £54 million in new funding. It followed its acquisition of Mears Care in a £30 million deal.