Private carer contracts: what to include and why you need one

Why a verbal agreement isn't enough

Without a written agreement, every disagreement becomes your word against theirs: what the hourly rate was, whether notice was given, what duties were agreed. A contract also demonstrates to HMRC that you're genuinely self-employed — running your own business with your own terms — rather than a disguised employee.

The clauses every carer contract needs

A solid contract between you and a private client should cover:

• Who the agreement is between — your name and the client's (or the family member arranging care)
• The services you'll provide — and just as importantly, what you're not contracted to do
• Your rate, how you'll invoice, and the payment terms
• Visit times, expected duration, and how changes are agreed
• A cancellation policy — for example, visits cancelled with less than 24 or 48 hours' notice are chargeable
• Notice period for ending the arrangement on both sides
• What happens when you're ill or on holiday — whether you arrange cover or the client does
• A clear statement that you are self-employed and responsible for your own tax and National Insurance
• Insurance, confidentiality and data protection commitments
• How concerns or complaints will be raised and handled

The cancellation clause is the one that pays you

The clause carers are most glad they have is the cancellation policy. A client cancelling at the door costs you a paid hour you can't refill. A written policy — signed before care starts — turns an awkward conversation into a simple reference to what you both already agreed.

Getting it signed without awkwardness

Present the contract as a standard part of how you work: 'Before we start, I go through my service agreement with every client — it protects us both.' Most families are reassured by it; a carer with a proper contract looks more professional, not less friendly.

Sign it together at the first meeting. Care-Solo lets you open your contract on your phone, fill in the client's details, and both sign on the screen there and then — a signed copy is emailed to you both automatically, so there's no printing, scanning or lost paperwork.

Review it when things change

Revisit the contract when the rate changes, duties grow, or the arrangement has been running a year. A short updated agreement signed again is far stronger than an old contract that no longer matches reality.

Contracts and consent work together

Alongside the service agreement, most carers keep a signed consent-to-care form covering personal care, medication support and information sharing, plus a risk assessment for the home. Care-Solo includes all three — contract, consent form and risk assessment — pre-written in plain English with your details filled in, ready to sign on your phone.