Microenterprises for care and support in Rhondda Cynon Taf

What is the project?

This project aims to create a network of microenterprises in Rhondda Cynon Taf to connect people with the support they need.

The project will make use of small businesses to enhance the delivery of care and support to people in the area.

These businesses, known as microenterprises, are self-employed and offer their services like any other business.

The project was initially set up to tackle "care deserts" in certain areas of the county where domiciliary care capacity was poor. But its focus has now shifted to provide flexible and personalised care options without needing people to employ their own care staff.

The project is specifically aimed at people who need care and support, enabling them to live independently and engage more in their local community. This includes people who have been formally assessed by a care manager and those who privately purchase care.

Why is it being carried out?

Quality assurance and training: Social workers and other council staff value microenterprises, but there are some reservations and concerns around quality assurance and training. The project uses the Doing It Right Standards, developed by Community Catalysts, to make sure microenterprises understand their role, have the relevant policies in place and register as self-employed, with the relevant insurance and DBS checks in place. Microenterprises who complete the standards can join the Tribe directory, making sure they receive job opportunities through the council's brokerage department as well as being searchable by the general public.

Supply and demand balance: There’s currently a fragile balance between the demand for and supply of microenterprise care in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This balance needs to be carefully managed to make sure microenterprises are financially viable, people needing care have enough choice, and care managers can confidently direct people towards microenterprises as a means of available support. The project has grown steadily since it started, with more hours allocated through a direct payment for people to meet their care and support needs. Significant work and investment has been allocated to campaigns to attract more microenterprises through social media, and the team have worked with partners such as Tribe and Community Catalysts to offer start-up grants and paid referral schemes.

Sustainability: The most recent project review shows that supportive mechanisms will be needed in the medium term to fully establish a sustainable microenterprise environment in RCT.  Our experience has been that people need a high level of support to set up as a microenterprise and that dedicated guidance and support is crucial. Another crucial component is to have an up-to-date and easy-to-use directory available to social care staff and the public. The team have have found this with Tribe and also use this for their brokerage service for those using a microenterprise to meet statutory care and support needs. 

Where and when is the work taking place?

This project is being carried out in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The work started in April 2023 as a two-year project but has since received funding through to March 2026.

Who’s involved?

This work is being done by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, with support from Community Catalysts and the Tribe Project.

The project has received Shared Prosperity Fund funding.

What have they learned from the work?

People using microenterprises and their unpaid carers feel they have a great deal of control over their care, enabling independent living and improved social engagement in the local community. 

Compared to traditional domiciliary care, people reported significantly better experiences from the care received through a microenterprise in the external evaluation.

The evaluation also showed that the microenterprises reported significant levels of job satisfaction.