-
What are FirstCol's principles and how do they assure quality?
At FirstCol our ethos is Coverage, Quality, Compliance. We have a reputation for delivering a high quality and helpful service that meets the needs of very busy healthcare providers at very short notice. You can be assured that every member of staff supplied to you is fully assessed and vetted by us, according to our practice, which complies with and supports the Care Quality Commission standards.
We are regularly inspected by NHS Framework compliance team at short notice to ensure that our staff and policies and procedures are compliant
-
Is the agency registered with a governing body?
Yes, we are registered under the CQC and we are an approved NHS framework supplier.
-
What checks are carried out on the agency?
All agency staff undergo comprehensive recruitment checks which includes an enhanced DBS, robust referencing, mandatory training and complete two stage interviews
-
What are the arrangements if a member of your staff is sick or absent?
We have 24 hour on call system and the staff member is required to contact us as soon as they became unwell. We make arrangements for to replace them.
-
What are the procedures for cancelling the supply of a nurse?
Shifts can be cancelled any time giving a minimum of 2 hours’ notice before the start of the shift. If notice is not given, the shift will be charged in full.
-
Under what circumstances may FirstCol cease to provide services?
The circumstances under which FirstCol may cease to provide a service are detailed in the Service Level Agreement, a copy is signed by both parties at the time we commence the service .
-
How do I register as a client?
In the first instance, contact the FirstCol Bookings Office and we will hold you hand to process all relevant paperwork which includes an assessment and discussion regarding your staffing needs, agreement on charge rate. We will identify appropriate staff and commence service when all parties are in agreement.
-
What training do your staff receive?
There are three elements to the training provide by FirstCol these are as a follows: online theory training, practical face to face training and shadowing care calls with fully trained member of staff. Our training is aligned to Skills for Health.
-
Do you employ staff from overseas?
AYes we do, we currently undertake following procedures;
- Telephone interview
- Skype interview
- Police check( in their country)
- Make the travelling arrangements to come to UK
- Complete a formal face to face interview
- We then follow our recruitment checks which include Enhanced DBS and Reference checks
-
Can we pay via Direct Debit?
No, however payment can be made by standing order and alternative arrangement through discussion and agreement
