Series 2 of my podcast YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE is the start of a new chapter for me as I delve into more creativity, step away from regular operational HR work through Embrace HR, whilst still advocating for people who unwittingly become employers which was not in their plans.
Alexandra Knipe and Emma Tante from Anthony Gold Solicitors join me as my guests for this Episode 1 of Series 2. They share what it means to be a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection. We talk about the real challenges of employing care staff in their clients' homes. It can be an unnatural situation having people work sometimes 24/7, knowing your very personal business, your arguments with loved ones, living alongside your family on a daily basis.
There are goods and bads and as Alexandra and Emma point out, communication, communication, communication is the key to good relationships. This is a fact, of course, in all walks of life.
Alexandra, the Head of the Court of Protection Team at Anthony Gold solicitors, has been specialising in the field for over twenty years and acts as a deputy for many clients. Emma, a Partner at Anthony Gold Solicitors, has been working in the Court of Protection area for many years too, and deals with the day-to-day running of many files under deputyships.
Emma, talks about the whole day employment conference dedicated to all things employment that the Professional Deputies Forum (PDF) organised. Emma is an active member of the PDF who recognise the importance and challenges of their clients' employing staff in their homes.
Alexandra discusses her role as Deputy, primarily focusing on property and affairs management, and occasionally handling welfare needs, explaining that they act for clients with significant compensation awards, who require extensive care, that can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. Furthermore, as the employer on behalf of clients, she facilitates employment contracts for clients who cannot do so themselves. Emma added that the appointment of a deputy can be initiated by either a professional or a lay individual, especially when significant sums or contentious issues are involved. They clarify that while professional deputies are favoured for complex cases, lay individuals such as family members can also be appointed in some circumstances.
We discuss the challenges of employing carers in a family home setting, highlighting the importance of open communication, setting clear expectations, and understanding the legal rights of carers. The need for ongoing training and supervision to ensure a safe and stress-free environment for both carers and clients is covered. Alexandra and Emma discussed the potential risks associated with employing carers, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, bullying, and harassment. They emphasised the importance of effective communication and active management to prevent such issues from escalating. Cecily acknowledged the challenges faced by families in managing these situations and agreed that openness and collaboration is important. Emma added that family members often unintentionally become managers and emphasised the need for clear communication channels to address any issues promptly.
Creating a safe environment goes beyond health and safety, and can include addressing issues such as language barriers and personal relationships. The conversation concluded with the recognition that the challenges of employing carers in a home environment are unique and require a different approach compared to a corporate setting. It was an honour to speak with Alexandra and Emma and I very much appreciate the time they took to share their knowledge and experience. Should you want more information from them or want to talk with them, this is Alexandra's contact page and here is a link to Emma's.
https://anthonygold.co.uk/team/alexandra-knipe/
https://anthonygold.co.uk/team/emma-tante/
About this podcast YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE.
Often as a result of a life changing event, many people unwittingly become employers of care staff in their homes. A loved one had an accident or incident that results in a brain injury or trauma, spinal injury or multiple complex disabilities that change their life, as well as all those around them - families, friends, work colleagues. Caregivers, support workers, rehabilitation assistants are employed to provide complex care, sometimes on a 24/7 basis. These people could be friends or relatives, or professional caregivers. Does this resonate with you? Are you placed in a position of being an employer or managing people in your home? Are you meeting your legal obligations to the people who have become employees? It can be extremely costly if an employer does not meet their employment obligations and an employee wishes to bring a claim to an employment tribunal.
Over many years Cecily Lalloo has provided HR support for families, case managers and deputies appointed by the Court of Protection and their teams. She has brought her experience to this unique sector and, as she retires from operational HR, she is an advocate for people who employ care staff in their homes and unwittingly become employers. She is the author or "Employing Care Staff in Your Home" where she shares tips and advice on HR best practice.
This podcast, YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE provides you with tips and advice from professionals, parent carers, and others who support the employment journey when your home is their workplace.
Cecily is happy to hear from you if you would like to guest on the podcast, if you have any feedback or suggestions for future topics. Her contact details are:
cecilylalloo.com
