In today’s tough environment, smaller care providers are under ever growing pressure to keep costs down while delivering great care. Staffing is one of the biggest expenses, and without the right oversight, agency costs can spiral fast. A smart way to stay in control is by using a neutral vendor platform—but many smaller care organisations hold back due to misconceptions.
What is a neutral vendor platform
A neutral vendor is a platform that simplifies booking temporary staff and filling rota gaps. You input your vacant shifts into the platform, and they are then communicated to your pre-selected agencies based on your pre-set rules of who should receive which shift and when. Platforms like Agency Manager can even allow you to notify your bank and permanent staff of shifts first, then agencies if the shift remains unfilled.
What are the benefits of a neutral vendor platform for smaller care organisations?
- Cost efficiency: Organisations can better control rates and terms, across staffing agencies, leading to cost savings.
- Simplified management: Using one platform, cuts down on administrative burden for team members doing finance and shift management. It improves communication with workers, and improves processes across the organisation.
- Enhanced compliance: Neutral vendors like Agency Manager ensure that all agencies and agency staff meet required standards and qualifications, reducing compliance risks.
- Improved fill rates: Easy communication with a broad pool of candidates, including bank and perm staff, increases the likelihood of filling shifts promptly, maintaining continuity of care.
Common misconceptions among smaller care providers
- It’s only for large organisations
Many smaller organisations believe that neutral vendor platforms are tailored for large care groups with substantial agency spend. In reality, solutions like Florence Agency Manager are designed to support care providers of all sizes, offering the same advantages to smaller organisations. These platforms simplify staffing management, ensure compliance, and provide full visibility over costs, enabling efficient operations regardless of the organisation’s scale. - Fear of losing control
Some providers prefer working with familiar agencies, thinking it grants them full control over staffing. However, without a centralised system, tracking agency rates, ensuring fair pricing, and maintaining compliance can be challenging. Neutral vendor platforms, like Agency Manager, allow providers to retain control by selecting preferred agencies, allocating them by priority to a tier, all while offering greater transparency over costs and worker credentials. - Concerns about implementation
Implementing new systems can seem daunting, especially with limited resources. Tools like Agency Manager are designed to be user-friendly, automating tasks like chasing agencies, tracking spend, and checking compliance. Providers like Florence also provide a dedicated client implementation teams, at no extra cost, to manage the platform set up and ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption. - Contentment with current systems
If existing processes cover shifts, the need for change might not be immediately apparent. However, just because a system works doesn’t mean it’s optimal. Adopting a neutral vendor platform can provide new ways to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative tasks, and allow staff to focus more time and resources on care delivery. - Worries about costs
Some neutral vendor platforms charge high set up fees. Platforms like Florence’s Agency Manager operate on a pay-as-you-go model with no setup costs, enabling smaller providers to also benefit from lower agency rates, reduced admin, and better workforce control but without any added financial commitments.
Is it time to rethink?
Care organisations, whether they have 5 homes or 50, face the same challenges: saving time so they can focus on providing great care while controlling costs. Neutral vendor platforms can help with both.
Speak to us to find out how a neutral vendor platform like Agency Manager can transform your staffing approach.
