Practical support, grounded in real operational experience
Every piece of work is led personally by Caroline. The aim is lasting improvement that people receiving care can feel, not paperwork that only satisfies an inspector.
Strategy, growth & tenders
For owners, boards and investors planning their next stage.
Tender writing & commercial bids
Bid strategy, quality responses and mobilisation plans for local authority, NHS and framework tenders. More on tenders.
Business planning & strategic growth
A realistic growth plan that links your services, workforce and finances, so expansion strengthens the organisation.
Due diligence & acquisition support
An experienced view of a service’s governance, compliance and risk before you buy, invest or merge.
Service design
Services built around real needs and local commissioning priorities, designed to deliver measurable outcomes.
Entering new care markets & service models
Care, regulatory and property advice for providers and investors moving into new service models, from accommodation-based care to home and community services. More on strategy.
Organisational turnaround
A structured improvement plan for services under pressure, with the leadership to see it through.
Monthly retainer
From 8 hours a month
Some organisations need an experienced adviser on hand every month, not just for a single project. A retainer gives you regular, planned time with me, built entirely around your organisation’s needs.
Depending on what you need, a retainer can include:
- Regular governance, quality and compliance oversight
- Preparation and support ahead of CQC inspections
- Quality reports and assurance for your board or directors
- Mentoring for registered managers and senior leaders
- Policy updates as regulation and guidance change
- Support with upcoming tenders and growth plans
Retainers start at a minimum of 8 hours a month. We agree the scope together, so you only pay for the support you actually need, and you get a clear monthly plan showing how the time is used.
Operational support
Hands-on help inside your services, from someone who has run them.
Interim management
Experienced cover as acting manager or operations lead during a vacancy, a period of change or a crisis, keeping the service safe and stable.
On-site support visits
Time working alongside your managers and teams in the service, to see what is really happening and improve it together.
Service mobilisation & readiness
Systems, people and policies in place before day one, so a new service or contract starts safely.
Audit systems & tools
Practical audits and checks your own team can run, so problems are spotted early and evidence is ready for inspection.
Care planning & records
Care plans, risk assessments and records that are person-centred, up to date and useful to the staff who rely on them.
Staffing & rota models
Staffing models and rotas that are safe, match people’s needs and are affordable to run.
Staff training
Training for managers and teams on governance, safeguarding, record keeping and inspection readiness.
Workforce planning & recruitment
The right structure, skills and staffing levels for safe, sustainable operations.
CQC registration, compliance & recovery
For new providers registering with the CQC, services preparing for inspection, and services facing regulatory concerns.
CQC registration
Guidance through the registration process, from your statement of purpose to the registration interview.
Mock CQC inspections & compliance reviews
An inspection-style review against the CQC’s framework, with a clear, prioritised action plan.
Regulatory recovery
Support after a poor rating, warning notice or enforcement action, focused on the root causes.
Policy development & operational systems
Policies and procedures that match how your service actually works, and that staff can follow.
Governance & quality
For boards, directors and registered managers.
Executive governance & board assurance
Give your board reliable evidence of quality and risk, and the confidence to challenge it.
Governance frameworks & quality assurance
Audit, oversight and reporting systems using C‑CAF, Care England’s nationally recognised assurance methodology.
Quality improvement programmes
Focused programmes that turn audit findings into lasting change in day-to-day care.
Safeguarding & organisational learning
Stronger safeguarding practice, and systems that make sure lessons are learned and shared.
Leadership, workforce & property
For growing teams and new care settings.
Leadership coaching
One-to-one coaching for directors and senior leaders taking on new responsibility or leading change.
Registered Manager mentoring
Ongoing support from someone who has done the job, for new and established registered managers.
Site feasibility & suitability
Assessment of whether a property suits the intended service, the people it will support and local demand.
Clear prices, and no paying for support you don’t need
Fixed prices for specific services
If you need a defined piece of work, such as a CQC registration, a mock inspection or a bid review, you get a fixed price agreed before any work starts.
Tailored retainers for ongoing support
Retainers are built around your organisation, starting from 8 hours a month. We agree what’s included, so you pay only for the support you need.
Care models I support
Whatever model of care you deliver, or plan to, I can help with the strategy, governance and compliance behind it.
Accommodation-based care
Supported living, residential care, nursing care and extra care, for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs or complex needs, and older adults.
Home-based care
Domiciliary care, live-in care and reablement, helping older adults and people with physical needs to live well at home.
Community-based services
Day services, outreach and carers’ support, for people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs, and the families who care for them.
Forensic & complex needs services
Services for people with complex needs who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. I have managed services of this kind.
Specialist support approaches
Governance, compliance and growth support for services using approaches such as Positive Behaviour Support, Active Support and recovery-focused models.
Dementia & rehabilitation services
Governance, compliance and growth support for dementia care and rehabilitation services, including for people with neurological or mental health needs.
Preventative services
Advice for providers developing services such as telecare and prevention programmes, which help adults stay well and independent for longer.
Innovative models
Advice for providers exploring newer ways of delivering support, such as Shared Lives, co-operatives and technology-enabled care.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Baines Advisory charge?
Defined pieces of work, such as a CQC registration, a mock inspection or a bid review, have a fixed price agreed before any work starts. Ongoing support is through a tailored monthly retainer starting from 8 hours a month, so you only pay for the support you need.
Do you only work with care providers in Norfolk?
No. Caroline is based near Norwich, Norfolk, and works with care providers across the East of England and nationally.
Which types of care services do you support?
All models of care: accommodation-based care such as supported living, residential, nursing and extra care; home-based care such as domiciliary and live-in care and reablement; community-based services; and specialist and preventative services.
Can you help us register with the CQC?
Yes. Caroline guides new providers through CQC registration, from writing the statement of purpose to preparing for the registration interview, and makes sure policies and systems are ready for day one.
What is a mock CQC inspection?
An inspection-style review of your service against the CQC's assessment framework, carried out by someone who has led services from Inadequate to Outstanding. You receive a clear, prioritised action plan.
Can you support us after a poor CQC rating?
Yes. Regulatory recovery support after a poor rating, warning notice or enforcement action focuses on the root causes, including leadership and governance, not just the action plan.
Not sure which service you need?
Tell me where your organisation is now and where you want it to be. I’ll suggest the most useful place to start.