Employee-owned models of delivering social care have grown 50% since 2010, report finds

Co-operative companies in health and social care have grown by 50% in the past five years, a report has shown.

The state of the co-operative economy, a report compiled by Co-operatives UK, shows that co-operative health and social care firms have grown by a half in the past five years. The second biggest growth across all industries.

Co-operatives are businesses owned by employees, customers or other stakeholders, giving the workforce and service users a greater say in the type of care the company delivers, and its management.

Health and social care co-operatives are cumulatively making a turnover of £60m a year now, compared to £40m in 2010.

Alternative

Care and Share Associates (CASA), a co-operative company that delivers domiciliary care in the North of England, was set up in 2004, employs 850 people and makes a turnover of £10m. The structure of this company could be an alternative to the large ‘for private profit’ providers, CASA said.

Guy Turnbull, managing director of CASA, said the model enhanced a company’s business proposition because engaged employees provided high quality care and it also meant the firm had a very low staff turnover.

He said profits were then reinvested in staff and growth such as staff training.

“High quality care and support is all about the workforce,” Turnbull said.