Environmental, Social and Governance

Greener and more accessible ways of working

Travel is essential to delivering care at home, making transport one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the sector.

In 2024, Caremark introduced eSkutas to give Care Assistants a greener way to travel between customers. They also remove a potential barrier for people who want to work in care but do not drive, supporting recruitment and making care roles accessible to more people. More than 20 eSkutas are now being used across the Caremark network, with further expansion planned in Northern Ireland.

We have also negotiated an electric Toyota option for branded Caremark office vehicles, giving Franchise Owners another way to reduce the environmental impact of local travel.

At the Caremark Franchise Support Centre, LED lighting, recycling and more efficient use of space support responsible everyday working. Our procurement approach also considers suppliers’ commitments to environmental responsibility, community wellbeing and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Creating positive local impact

Caremark offices are encouraged to become active forces for good within their communities. Across the network, Franchise Owners and their teams support food banks, veterans’ groups, dementia charities, hospital appeals, environmental projects, schools and local community events.

Colleagues at the Franchise Support Centre also receive five paid volunteering days each year, giving them time to contribute to causes that matter to them. Successful ideas and community projects are shared across the network to encourage further local involvement.

For our 20th year, we raised £13,406.50, delivered 20 acts of care through the Franchise Support Centre and offices, and launched Care for a Wish, awarding 20 winners a wish of up to £1,000 each. For 2026, we launched the Community Care Fund, granting £9,000 in local community project funding.

Supporting people fairly

Our social responsibility begins with how people are treated. Caremark Limited is committed to equal opportunities and an inclusive working environment. Recruitment and employment decisions are based on the skills, experience and ability required for each role.

Investment in the Franchise Support Centre also considers what colleagues need for their wellbeing, rest and effective working. Across the wider network, each Caremark office is responsible for its own employment practices and for meeting relevant equality and employment legislation.

We want customers, Care Assistants, colleagues and Franchise Owners to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect throughout their experience with Caremark.

Strong governance across a regulated care network

Good governance is essential within a home care franchise. Caremark supports offices through an established operating model, policies, procedures, training, audits and quality improvement processes. Dedicated Quality Managers work with Franchise Owners and their teams to review performance, strengthen standards and prepare for regulatory inspections.

Our governance framework also covers GDPR, data governance, information security, staff training and the responsible use of technology. New developments, including artificial intelligence, are considered in relation to their suitability, security, cost and potential effect on customers and care teams.