What the work is really like.
Care work is skilled, human and varied — supporting people to live the lives they choose, in their own homes. It can mean personal care, medication support, meals, and companionship. It is genuinely rewarding, and it is also demanding: early starts, travel between visits in domiciliary care, and days that ask a lot of you emotionally. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not being straight with you.
What you need to start.
You do not need previous experience or qualifications for many entry roles — values, reliability and the willingness to learn matter most. Employers must check your right to work, take references, obtain an enhanced DBS check, and induct you properly. Expect training aligned to the Care Certificate, the recognised induction standard for people new to care.
Where a care career can go.
Care assistant to senior carer, to team leader or care coordinator, to deputy and registered manager — with recognised diplomas in adult care at each step. Plenty of registered managers, including our founder, started on the front line.
Questions to ask any employer.
What is the hourly rate, and is travel time paid? What shifts are expected? What training is provided, and is it paid? Will I shadow experienced colleagues before working alone? Good employers answer these plainly.
Two protections to know.
You should never be charged a fee for finding work — that is unlawful in the UK. And be cautious of anyone guaranteeing visa sponsorship; only licensed employers can sponsor, and no honest recruiter guarantees it.
If you would like an honest conversation
If you would like an honest conversation about care roles in Kent and South East London, contact Haverton Recruitment on 01322 879778.