We’re asked this a lot by agencies, and we completely understand why. Here’s a clear explanation of how panel decisions work.
Florence provides a neutral vendor platform and managed service to hundreds of care locations across the UK. However, panel membership is always decided by the care provider (the Client), not Florence. We can support the process and make recommendations when asked, but the final decision rests with the Client.
How does a Client select panel agencies?
The Client requests you
The quickest route is building a direct relationship with a care provider or specific homes. If the Client asks for you to be added to their panel, we can support onboarding, but Florence cannot add you without the Client’s instruction.
The Client asks Florence for recommendations
Sometimes a Client asks us to recommend agencies. In these cases, we typically look across comparable services and locations and consider audit outcomes and performance (for example: reliability, compliance, and shift fulfilment). Agencies with the strongest track record are more likely to be recommended, so delivering consistently high standards is the best way to improve your chances.
The Client needs options in an area with limited coverage
Occasionally, a Client asks for recommendations where there isn’t an established pool of agencies locally. In those cases, we review the information agencies have provided (services offered, geography, capacity, and compliance details) to identify suitable candidates. If selected, performance is monitored closely, particularly in the early stages.
Summary
Clients choose their panel agencies. Florence helps manage the process but does not make the decision.
The best way to be added is for a Client to request you directly.
If you are already on a panel, the strongest way to be recommended more widely is to perform exceptionally well.
Please keep your agency profile and documentation up to date in our system: Register Here. We can't recommend you if we don't have or your info is out of date.
Florence Academy
Using Florence Academy is not a requirement. However, where an agency uses it, it can provide additional assurance on training quality. If you’d like to learn more about Florence Academy, you can view details here:
We’re keen to support agencies wherever we can, but we’re not able to add agencies to Client panels without a Client request, so please direct panel requests to the care provider you want to work with