Finding Talent in Regional Australia: Why It’s Hard - and How Collarcare Is Doing It Differently

In a sector where compliance, care quality and workforce consistency are under increasing scrutiny, the role of staffing agencies has never been more critical. Yet not all agency providers are created equal. At Collarcare, we’ve built more than just a recruitment business. We’ve developed a quality-led workforce model that challenges outdated perceptions of agency staffing and ensures every shift we fill meets the highest possible standard. Why Quality Matters Now More Than Ever With strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, rising community expectations and increased regulatory oversight, aged care and health services can no longer afford to see agency staff as a short-term fix. Poorly screened or unsupported workers put not just outcomes at risk, but also resident safety, staff morale and compliance performance. Providers need staffing partners who understand this – and who take responsibility for delivering safe, skilled and compliant professionals at every interaction. That’s where Collarcare is different. A Quality Framework Designed for the Realities of Care Collarcare’s quality framework is woven into every part of our operations, from recruitment and onboarding to shift feedback and ongoing development. It is built on five key pillars: 1. Rigorous Candidate Screening We don’t just tick boxes, we assess for skill, attitude and cultural fit. Every candidate undergoes: Full credentialing and right-to-work checks Mandatory police clearances and working with children/vulnerable people checks Referee validation by trained compliance staff Evidence-based clinical and WHS assessments 2. Real-Time Compliance Monitoring Our integrated systems ensure that only fully compliant staff are ever placed on shift. We conduct: Live audits and alerts for expiring documents Weekly internal audits and spot checks Real-time dashboards to monitor credential status across our workforce 3. Mandatory Training Through AusMed All staff must complete Collarcare’s mandatory training suite via AusMed before their first shift. This includes: Infection prevention and outbreak readiness Manual handling and falls prevention Cultural competency and elder abuse awareness Code of conduct and restrictive practices Training is continuously reviewed and updated in line with legislative and clinical changes. 4. Incident and Performance Management Our quality team tracks incidents, feedback and performance flags across every placement. We maintain: Immediate escalation pathways for serious matters Transparent processes for investigation and resolution Zero tolerance for abuse, neglect or professional misconduct Where concerns are raised, we respond fast, keep clients informed and take clear action. 5. Ongoing Workforce Development We don’t stop at initial training. Staff are supported to grow through: Annual refreshers and competency reviews Access to CPD-aligned content Professional feedback loops and recognition programs This proactive approach drives retention, reliability and quality , not just quantity.  Redefining the Role of the Agency The days of “just sending someone” are over. At Collarcare, we see ourselves as an extension of your workforce, not just a supplier. Our systems, people and partnerships are built to support your outcomes, not compromise them. We believe that every agency worker should be safe, skilled, supported and accountable. That’s what providers deserve. That’s what residents deserve. And that’s what we deliver — every day, in every region we serve. Partner with a workforce provider that leads with quality, not convenience. Contact Collarcare to learn more about our quality assurance processes or request our capability statement. 1300 927 522 hello@collarcare.com.au

Every year on May 12, International Nurses Day offers a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of nurses around the world. In Australia, nurses form the backbone of our healthcare system - from hospitals and aged care facilities to remote communities and crisis wards. Today, we honor not just what nurses do, but who they are - the heart, soul, and strength behind every patient journey.