What a True Partnership Looks Like Between an Agency and a Provider
In today’s health and aged care landscape, workforce challenges are constant, but the solutions don’t need to be. For providers navigating shifting rosters, complex care requirements, and budget constraints, partnering with a nursing and aged care agency can be transformative. But not all agency relationships are equal.
At Collarcare, we believe the difference between a transactional supplier and a true workforce partner comes down to three things: collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Here’s what a real partnership looks like:
Two-Way Feedback, Not One-Way Blame
An effective partnership isn’t just about sending workers to site, it’s about creating a feedback loop that improves outcomes on both sides.
We encourage regular check-ins with providers to discuss what’s working, where gaps are appearing, and how we can lift performance—whether it’s a training need, a better worker match, or a rostering pattern that could be improved. Likewise, we value honest feedback from our workers too, which helps us guide culture fit, location suitability, and support needs.
The result? Fewer mismatches, faster response times, and a safer, more cohesive workforce.
Collaboration Over Control
Instead of pushing fixed processes, we build systems around your needs.
That might mean co-designing an induction pack, adjusting the way shift requests are submitted, or creating a custom escalation framework for urgent absences. We aim to become an extension of your workforce planning team—not just a last-minute stopgap.
We also work closely with clinical leaders and facility managers to map care minute requirements, plan ahead for seasonal fluctuations, and build in contingency support well before the pressure hits.
Transparency in Spend and Strategy
One of the biggest concerns we hear from providers is not knowing where their agency dollars are going. That’s why we prioritise cost transparency, breaking down how our rates are structured, flagging avoidable costs, and providing usage reports that support budgeting and care minute tracking.
Our partners receive:
- Clear breakdowns of penalty rates, travel, and allowance use
- Real-time timesheet visibility
- Advice on how to reduce overtime reliance
- Insights into where spend might indicate a deeper staffing issue
Transparency in spend builds trust. It also helps providers make informed, long-term decisions.
Identifying When a Permanent Hire Is the Right Move
While agency support plays a critical role in flexibility, it’s not always the best long-term solution. A true partner will tell you when it’s time to invest in permanent staffing—and help you do it.
We monitor patterns that signal a need for stability, such as repeated bookings at the same site, extended placements with the same worker, or rising costs in one area of care. When this happens, we’ll work with you to convert high-performing temps into permanent staff, or source permanent candidates through our recruitment division.
This proactive approach ensures your agency use remains strategic—not reactive.
Final Thoughts
A true partnership isn’t built on shift fulfilment alone. It’s built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a willingness to adapt together. At Collarcare, we don’t just place staff, we help providers build sustainable, resilient workforces.
If you’re looking for more than a supplier, let’s talk.
