A Sector in Crisis: Outdated Practices Putting Vulnerable Adults at Risk
Care England has today unveiled a white paper highlighting the urgent need to modernise financial practices within the adult social care sector. The paper, commissioned by Care England, outlines the risks posed by outdated methods such as mixing client funds, manual record-keeping, and cash handling. To address these challenges, Care England has partnered with Cleva Card to introduce a secure, digital financial management system designed specifically for social care providers.
Outdated Practices Put Vulnerable Adults at Risk
The white paper identifies significant issues, including mismanagement of client funds, lack of financial transparency, and the time-consuming administrative burden on care staff. These outdated systems create safeguarding risks, increase the potential for financial abuse, and hinder regulatory compliance.
Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, commented:
“The Cleva Card platform, developed in partnership with Care England, offers a secure, compliant, and transparent solution. By advocating for digital transformation, this paper aims to protect vulnerable adults, reduce provider risk and costs, and align with evolving regulatory expectations.”
Sarah King, Care Partnerships Manager of Cleva Card, commented:
“Financial administration in adult social care has long relied on outdated, manual, and often risky practices. Together with Care England, we have listened to the concerns of providers, staff, and families, and responded by developing a solution that is not only compliant and secure, but also respectful of the dignity and wellbeing of those receiving care.”
The Cleva Card: A Digital Solution for Secure Financial Management
The Care England Cleva Card is a prepaid debit card system integrated with a secure digital platform. It provides each client with a unique digital wallet, ensuring funds are separated and fully auditable. Care staff use the cards to make purchases on behalf of clients, with all transactions recorded in real-time and receipts uploaded instantly. The system is designed to enhance transparency, minimise financial risk, and comply with regulations, including GDPR.
Key Benefits:
- Individual Digital Wallets – Segregates client funds, ensuring full transparency.
- Real-Time Transaction Tracking – Enables monitoring by care managers and families.
- Automated Reporting – Generates audit-ready reports instantly.
- Safeguarded Spending Controls – Sets limits and alerts to prevent misuse.
- Compliance-Ready – Meets GDPR and financial regulations.
Case Studies Demonstrate Impact
Early adopters of the Cleva Card have seen measurable improvements:
- A supported living provider reduced administrative time by 45%.
- A domiciliary care provider saw fewer family complaints and improved compliance.
- A care home with 80 residents halved its audit time and introduced a new income stream.
The Path Forward
As the white paper makes clear, the status quo of managing client funds through physical cash, envelope systems, or outdated spreadsheets is no longer acceptable. The Care England Cleva Card offers a secure, scalable, and fully compliant alternative that promises to reduce administrative burden, enhance safeguarding, and provide operational efficiencies that benefit both care staff and those in their care.
Read the full embargoed report here