FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is this service needed?
Care markets are operating in an increasingly complex financial environment, shaped by rising workforce costs, inflationary pressures and growing regulatory expectations. At the same time, commissioners must demonstrate that funding decisions are transparent, sustainable and grounded in robust financial evidence.
Valuing Care has been engaged to provide independent, commissioner-informed and evidence-led analysis that helps establish a clear understanding of the true cost of delivering care.
Our role is to support a process where pricing decisions are based on credible financial data rather than assumption — helping commissioners and providers engage in more informed, constructive discussions that support long-term market stability.
Ultimately, this approach is designed to ensure that fee levels more accurately reflect the realities of delivering high-quality care.
Why has our commissioner engaged Valuing Care?
Valuing Care has been commissioned to provide objective financial analysis to support fair and consistent approaches to care pricing.
As an independent third party, we help create a shared evidence base that strengthens transparency and supports professional dialogue between providers and commissioners.
Accurate provider submissions are essential to ensuring that the true cost of delivering care is properly understood.
Are you working on behalf of the commissioner?
Yes — we have been appointed by the commissioning authority to support the financial review process.
However, our analysis remains independent and evidence-led. We do not advocate for either commissioners or providers; our focus is on ensuring that decisions are informed by accurate financial information.
The stronger the data provided, the clearer the financial picture.
How will this information be used?
The information you submit will be used solely to:
- Understand the cost of delivering care
- Inform pricing decisions
- Support fair and consistent uplift or rate-setting approaches
- Strengthen transparency across the market
It is not used to compare providers publicly or to interfere with operational models.
Is our data confidential?
Yes.
All financial information is handled in accordance with strict data protection and information governance standards. Data is analysed securely and shared only where necessary to support the commissioning process.
We recognise that much of this information is commercially sensitive and treat it accordingly.
Why is completing the template important?
The cost template enables commissioners to understand the financial realities of delivering care within the current economic environment.
Without accurate submissions, decisions may need to rely on broader modelling assumptions rather than provider-specific evidence.
Submitting a robust template helps ensure that:
- Genuine cost pressures are visible
- Funding decisions are evidence-led
- Pricing discussions are based on financial clarity rather than assumption
What information will we need to provide?
While templates vary slightly depending on the exercise, providers are typically asked to supply information relating to:
- Staffing structures and pay rates
- Agency usage (where applicable)
- Pension and on-costs
- Property-related expenses
- Utilities and operating costs
- Overheads and central costs
- Return on capital or operating margin
- Care hours and staffing deployment
The aim is to capture the key cost drivers that influence the price of care.
How accurate does the data need to be?
We recognise that some figures will be estimates; however, submissions should be based on the most recent and reliable financial information available.
Where assumptions are used, documenting the rationale will help ensure the data is interpreted correctly.
Greater accuracy leads to greater confidence in the outcomes.
Do we need to complete every section?
Providers should complete all sections that apply to their service.
If a particular area is not relevant, this can usually be marked as “not applicable.” Leaving fields blank without explanation may result in follow-up queries.
What if we are unsure how to complete part of the template?
Valuing Care provides technical support throughout the process.
If you are uncertain about any aspect of the template, please contact the project team rather than making assumptions — we are here to help ensure submissions are accurate and reflective of your operating model.
How long does it usually take to complete?
This varies depending on organisational size and financial complexity, but many providers find that much of the information is already available within existing financial or payroll systems.
Allowing sufficient time for internal review before submission is recommended.
What happens after we submit our template?
Our team will review the submission and may contact you if clarification is required.
This is a normal part of the process and helps ensure that the data is interpreted correctly. It should not be viewed as a challenge, but as a step toward achieving an accurate financial picture.
Will this automatically result in a fee increase?
Completion of a template does not guarantee a specific outcome.
However, robust financial evidence significantly improves commissioners’ ability to understand cost pressures and make informed decisions.
The process supports transparency and consistency across the market.
What if we choose not to submit data?
Participation expectations are set by the commissioning authority.
Where insufficient data is available, commissioners may need to rely on modelling assumptions when making funding decisions.
Providing information ensures that your organisation’s cost base is properly represented.
Does this process challenge how we run our service?
No.
Our role is not to dictate operational models but to understand the financial structure that supports them.
Providers retain full control over how care is delivered.
How does this benefit providers?
While the process is commissioner-led, many providers find that structured cost submissions help:
- Clearly evidence inflationary pressures
- Support sustainable fee levels
- Improve financial transparency
- Enable more informed discussions
- Reduce reliance on anecdotal negotiation
Ultimately, the goal is a more stable and predictable funding environment for everyone involved.