His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar notes the comments made on social media regarding LifeCome Care and its alleged lack of vetting for staff following their acquisition of all Domiciliary Care and Home Support services within the community on 23rd September 2024.

They have a contractual obligation to properly vet each member of its staff and the Government fully expects Lifecome Care to comply with this requirement and all other criteria stipulated within the Services Agreement. The Government has been advised that any issues arising from the transition in service providers are considered to be initial teething problems that are being actively addressed by LifeCome Care.

LifeCome Care is a company that has been operating in the UK for many years and has a proven track record in the care sector. They have branches in the London area and across Kent.

Minister Arias-Vasquez’s decision to put the Domiciliary Care and Home Support services out to tender has established a formal contractual framework between the Care Agency and LifeCome Care. This framework allows the Government to enforce compliance on matters such as staff vetting and service delivery and provides an oversight mechanism that was not possible under the previous arrangements.

A meeting with all stakeholders has been convened to ensure that all teething problems are addressed.

NOTE TO EDITORS

The Services Agreement between The Care Agency and LifeCome Care (Gibraltar) Limited states:

The Contractor shall:

(a)          vet each member of the Personnel, and in doing so shall:

(i)           request information on any past convictions, including any information on spent convictions in accordance with section 616(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 2011; and

(ii)          obtain a police certificate or certificate of good conduct from any relevant country or countries.

(b)          if and when directed by the Client, provide a list of the names, addresses and any other relevant details as requested by the Client of all Personnel for vetting by the Royal Gibraltar Police (if such persons have lived at a residential address in Gibraltar for a period of 5 years) or provide evidence of a police certificate (or equivalent), or a certificate of good conduct from any relevant countries. In providing such list or certificate the Contractor shall specify the capacities in which the relevant member of the Personnel is concerned with the Services and giving such other particulars as the Client may direct.