What expertise sits behind a GoodOaks homecare franchise?
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Homecare franchise support is about more than a brand name. Behind every GoodOaks Franchise Partner is a National Office team shaping what homecare looks like next.
Every GoodOaks homecare franchise is backed by specialist expertise at our National Office, from quality and compliance to systems, AI and data protection. It means Franchise Partners never have to build everything on their own. One example is Kate Kempster, our Systems, AI and IG Lead, who was recently named a finalist in the Digital Innovator Award at The Social Care Leadership Awards 2026.
Kate’s recognition says something about the support model that sits behind every GoodOaks territory. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
Key takeaways
- Kate Kempster, GoodOaks Homecare’s Systems, AI and IG Lead, is a finalist in the Digital Innovator Award at The Social Care Leadership Awards 2026.
- Her work covers the systems, technology and data protection that every GoodOaks branch relies on day to day.
- Franchise Partners benefit from specialist National Office expertise across quality, compliance, brand, marketing and technology.
- Choosing a homecare franchise means choosing the team behind it, not just the brand on the door.
Recognised as a digital innovator in social care
The Social Care Leadership Awards celebrate people making a positive impact on leadership across the sector. The Digital Innovator Award recognises one of the areas where social care is changing fastest, with entries submitted to an independent judging panel led by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England.
Kate said, “Digital innovation in homecare is only worth doing if it gives people time back. Everything we build is about making things simpler and safer for our branches, so care professionals spend less time on admin and more time with the people they support. Being shortlisted is fantastic, but it really reflects how the whole network has embraced new ways of working.”
What does Kate’s work mean for Franchise Partners?
Kate’s role brings together three things that can feel daunting when you’re starting a homecare business. Systems, artificial intelligence and information governance, which is how client and care professional data is kept safe, secure and compliant.
For a Franchise Partner, that expertise is built in from day one. Kate has led a network-wide programme turning manual, fragmented processes into consistent systems every branch can rely on. That means clearer reporting on care delivery, assessments that stay current with less chasing, and one trusted place for policies and guidance.
She is also helping the network use AI thoughtfully, where it genuinely frees up time for care. Teams can find accurate answers to policy questions quickly, and a clear AI policy guides how any new technology is introduced.
Good information governance underpins trust with clients, families and regulators. Kate supports branches with data protection and security, so each Franchise Partner can meet their own responsibilities with confidence.
The result is that Franchise Partners can focus on building relationships in their community, knowing the technology behind them is in expert hands.
The expertise behind every GoodOaks territory
Homecare franchise support at GoodOaks goes beyond systems and technology. Kate is one part of a wider National Office team that Franchise Partners can lean on, with specialist expertise across quality, compliance, marketing and business support.
Our Quality and Compliance Director, Zoe Kelly, supports branches to deliver care that meets and exceeds CQC expectations. Across five CQC inspections in 2026, four GoodOaks branches were rated Good and one Outstanding.
Sarah Howes, Head of Brand and Marketing, oversees the marketing function across the network, managing all aspects of branding, advertising and digital marketing. Tanja McGowen, Business Support Lead, works alongside Franchise Partners as their businesses grow.
The franchise industry has recognised that support too. At the 2025 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, GoodOaks Homecare was a finalist in the Marketing category, which sits within the awards for franchise support. The same awards named GoodOaks Homecare Franchisor of the Year (Expanding).
The British Franchise Association (BFA) is the UK’s self-regulatory body for franchising, and the Expanding category celebrates franchisors that have grown effectively while keeping high standards and a values-led culture. Judges pointed to GoodOaks Homecare’s infrastructure, strategic leadership and focus on purpose-driven franchising.
Industry recognition is welcome, but what matters most is what Franchise Partners themselves think. For the second year running, WorkBuzz has given GoodOaks Homecare 5-star Franchisee Satisfaction status. It’s based on an independent, anonymous survey of the people already running GoodOaks franchises, so the verdict comes from them rather than from us.
Why does this matter when choosing a homecare franchise?
When you invest in a care franchise, you’re investing in the people behind the brand as much as the brand itself. Homecare is regulated, people-centred and increasingly shaped by technology.
A franchisor with specialists in compliance, data and digital innovation helps you meet those demands with confidence. It also means the network keeps moving forward, rather than leaving each Franchise Partner to keep up on their own.
Kate’s shortlisting is a reminder that this expertise is recognised well beyond GoodOaks Homecare. It’s also the expertise every new Franchise Partner can call on from the start.
Frequently asked questions
1. What homecare franchise support does GoodOaks provide?
Franchise Partners can draw on specialist expertise in quality and compliance, brand and marketing, business support, and systems, AI and information governance.
2. How does GoodOaks Homecare use technology in care?
Technology at GoodOaks Homecare is there to reduce admin and risk, giving care professionals more time with clients. That includes consistent care management reporting, a shared home for policies and guidance, and carefully governed use of AI.
3. What is information governance in homecare?
Information governance is how a care provider keeps personal data safe, accurate and handled lawfully. In homecare, that covers client care records, family details and care professional information.
4. Do I need a background in technology to run a homecare franchise?
No. You’ll own your branch’s systems and data responsibilities, but you won’t be working them out alone. GoodOaks Homecare’s National Office provides the systems, guidance and training to help you get it right.
Thinking about a homecare franchise?
If you’re exploring homecare franchise opportunities and want to hear honestly from the Franchise Partners already running GoodOaks branches, get in touch or book a Discovery call.
