Launch for new care venture

A new community interest company (CIC) is to deliver care services to vulnerable adults in east central Scotland.

Kingdom Support and Care (KSC) has been established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fife-based Kingdom Housing Association and is part of the wider Kingdom Group.

The new venture, which will work closely with local councils to provide support to 255 people living in Fife and Falkirk, was officially launched at a meeting of stakeholders, staff and service users in Glenrothes.

Charles Milne, chairman of Kingdom Support and Care, said: “The housing and social care sectors are increasingly facing different challenges and we need to stand on our own to develop different approaches and solutions.

“With its own dedicated board of management and full time director, KSC will possess the range of skills, knowledge and experience required to enhance the service and allow greater focus on growth and development.”

Kingdom Group chief executive Bill Banks said taking the CIC route allowed care services to be maintained in the framework of a sustainable and viable business plan.

He said: “The new company is retaining existing staff, ensuring continuity, and will have more focus to provide increased opportunities for efficiencies and business development.”

Director Norah Smith said the vision was to grow KSC.

She said: “We want to see if we can move into other geographic areas or diversify into other areas of work – but not at the expense of the services we deliver now and always only where it is practicable, achievable and where we have the right skills and knowledge.”