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With seven ways to bring in HHS Group staff, it isn’t always obvious where to start. This guide breaks the decision into two simple steps: first, how you want cover delivered (Agency Cover or Contract Cover), then which role fits the job on site. If you’re still not sure after reading this, contact us and we’ll talk it through.
Step 1: Agency Cover or Contract Cover?
Before choosing a role, decide how you want it delivered. Agency Cover and Contract Cover supply the same vetted, trained staff — the difference is the commitment behind them, whether that’s short notice cover for a single shift or an ongoing, always-on contract.
| Agency Cover | Contract Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A specific shift or short-term gap — sickness, leave, or an unfilled rota slot | Ongoing day and night staffing for a site, handled entirely by us |
| Commitment | None — request cover as and when you need it | Ongoing arrangement; we build and manage the full rota |
| Who resolves gaps | You contact us for each gap as it arises | We resolve staff cancellations internally, without involving you |
| Vetting | Child and Adult Enhanced DBS, right-to-work, role-specific training | Same standard — Child and Adult Enhanced DBS, right-to-work, CPD-accredited training |
Many clients start with reactive Agency Cover to fill an immediate gap, then move across to Contract Cover once they want the rota managed for them on an ongoing basis — you don’t have to commit to one model permanently, and some simply keep us on hand as bank staff for occasional shifts. Read more on the Agency Cover and Contract Cover pages.
Step 2: Which role do you need?
Once you know how you want cover delivered, the second question is which role actually solves the problem on site. Each of the roles below is available through Agency Cover or Contract Cover.
If you need someone at the door overnight → Night Concierge
Choose a Night Concierge if your site needs building access control, key holding, visitor sign-in and a calm first point of contact through the waking night — this is waking night cover for reception, not welfare casework.
If residents need welfare checks and safeguarding support overnight → Night Support Worker
Choose a Night Support Worker if residents need regular welfare checks, de-escalation, safeguarding observation or one-to-one emotional support through the night. Many sites run a concierge and a support worker side by side, covering both access and welfare.
If you’re dealing with anti-social behaviour or security incidents → Security Guards
Choose SIA-licensed Security Guards if your site is experiencing anti-social behaviour, repeated incidents or complaints from neighbours, and needs enforcement-trained staff — static at one location or floating across several.
If you run several smaller sites that each need some support cover → Floating Support Workers
Choose Floating Support Workers if you need cost-effective, shared support-worker cover across a cluster of properties rather than a dedicated worker at each one — typically daytime casework and tenancy-sustainment support, moving between sites.
If it’s the building, not the staffing, that’s the problem → Facilities Services
Choose Facilities Services if what you actually need is CCTV installation or repair, gate maintenance, intruder alarm work, or a deep clean or specialist clean — available as a standalone service, whether or not you use our staffing.
Not sure which combination fits your site? See our full range of services, read why hostel managers choose HHS Group, or see who we support. References and case studies are available on request.
Contact us with a short description of your site and the problem you’re trying to solve, and we’ll recommend the right combination of cover model and role — free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Agency Cover and Contract Cover?
Agency Cover is reactive — you request cover for a specific shift or short-term gap as and when you need it, with no ongoing commitment. Contract Cover is a fully outsourced solution where we take complete responsibility for a site’s day and night staffing on an ongoing basis. Both use the same vetted, trained staff.
Do I need a Night Concierge or a Night Support Worker?
A Night Concierge manages building access, key holding and reception cover. A Night Support Worker focuses on resident welfare, safeguarding and casework. Many sites use both roles together, one covering the door and one covering residents.
Can I combine more than one service on the same site?
Yes. It’s common for a site to run a concierge and a support worker together, or to add Security Guards alongside either role during periods of anti-social behaviour, with Facilities Services booked separately for CCTV, gates or cleaning. Tell us what your site is dealing with and we’ll suggest a combination that fits.
