> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://play.equal.care/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://play.equal.care/equal-cares-model/teams/team-starting/6.-building-a-team.md).
# 6. Building a team
Support needs change, lives shift, and people move on. One of the strengths of the Teams model is its flexibility: it allows for new team members to be welcomed in when needed: always by consent, and always with the team’s values and dynamics at heart.
This stage builds on the trust and clarity already established. Adding someone new to the team isn’t just a logistical step, it’s a relationship-building one. The way that person is found, introduced and welcomed can make all the difference to how well the team continues to work together.
In this section, we explore how new members are identified and brought in, including:
* How teams search for new members through the platform or their networks
* Who gets involved in that decision and how consent is handled
* The importance of introductions, shadowing and warm welcomes
* How trial periods work and why they matter
* What happens when someone new *isn’t* a good fit, and how to manage this with care
{% hint style="info" %}
Each team handles this slightly differently, and that’s okay! The aim is to offer a consistent framework that still gives space for the unique context and preferences of each team.
{% endhint %}
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