# 8. Stepping Back: Team Independence

A key part of the Equal Care model is that teams don’t stay dependent on one central organiser. Instead, the people closest to the care relationship are supported to take ownership of it. The Team Starter’s role is temporary by design: they are there to help the team build enough trust, confidence and coordination to begin running itself.

***

## ✅ Signs the team is ready

There’s no exact checklist, but common indicators include:

* Essential hats are held by team members (not the Team Starter)
* The rota is running consistently and well
* Communication is active and respectful - issues are raised and addressed
* Everyone knows who’s doing what and how to find information
* The person getting support (or their advocate) is involved and informed
* The team is welcoming new members with minimal external help

***

## 🔄 What the Team Starter does at this stage

Rather than a sudden cut-off, the Team Starter gently reduces their involvement:

* **Checks in with hat holders** to make sure they’re confident
* **Shares reminders** about where to find help if needed (Coach, safeguarding lead etc.)
* **Signposts team resources** (e.g. policies, platform guides, rota tools)
* **Passes on any remaining external contacts** (social worker, referrer etc.)
* **Notifies the local Circle** that the team is moving to self-management
* **Lets the team know** that the support role is coming to a close

The tone is warm, respectful and celebratory. The team is trusted to carry on, with support in the background if needed.

***

## 💬 The final message

The Team Starter usually sends a message to the Team Chat (or agrees another method with the group), which might say something like:

> “Hi everyone! I just want to say how great it’s been to work with you all in building this team. I’ll be stepping back now and leaving you in each other’s brilliant hands. I’ve made sure everything’s in place and you know where to go for support if anything comes up. Big thanks to each of you for the part you play. Equal Care is here in the background whenever you need us.”

***

## 🧭 What support is still available?

Even after stepping back, teams are never on their own. Support continues through:

| Support                              | Who to contact                                               |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Check-ins & quality assurance**    | Usually the Coach assigned to the team                       |
| **Safeguarding or serious concerns** | Safeguarding lead or Officer                                 |
| **Platform or policy questions**     | Platform support or the Equal Care admin team                |
| **Local Circle support**             | Delegates, facilitators or fellow hat holders in your circle |

Everyone in the team can reach out, not just the Team Owner or one key person.


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