Overview
Headquarters: Redditch, United Kingdom
Categories: Supported Living and Home Care Management (Clinical and Non-Clinical Operations); Compliance and Auditing Specialists
Core Product: IQ:caremanager (end‑to‑end care management and workforce management platform)
Introduction
Unique IQ is a UK‑based provider of care management and remote workforce management software, designed to simplify operations, improve communication, and reduce paperwork for care providers. Founded in 2003, Unique IQ has become a trusted partner for domiciliary care agencies, supported living providers, and complex care organisations across the UK.
Its flagship product, IQ:caremanager, is an end‑to‑end care management system that unifies rostering, call monitoring, eMAR, payroll, HR, compliance, and reporting into a single cloud‑based platform. By consolidating these functions, Unique IQ enables providers to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care.
Unique IQ’s mission is to “make care management easy” by giving providers the tools to manage staff, clients, and compliance seamlessly, while empowering carers with mobile apps and families with transparent communication.
User Feedback: Strengths and Weaknesses
Feedback for Unique IQ comes from Trustpilot (4.6/5, 18 reviews), case studies, and sector directories. Overall, sentiment is strongly positive, though some caveats are noted.
Positive Feedback
Ease of use
Carers and managers describe the system as intuitive and straightforward. Staff with limited digital skills report being able to adapt quickly.
Comprehensive coverage
Providers highlight the breadth of IQ:caremanager, which covers rostering, payroll, eMAR, compliance, and reporting in one system.
Efficiency gains
Managers report significant time savings in scheduling, payroll preparation, and compliance reporting. One review noted: “We don’t know what we would have done without Unique IQ’s software during the pandemic.”
Customer support
Testimonials frequently mention Unique IQ’s responsive support team and collaborative approach. Users describe the company as a “partner” rather than just a supplier.
Compliance and auditing
Providers value the inspection‑ready reports, audit trails, and compliance dashboards, which simplify CQC inspections.
Customisation
Users appreciate the ability to configure workflows, forms, and reports to match their organisation’s needs.
Innovation
Unique IQ is praised for continuous development, with AI‑powered insights and open API integrations.
Negative Feedback and Caveats
Learning curve for advanced features
While the basics are intuitive, some managers report that advanced modules (e.g., analytics, custom reporting) require training.
Integration scope
While Unique IQ integrates with over 600 third‑party systems via open APIs, some providers note challenges connecting with legacy platforms.
System reliability
A minority of reviews mention occasional downtime or performance issues, though these are generally resolved quickly.
Cost considerations
Smaller providers note that while Unique IQ delivers strong value, subscription costs may be higher than basic alternatives.
Mobile optimisation
While carers have access to a mobile app, some users request further enhancements for offline functionality.
In summary, user sentiment is strongly positive around comprehensiveness, efficiency, and support, while challenges include advanced training, integration scope, and cost.
Products and Capabilities
IQ:caremanager (Flagship Platform)
Care Planning and Management
Digital care plans and assessments
Real‑time care notes and incident reporting
Risk assessments and outcome tracking
Client and family portal for transparency
Rostering and Scheduling
Drag‑and‑drop rota builder
Smart scheduling with carer‑client matching
GPS‑verified clock‑ins and call monitoring
Real‑time alerts for missed visits
Medication Management (eMAR)
Digital MAR charts with audit trails
Alerts for missed or incorrect doses
Stock control and reconciliation
HR and Workforce Management
Staff records and compliance tracking
Training and qualification management
Absence and holiday management
Payroll integration
Finance and Payroll
Automated payroll linked to rosters
Invoicing and billing for multiple funding streams
Integration with Sage, Xero, and other finance systems
Compliance and Auditing
Inspection‑ready reports and audit trails
Safeguarding protocols and incident reporting
Policy management and governance tools
Analytics and Reporting
Dashboards for managers and providers
Standard reports and custom report builder
AI‑powered insights to identify trends and risks
Mobile App for Carers
Real‑time access to schedules and care plans
Secure messaging and communication
Offline functionality (limited)
Open API Integrations
Connects with over 600 third‑party systems (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Slack)
Enables seamless data flow across platforms
Interoperability and Standards
Unique IQ is designed as a comprehensive, interoperable platform, with:
NHS DSCR alignment: Supporting digital social care record adoption
GDPR compliance: Encryption, secure hosting, and audit trails
ISO certifications: Quality and information security standards
Open API structure: Enables integration with 600+ third‑party systems
Cloud‑based access: Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile
Market Position
Unique IQ operates primarily in the UK, serving:
Domiciliary care agencies
Supported living providers
Complex care organisations
Multi‑site care groups
It differentiates itself through:
End‑to‑end coverage: Rostering, payroll, eMAR, compliance, and reporting in one system
Innovation: AI‑powered insights and open API integrations
Customisation: Configurable workflows and reports
Partnership approach: Collaborative support and continuous development
Scalability: Suitable for small agencies and large care groups
Competitors include Birdie, CarePlanner, CareLineLive, and Access Group. Unique IQ positions itself as the end‑to‑end, innovation‑driven alternative, particularly attractive to providers seeking efficiency and integration.
Implementation and Support
Unique IQ emphasises a collaborative onboarding process, with:
Free demos and consultations
Onboarding workshops and training
Dedicated Customer Success Managers
24/7 support line with human agents
Regular updates and feature enhancements
Providers report smooth implementation and strong support, though advanced configuration requires time and training.
Security and Data Protection
Unique IQ takes information security seriously, embedding protective measures across both its technology and processes. The service is built around GDPR compliance, ensuring that personal and organisational data is handled responsibly and in line with legal requirements. To shield information from unauthorised access, it relies on encryption and secure hosting, safeguarding data whether it is being transmitted or stored.
User permissions are tightly managed through role‑based access controls, limiting visibility to only those who need it. Every interaction with the system is captured through audit trails and accountability logs, giving providers a clear record of activity for governance and oversight.
To maintain resilience, Unique IQ also runs regular backups and disaster recovery procedures, allowing services to be restored quickly if an incident occurs. This combination of compliance, technical safeguards, and operational continuity provides a strong foundation of trust for care providers and their clients.
Conclusion
Unique IQ is a leading UK provider of care management and workforce management software, offering a comprehensive, cloud‑based platform that unifies rostering, payroll, eMAR, compliance, and reporting. Its strength lies in being an end‑to‑end, configurable solution that improves efficiency, ensures compliance, and empowers carers and managers alike.
User feedback consistently highlights comprehensiveness, efficiency, and responsive support, while challenges include advanced training, integration scope, and cost.
For care providers seeking a trusted, innovation‑driven platform with strong regulatory credentials and comprehensive functionality, Unique IQ represents a credible and established option. Its emphasis on end‑to‑end coverage, open API integrations, and AI‑powered insights positions it as a key player in the UK care management software market.
References
Trustpilot – Unique IQ Reviews https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/uniqueiq.co.uk
Unique IQ – IQ:caremanager Product Overview https://www.uniqueiq.co.uk/our-products/iqcaremanager/
Unique IQ – Care Management Solutions https://www.uniqueiq.co.uk/our-solutions/care-management/
Home Care Insight – Unique IQ Announces Revolutionary Care Management System https://www.homecareinsight.co.uk/unique-iq-announces-revolutionary-care-management-system-launch/
