
Direct Payments - Managed Account
Managed Direct Payments – How It Works
Southend Care Limited works closely with you and the council to help manage your direct payments appropriately, providing reassurance, clarity, and ongoing support.
Your direct payment will be paid into a Southend Care Limited Managed Account, where funds are securely received and used to pay for the services you have chosen to meet your care and support need.
This approach allows you to remain in control of your care, while Southend Care Limited manages the financial administration on your behalf.
What this means for you
- You choose how your care and support needs are delivered
- Payments are made on your behalf for agreed services
- You benefit from the flexibility of direct payments but with less administration.
What Southend Care Limited does
We will:
- Receive and hold all direct payment funds within a managed account
- Arrange payment of agreed outgoings, including:
- Personal Assistant Invoices
- Care agency
- Other approved expenses agreed
- Keep accurate records of all income received and payments made
- Provide details of your account information upon request
Meet the Team

I started my journey in the care sector through finance and payroll, where I quickly saw how important accurate and timely payments are in supporting people to live independently in their own homes. Understanding the impact that financial stability has on both service users and Personal Assistants led me to work within Direct Payments, where I could help ensure processes are fair, clear, and reliable.
In my role as Finance Officer for Direct Payments, I oversee invoice processing, payment schedules, and financial compliance in line with local authority requirements. I work closely with councils, service users, and Personal Assistants to support smooth payment processes, particularly during periods of change or transition.
I take pride in my attention to detail and my commitment to making financial processes as straightforward and stress-free as possible. I believe that behind every invoice is a person who relies on that payment, and I am passionate about playing my part in supporting care that is centred on individual needs, dignity, and independence.
Outside of work, I value spending time with my family and enjoy creating a calm and organised environment. I find real fulfilment in knowing that my work helps support others to live with confidence and peace of mind.
Kalah Woods
Finance Officer